Tempting the Rude Billionare

Serena hated it. Every hungry gaze from men she didn't know and the way she swayed her hips to entice their desire, Serena absolutely loathed it. Stripping had started to feel empty lately, and she only continued to sway her hips for a hundred dollars, stacking those hundreds just to survive. She only needed to work one night a week, but the club kept calling her almost every day because the customers knew her as "The Queen."

Serena didn't understand why she was called that, but she suspected it started after she lounged casually on stage, helping her friend with a pole dance. In truth, Serena hated dancing-she wasn't skilled in the art.

"Yeah, I like that move..."

Again, the man moaned to himself in his chair as Serena descended from the stage and approached him.

"It's already ten o'clock, dude. The session's over."

The man glanced at his watch and realized. "Oh, right. Are you really just going to leave?"

Serena grabbed her coat, covering her exposed body that was barely concealed by strips of cloth. She had to stop working like this-she needed to find a new, more respectable place soon.

"Yeah, Patrick. See you around."

"Serena, you know? You could do better than this."

Serena gave him a faint smile before stepping outside, feeling empty inside.

Broadway was still busy and bustling. Everyone seemed to be living their lives without a care, while Serena could only bow her head, feeling her whole body ache for the sake of a hundred dollars.

Serena exhaled and looked up at a huge billboard showing a video of a handsome man with a stern face and lazy hazel eyes gazing into the camera. Serena's lips curled into a slight smile.

It was the wealthy Edgar Graham. Everyone in New York knew who he was. Like Gucci or Hermes, Graham was the man who built the major fashion brand called The Lux. That brand was where Serena's aspirations had first begun.

She had to learn modeling to land a good agency and work for Graham.

Her phone rang in her pocket. Serena quickly answered when she saw the name on the screen. Her smile broadened.

"Hello, sir! Do you have good news?"

"Oh, of course, my dear. You've been accepted for a one-week trial shoot here. Can you come tomorrow?"

Serena's eyes widened in awe at the news. She almost jumped in excitement.

"Re-really, sir? Oh, thank you! Of course I can come! Tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, glad to hear you're so eager."

"Thank you, sir. I'll be there tomorrow!"

After hanging up, Serena's chest swelled with happiness. She felt like the happiest person on Broadway.

*

"What? They still haven't sent the model?"

"Yes, sir... sorry, but we've contacted the agency, and there's no answer."

"Damn it." Edgar Graham grabbed his phone and coldly spoke to someone on the other end.

"Get the car ready and bring some people for Michael."

After the terse command, no one dared to raise their heads or argue. Edgar walked out of his office, followed by a line of assistants and workers who worshipped him like a king. He slipped his hand into his pocket and gazed at all the workers waiting.

"I'm sick of these incompetent agencies. Open up the registration for all candidates. I'll choose the model myself."

That statement shocked everyone.

"But sir, what about Samantha? Isn't she supposed to be the main model for this winter project?"

Edgar looked indifferent. "Samantha needs a break. She's been working for almost a year-"

"Who said that?" a voice interrupted, and everyone turned to the source. A tall, slim woman with long hair walked confidently toward them. Edgar turned away, trying to avoid the protesting gaze of Samantha.

As a senior model, Samantha worked outside agencies. She had become an independent model with several managers handling client requests. Samantha's name as a judge on modeling shows had also boosted her fame. For the company, Samantha was a major asset, helping to drive sales even higher.

"Edgar," Samantha called him by his first name, glaring at him. "We need to talk."

Samantha quickly dragged him into a nearby room and shut the door. Edgar stood with his back to the woman, indifferent.

"I don't have much time, Samantha-"

Samantha stood on her toes and pulled Edgar in for a kiss. Edgar clenched his eyes shut, pushing Samantha's shoulders, but she held on. She finally broke the kiss and looked at him in frustration.

"Why is it so hard for you to just love me, Edgar?"

