-4-

Those were… Mr. Khill? What did he mean?

“Miss Chang, get in the car immediately!”

My consciousness jolted; the elevator doors had already opened, and dozens of reporters were in the lobby. However…

I didn’t sense them looking for me.

But the bald-headed man’s voice interrupted me, as if he was doing it for my safety.

I walked through the tight security, forced to duck and hide my face.

All the reporters began to swarm me.

Instead of feeling proud, I was now starting to feel confused.

Did it have something to do with my photos being plastered in all the advertisements and media?

“What’s really going on?” I asked, still confused.

This car seemed familiar.

It was a limousine, with every angle perfectly sleek and luxurious.

It gave off a perfect impression of luxury, even from every angle.

I saw a driver wearing a hat hurrying through the crowd of reporters, until we finally broke free.

“You’re a top model now.”

Those words startled me.

Suddenly I realized Alex was already there.

I smiled broadly.

The air, initially stuffy, now felt fresher.

“How is that possible?” I asked, still in disbelief.

Alex smiled faintly, handing me the stack of magazines he’d been holding.

I saw my face plastered the covers.

This was crazy!

I didn’t even think I’d ever posed or taken a photo like that. How was this possible?

“Didn’t I tell you, Stefani, if you manage to please Mr. Khill, you’ll get whatever you want instantly.”

This was impossible!

Was Mr. Khill that great?

That he’d grant me instant fame. Like magic in the wizarding world!

“Now, stop using that little brain of yours. You have a lot of work to do today.”

“What?”

“Photo shoots for several well-known brands, commercial shoots, and interviews at a TV station. And tonight, you’ve been specially invited by Mr. Khill to attend his company’s anniversary party.”

I swallowed hard.

The ripple of happiness I’d initially let out faded.

I remembered my last thought before leaving the apartment.

About… Mr. Khill.

I wanted to ask Alex, hoping he’d know something.

But I realized asking Alex here was impossible.

Mr. Khill had his driver, and I was sure he had someone everywhere to reach him easily.

“What’s with that face, Stefani? Isn’t this what you wanted? You should be happy, right?” Alex teased me.

I nodded hesitantly and smiled faintly.

Alex chuckled and glanced at me again.

“I’ll teach you slowly later. Relax and enjoy your popularity before you’re overtaken.”

Overtaken?

Before long, we stopped at a seven-star hotel.

My car door was opened by Mr. Khill’s bodyguard, and Alex immediately pulled me out.

“For the next two days, you’ll be staying at this hotel with your mother. Afterward, you’ll have a luxury apartment, property, and a lot of money.”

“Where did all this come from?” I asked, confused.

I felt like I still hadn’t worked.

“Of course it’s from Mr. Khill!” Alex leaned closer to me. “He really likes you; you’re lucky to have all this. As far as I know, you’re the first woman to have all this luxury in one night.”

I turned around.

“Were there other women before?” I asked.

Stupid!

Shouldn’t I have known this?

Before I even entered his apartment, I saw a woman injured, badly.

Was that one of the aspiring models who failed to satisfy… Mr. Khill?

I was getting goosebumps!

“Um, Alex, can I ask you a question?” I finally whispered.

Alex turned his head, waiting for me to speak again.

“Is Mr. Khill… human?”

Alex’s brow furrowed, then he hit me on the head.

“What are you asking, you idiot! Do you think Mr. Khill is a genie who came out of a magic lamp?” he said.

I knew he didn’t understand my question.

“I mean—”

“Of course he’s human. It’s just that he’s incredibly rich. He owns the world’s largest agency, capable of turning anyone into a top model, he owns a property company, and is the world’s most sought-after investor. What else?” he explained.

That rich…

Then why was he satisfied with me?

Couldn’t he find someone better than me?

Was it because I was … a virgin?

Before I knew it, Alex and I were standing in a room, and inside was Miss Jill, who immediately hugged me with a beaming smile on her face.

It was a far cry from what she’d seen last time.

She was angry, annoyed, and disappointed in me.

“Finally, my source of wealth has arrived!” she said.

I smiled wryly.

“You have to get ready, Stefani. You have a photo shoot with some of the world’s most famous brands soon. You know, thirty brands are already lining up to sign with you!” she exclaimed.

She was hysterical and proud.

I knew the more I worked, the more money she'd make.

But I didn't mind!

This was my dream!

To become a top model in the world and make my mother happy.

In fact, right now I was wondering what that damn man's expression would be like when he saw the daughter he'd abandoned become far more successful than him?

If he came to me begging, I'd make sure he was ashamed of himself for abandoning me and my mother!

I was led inside, seated, and then given a make-up session by the country's leading makeup artist.

I knew her!

Who would have thought I’d see her in real life right now?

“I think Freya’s crying right now,” Alex muttered.

Freya, I knew who that woman was. She’d been the world’s top model for three years running, and I learned this morning that I’d dethroned her.

I looked down, guilt welling up inside me.

“Hah, she regrets rejecting me. Now she’s been pushed aside! Such an arrogant woman doesn’t deserve to be successful in this job for long!” Mrs. Jill looked satisfied.

I paused.

“Oh yeah, Stefani, I also wanted to tell you that this morning your father—uh, I mean, the man you hate—called your mother repeatedly.”

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Alex, who had his arms crossed, standing beside me as I was getting my makeup done.

“Your mother gave me the news on the way here. He said he really wanted to meet you guys.”

“So, what did my mother say?” I asked doubtfully.

How quickly did that damn man change his mind? What did he want?

“Your mother refused,” Alex answered me. “I think he started acknowledging you after you became a top model. What a joke of a father.”

My jaw clenched as I firmly answered, “I want to meet him.”

“No need.”

Mr. Khill suddenly came into the hotel room. My body froze as I watched him walk toward me.