Valentina was still staring at the dresses in silence. Her heart was beating fast, but it wasn't fear—it was something deeper. She really loved them. Every fabric, every gem sewn into those gowns called her name. She didn't need to say it out loud. It showed on her face.
Right then, Chloe was still frozen. She hadn't moved, hadn't blinked. She looked like someone hit by a lightning bolt and was trying to breathe again. Her eyes were wide, lips parted, and her fingers tightened slightly around the glass she hadn't even touched.
At that moment Victoria leaned close and gently tapped her arm. "Chloe," she whispered, trying not to draw attention. "Let's go. Please."
Chloe didn't answer.
"This is beyond us now," Victoria added quietly. "This has passed the point of competition. Just look around. The crowd, the respect, the way the manager himself is attending to her… this isn't something we planned for."
Hearing what Victoria just said Chloe still didn't move.