Edgar sighed and stepped back, gazing at the slim, blonde-haired, green-eyed woman for a moment. "I'm polite to you because you're a senior model, Sam. I'll fire you if you try that again."

"Then don't stop me! I still want to work for you!" Sam shouted as Edgar turned in frustration.

This was all his mother's fault. That stupid arranged marriage brought up because of business. Everything had become so complicated, and Edgar hated being dragged into such pointless matters.

"I only care about The Lux, Sam. You know that. If you still want to work, then work. But I will still find a new model for the next project."

"This is so unfair, Edgar! You want to fire me because of our parents' arranged marriage, don't you?"

"Yes." Edgar replied quickly and coldly. Glancing out of the corner of his eye, the woman looked distressed and desperate. "I won't marry a model, Sam. I'm sorry."

With that, Edgar stepped out and waved toward his assistant in the corner. The assistant nodded and issued commands as coldly as Edgar strode out of the office.

"Get the car ready; the boss is leaving."

*

The modeling agency was quite large, having produced several famous models. Serena entered the building, feeling a little awkward when she noticed there was no receptionist at the lobby desk.

The door behind the desk opened, and a middle-aged man in formal attire smiled broadly.

"Oh, you must be Miss Bloom?"

Serena nodded. "That's right. And you are...?"

"Alex." He approached and shook Serena's hand with a firm grip. "Come on in."

The man guided Serena through a narrow hallway to a small meeting room. When she saw how shabby the room was, Serena hesitated.

"Um, sir, where are the other models?"

The door locked behind her. Serena froze when she turned around and saw the man's face had grown cold and serious. His eyes landed on Serena's chest, hunger filling his gaze. Instantly, her blood ran cold.

"They all left and called me a fraud. Damn sluts. Will you think the same?"

Serena's eyes widened as the man grabbed her shirt and tore it.

"What are you doing?!" Serena screamed. She was a sex worker, but never had she been treated like this. She struggled to break free, kicking whatever she could reach, but she was trapped in Alex's grip.

"Do you want me to force you? You'll be just like those runaway models, you whore."

Alex's lips closed in, and Serena screamed, kicking him hard in the groin. He groaned and collapsed to the floor.

Using what little strength she had left, Serena scrambled toward the door. Her legs felt like jelly, her breath labored, and her vision blurred with tears. How had she ended up in such a situation? Serena often satisfied clients, but she had never been threatened like this.

Dear God...

Her fingers trembled as she tried to unlock the door. Just as she was about to bolt out of the room, she landed in the arms of someone standing behind it.

"Oh my God!" exclaimed the man. Serena fell to the floor, and she saw Alex lunging at her from behind, knocking her to the ground. Serena screamed, grabbing Alex's face and holding him off with all her might-luckily, before Alex could force himself brutally onto her, the man who had collided with her at the door pulled Alex off and shoved him to the ground.

Another man grabbed Alex's collar and punched him hard. Blood splattered onto the floor, and Serena gasped. Tears welled up, and without realizing it, her whole body shook as she looked up.

Those hazel eyes pierced her with a mix of confusion and concern. Serena tried to get up, but the man grabbed her arm again.

"Let me go!" Serena cried, trying to pull herself free.

"Ben," said the man to the one still beating Alex senseless. Serena tugged on her arm, but the man locked her in place. Her energy was almost drained from fighting off that pervert.

In Ben's grasp, Alex was barely conscious. His eyes were closing, blood pouring from his eyes, nose, and the corner of his mouth. He looked half-dead, but the threat haunted Serena to the point where she broke into sobs.

"Sir?" Ben turned and looked at Alex for a moment before releasing him. Serena tried to break free, but the grip of the man called 'sir' didn't loosen.

"Take her," he said flatly. Serena's eyes widened as she stared at the green-eyed man.

"What are you going to do?! Let me go! Let me go!" Serena struggled as she was passed into Ben's much stronger hold. Her body was lifted onto his shoulder, and Serena shook even harder, hoping she could free herself. But no matter how hard she fought, it was useless-Ben, Edgar Graham's bodyguard, had her locked in his grasp.

*

Serena's breath hitched. She sat on a plush sofa, placed in a large office on the outskirts of the city. Her eyes were locked on the hazel-eyed man, who had already removed his jacket. He rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt and leaned against the door. The door was locked, and Serena knew that Ben was likely waiting outside.

"What do you want?" Serena asked, resigned, desperate, and exhausted. She didn't know why this well-dressed, beautiful-eyed man had shown up at Alex's place just as she was trying to escape. He could be one of Alex's friends... but if that were the case, why did Ben beat Alex up?

Serena's mind felt overwhelmed; she couldn't think straight after what had just happened.

"Are you the model Alex was supposed to send to me?" the man asked coldly.

"What?"

The man approached, grabbing Serena's chin and forcing her to look up. Serena retaliated, gripping his wrist.

"Let go-"

The man's fingers pressed into her cheekbones, making Serena wince.

"Answer me, or I won't let you speak."

"I don't know what you're talking about, you bastard!" Serena pushed the man's hand away with all her strength, succeeding.

The man's green eyes flashed slightly. "Why did you run away from Alex's place?"

Serena narrowed her eyes. "Why did I run away? That bastard almost raped me! You think... you think I wouldn't run if I met a man like that?"

"Alex said you worked at a club. You should be grateful he accepted you-"

"Screw that! Alex deceived me! That wasn't a modeling agency, it was a cage for his own pleasure! Why do you believe Alex, for crying out loud?" Serena's breath quickened. She didn't understand why this man was suddenly defending Alex, especially after having just beaten him up.

"Alex is the head director of that modeling agency. Even though it's small, I recruit many new models from there for my clothing line."

"Your clothing line?" Serena frowned, suddenly piecing things together. Her eyes scanned the photos and decor around the room. Everything had the logo 'The Lux' written in elegant typography.

Serena's eyes widened. "You... Edgar Graham?" Her voice trembled as she said it, but she forced herself to be brave.

Edgar stepped closer, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Because of you, my entire division has to redo the model selection process. Do you think I'll let you go just like that?"

Serena's throat tightened. She stared at Edgar, panic creeping over her face. "What are you going to do?"

"Alex kept me waiting too long; I have no mercy for him. But you..." Edgar's eyes trailed down Serena's neck and body. "You will work for me."

Who would have thought that Edgar Graham, the man Serena saw on posters and commercials along Broadway, looked far different in person. The man... was incredibly more handsome and captivating than she imagined, though their meeting had been far from ideal.

But Serena wasn't foolish. She still remembered her primary goal: to become a model and find her mother. So when Edgar half-threatened her to work as his model-even though it required entering a selection event-Serena didn't refuse. In fact, she needed to be on her best behavior.

It felt absurd, but she preferred taking this opportunity over facing Alex again.

Serena took a deep breath, trying to stay strong despite still recovering from yesterday's incident.

"Are you really going to do this?"

Beside her, Holly anxiously looked at Serena, who stood in front of The Lux office building located near Broadway, a densely populated area full of elite workers. After nearly a sleepless night convincing herself, this was where Serena ended up.

"I've decided to give it a shot."

"What if The Lux is also a scam? It feels odd that The Lux doesn't go through regular agencies. I mean-every model has an agency. If not, who's going to manage your work? Oh, damn, thanks to Alex, I'm becoming paranoid." Holly pressed her forehead in frustration, her anxiety evident, warming Serena's heart.

She squeezed her friend's hand. "Holly, if I get tricked by such a big company, I won't just stand by. I'll try to fight back."

Holly let out a light laugh. "How are you going to fight a titan when you're just a helpless kitten? Think logically, Serena. If what happened repeats itself, you won't stand a chance."

Fear crept into Holly's voice. Serena had known the woman since they worked at the club where Madam Gloria managed her "bunnies." The bunnies were the sex workers, including Serena and Holly.

Holly had been working there for almost two years until she met a man ten years older who wanted to make her his fiancée. Madam Gloria called it a stroke of luck, and Holly was grateful for the chance to change her life.

When Holly left the club, she always kept an eye on Serena, hoping she would also leave. What woman would want to stay long in a place like that unless forced? Serena still had long-term plans and needed the job for her final mission.

"I have to find my mother, remember, Holly?"

Holly sighed, calmness slowly returning to her face.

"You're always chasing after something that never seems to want to be with you. Why do you keep pushing yourself, Serena? I'm not trying to kill your hopes, but... why don't you just enjoy your life right now?"

Serena clenched her fists, her mind clouded with memories of being a dancer to please those disgusting men. How could she enjoy that when deep down, she wanted to stop?

From a distant memory, she vividly remembered meeting Felocity, a friend from the orphanage who always wanted to outshine her. When Felocity asked where Serena worked, her mouth froze.

"I heard you're a... stripper? Is that true?" Felocity said in front of her friends, their eyes wide when they bumped into Serena outside a café.

"No..."

"You've never changed, have you? You've always been a pathetic slave."

After Felocity said that, Serena's chest tightened. She wanted to punch Felocity but couldn't. Felocity was right, and Serena couldn't silence her-only herself.

Serena looked up and gazed at Holly with determination.

"I never wanted to dance strips. You always tried to help me find other jobs, but I'm not good academically. If it weren't for my looks, they'd never let me try. Almost every time I interned somewhere, I got fired within three days. I just couldn't last in any of those dead-end attempts. But modeling..."

Serena's eyes shifted to the large billboard beside The Lux building. The billboard featured Samantha, a slim, beautiful, and popular model, elegantly walking the catwalk showcasing The Lux's finest designs.

"I have a feeling I can do it." Besides, she didn't want to waste time being traumatized by the Alex incident and chose to take a chance with Edgar, even if the man seemed a bit annoying.

Holly closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded.

"Alright. I can't stop you anymore. I know how much this means to you, and you do need to try. I'm just... still a bit shaken from yesterday, so I'm really scared."

Serena smiled. "Thanks for worrying about me. Now, wish me luck."

Holly nodded, though the worry was still visible on her face.

"Yeah. Let me know if anything goes wrong."

After saying goodbye, Serena entered the office building through the revolving glass doors. She let out a soft sigh upon seeing the vast, high-ceilinged lobby lined with glass and marble. For a moment, she was distracted before finally stepping forward and stating her name.

"Model applicant? Please head to the seventh floor. Show your ID card so I can exchange it for an access card."

Serena stepped into the elevator, which was filled with various beautiful women in luxurious outfits. Their bodies were slim like mannequins, with flat chests, flat backsides, and impressive rigid posture. When Serena glanced down, she was startled to realize that her breasts were quite large, and her backside felt more prominent.

Would she even meet the criteria?

Serena and the other women entered a corridor leading to another large room.

Half of the room's walls were glass, offering a clear view of the city's buildings. Chairs were lined up against the walls, and a black carpet stretched in front of a small stage. In the center stood a judges' table, while many women with different hair colors and body types were walking the runway, starting the contest.

Serena suddenly felt a chill.

Had Edgar really suggested she become a model? She couldn't imagine Edgar measuring each woman with a measuring tape, taking their body measurements, chest size, and waist circumference...

"You, over there. Quickly get on stage, walk down the carpet, and pose."

Serena was startled. She saw a man coming from the stage, his eyes widening with urgency toward her.

"Huh? M-me? But it's not my turn-"

As she said that, the room fell silent, replaced by hushed whispers from the women who stared at the entrance. Serena still hadn't realized someone approaching her, too shocked by the command from the man on stage.

"You didn't come all this way to fail, did you?" a low voice made Serena jump. She turned around and gasped when she saw Edgar towering in front of her.

Those hazel eyes locked onto Serena's throat in an instant. She squinted, remembering the cold and annoying impression of the man. Apparently, what she saw on social media and in person, the man was not gentle at all.

"Miss Bloom?"

Serena jolted. "Y-yes?"

Edgar leaned in, whispering in front of a breathless Serena. His gaze was still wary, but she held herself together.

"I almost had Ben drag you here if you hadn't shown up. Looks like you really are in a tight spot, aren't you? If you need money, why run away from Alex's place?"

Serena growled. "I already told you I'm not a model from-"

Edgar straightened his back, cutting off Serena's words, and walked away, leaving her seething. What a jerk, Serena thought. If it weren't for needing money and seeking a new career, she would've slapped his face. Everyone seemed to be suspiciously watching, but Edgar's charm overshadowed everything from the front of the stage.

"Sorry, ladies, please continue," Edgar announced before sitting beside the judges' seats. The whispers resumed, filling the room again.

"Miss Bloom! Get on stage now!" the man on stage commanded one last time, and Serena rushed backstage, her breath heavy.

There was a long mirror, and she briefly checked her reflection.

Her long, straight hair with thin bangs hung behind her sleeveless white blouse, paired with a gray skirt featuring an inverted V accent that showcased her long legs from the knees to the thighs.

The outfit was the only clothing Madam Gloria had given her when she learned that Serena wanted to enter the modeling contest. Her legs were wrapped in simple white heels, giving her a simple yet chic appearance.

Her face wasn't heavily made up. Serena only adjusted her eyebrows and fluttered her eyelashes. Otherwise, just some powder and a touch of red lipstick. She slightly sharpened her small eyes to make them stand out more.

"Line up!" a woman backstage commanded. The women quickly lined up and entered the stage. Among them, Serena swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous.

All because of Edgar and his way of measuring clothes, damn it.

Soft music played, and the women's footsteps synced with the rhythm as they stood with impressive posture, their eyes straight ahead, unfazed by any misstep. Serena had practiced walking the catwalk many times. She straightened her back, adjusted her shoulders, and launched herself onto the long carpet, as if it were the only place for her to step.

She focused on walking, staring at a single point in front of her, trying to distract herself from the cold, sharp eyes watching her from the judge's chair.

When everyone walked to the front of the stage, Serena posed alongside the other women. All of them were photographed, captured, and scrutinized. The judges' eyes were sharp and critical. And when Serena stole a glance at Edgar, she immediately regretted it.

Those hazel eyes pierced straight into her heart, causing her entire body to react strangely, and even worse, it was embarrassing.

They returned backstage, taking turns with the other models. Serena let out a soft breath and sat in one of the chairs, trying to catch her breath.

Why did today's catwalk feel so exhausting? She glanced towards the stage; Edgar was no longer in his seat at the judge's table. Where had he gone? Why did he only show up when she was walking?

*

"I think she still has a lot to learn, sir."

"Yes, her posture is good, but she's too full-figured."

"She's not thin enough, sir, not suitable for the Seductive Night winter collection."

"In terms of posture and body, she's not like the usual models, but she has high confidence-I can see that. Also, those eyes..."

Each of the judges voiced their opinions after watching all the contestants' catwalks. Nearly five hundred models, and Edgar was too tired to eliminate many-barely any caught his interest, except for one.

"I want her." Edgar pointed to the comp card of the blue-eyed girl with long, straight black hair. All the judges-senior designers at The Lux-were taken aback by Edgar's choice.

"Sir, why do you want her so badly?" asked Mark, one of the skilled tailors.

Edgar answered without hesitation, "Because she stands out. We need a model as full-figured as she is. Her chest is firm, her hips perfect. And she has a gaze that really turns me on."

Michael chuckled softly. "Are you lusting after another model again? Come on, you're a designer, not a pimp."

"I'm turned on, Mike. Understand that. I want her body to fit into the curves where I'll drape the fabric and sew the linens with my own fingers. That sensual beauty needs to be captured and immortalized in a gown. Just wait, you won't regret it."

That explanation made Michael and the rest of the judges chuckle softly. They knew Edgar had a peculiar artistic eye when it came to women. They were used to seeing their boss become suddenly critical. He even once got excited seeing a plus-sized woman. To him, every woman had a sensuality that could drive a man to do something inappropriate, one of which was immortalizing their curves in a dress or gown.

"You know no one can refuse you. I guess Seductive Night is getting a new model." Michael, the head judge, made the final decision. They left the room one by one, heading back to the stage. Michael noticed Edgar still focused on his iPad, sketching roughly and wildly.

"I guess that woman has already given you plenty of inspiration."

Edgar murmured, "Somewhat."

"Is that why you're no longer interested in Samantha?"

"Obviously." Edgar kept sketching without looking up. His long fingers held the iPad pencil gracefully, as if it were an extension of his own body.

"So, will this new woman end up like Samantha?"

"Maybe." Edgar's hand suddenly stopped, and he looked up at Michael, his eyes cold and direct. "Oh, damn."

Michael nodded knowingly. "Yeah, Samantha told me. You dumped her."

"My mother arranged for me to marry her. You better stay out of it, or I'll fire you."

"Fire me, then. You wouldn't dare."

"You bastard."

Michael sighed, putting his hands in his pockets. "Seriously, man, you need to do something about Samantha. She's a senior model who even left her agency for you."

"People in love prioritize nothing but their own egos, Mike," Edgar looked up again from his iPad, "and you know I hate people like that."

Hearing such cold words from his boss, Michael cleared his throat and gave up. He knew when Edgar said something like that, he truly meant it.

"Alright, whatever. But what about the Autumn Romance collection? Will you still use her?"

"She refused time off. So let her work."

"Seeing you with the new model, I'm sure Samantha will do something."

Edgar smirked slightly. "You know, if you manage to win her over, I'll give you a quarter of my shares."

"Seriously? Just a quarter?"

"Screw you."

Michael laughed. "Alright, alright. The boss's orders are absolute. What am I but your humble servant?"

"Good."

"Oh, I almost forgot," Michael turned back when he reached the door. "What do you want to do after we pick that girl?"

Edgar sketched jagged lines, then replied, "Bring her to my studio. I'll indulge myself with fabrics and scraps there-with her."

Samantha knew she was being foolish, but what could she do when the person she liked was Edgar Graham?

"So it's true? He brought a new model candidate to his studio?" Samantha's eyes blazed as she stared out the window, her breath quick and shallow. Her hands clenched the arms of the chair while her legs crossed under the thin linen skirt just above her knees.

"Yes, miss. Edgar just announced the model who will be joining the Seductive Night project."

Samantha's anger flared even hotter. She leaped from her chair, grabbed her purse, and snatched her car keys.

"Cancel the meeting with Eva's brand. I need to see this with my own eyes."

Her assistant nodded, letting Samantha stride toward the parking lot and into her car. With her breath uneven, Samantha slammed the gas, driving through the long Broadway streets toward The Lux's office. She couldn't just sit and watch Edgar play with his new toy again. No.

She knew exactly what Edgar was planning and his habits. Besides, Samantha had once been in that position.

Three years ago, when Samantha was still working for a not-so-famous modeling agency and almost pushed out by senior models, Edgar-young and charming-came looking for models.

Many said Edgar often sought models from small agencies because he found many unique characters and women different from those in bigger agencies. To Edgar, women were incredibly diverse, with various shapes and sizes. As someone who adored the artistry of a woman's form, Edgar wanted to see and explore more beyond the usual.

That was how Samantha first met Edgar, and it was Edgar who chose her.

"Why didn't you choose a more experienced senior model? Wouldn't they be more professional and easier to teach?" Samantha had asked, pessimistic at the time. She had never seen herself as perfect. Her body was thin, and her eyes weren't striking. Compared to her fellow models, Samantha seemed almost ordinary.

"What do you want me to say, Sam? I just know you fit my clothes. You fit my fingers."

After a deeply intimate session of designing clothes, Samantha realized fashion designers were the most romantic artists she'd ever met. With Edgar, she saw more clearly what made him so special and different from other designers.

In Edgar's mind, women were an eternal source of energy, constantly inspiring him to admire them endlessly. Just as Edgar admired every curve and form of Samantha.

"Being thin isn't a sign of being ugly or beautiful. It's proof that women like you exist in this world. And I need to show them all that they can be beautiful as long as they have confidence. Let this dress be your new shield, one that helps you find new confidence."

Those intense, intimate words had been spoken backstage, just when Samantha nearly fainted from a panic attack. Everyone had criticized her for being too thin for a model, and her face was considered plain and unappealing. But thanks to Edgar, thanks to that dress-Edgar's first creation that changed her life-Samantha felt something more than just art.

She felt love.

The car stopped in front of The Lux's office. Samantha handed her keys to the valet and walked in with determined strides. Her blonde curls flew with the wind as she entered the lobby. A few people glanced her way, slightly wide-eyed, but Samantha merely lifted her chin and greeted them with cold indifference.

She wouldn't let another woman take Edgar. Edgar was hers. And he always would be.

Samantha arrived at the quiet, empty office. It was spacious, with many vacant cubicles. It seemed that some people had already gone home. It was now five in the evening, but Samantha didn't find him in his office.

The studio was her only hope. Samantha remembered the last memory she had in that studio-a memory that was both fiery and painful.

She reached the studio on the 30th floor. The area was silent and intimate. The studio was a private space, and only certain people were allowed in by Edgar's permission. Samantha knew the studio was like Edgar's mind; his entire soul was poured into it, and during their intimate relationship, no one could see or interrupt him there.

"I told you not to come here until the Seductive Night project is finished," Edgar's cold voice greeted her. Samantha turned to find him standing, holding an iPad.

"I want to see that woman."

Edgar didn't reply. He walked into the studio without a word. Of course, Samantha followed him. She passed the large sofa in the middle of the room and a bed separated by shelves filled with rolls of fabric.

"I don't want to force you, Sam, but you should-"

Samantha lunged forward, grabbing Edgar's shoulders and silencing him with a kiss.

Edgar growled against her lips, but Samantha persisted. She pulled him closer, stripping off his jacket quickly while her tongue invaded his mouth. Samantha's breath quickened as she pressed her body against his, sliding her leg between Edgar's thighs and rubbing slowly against his groin.

"Stop it, Sam," Edgar's voice came out hoarse. It was clear he was holding back, but Samantha knew him too well.

"I'll stop as long as you don't do to her what you did to me."

Edgar's brows furrowed, and he pulled Samantha's thin body slightly away to look at her.

"Get dressed, Sam."

Samantha looked down, realizing she had already unbuttoned her blouse. She let out a bitter laugh.

"How many models have you treated like this, Edgar? How many models have you stripped of their clothes and made them lose themselves in desire?"

Edgar's cold gaze deepened, but his lips remained shut.

"I don't mind your strange designing techniques, but you've hurt me. It hurts."

"I told you, you're the one hurting yourself, Sam." Edgar spoke with a calm tone, his hazel eyes still mesmerizing. Samantha struggled to keep herself from getting lost in his presence.

Edgar stepped closer, his cold stare unwavering as he whispered, "How many times have I told you never to look at me with your heart? I'm only using you, and you're doing the same."

"No."

"I don't need you anymore, Samantha."

That sentence made Samantha freeze, and her lips felt dry. In her eyes, the figure of Edgar standing tall suddenly blurred, and without realizing it, her breath hitched.

"What?"

Edgar smiled thinly. "You should go home if you don't want to be hurt again."

From the doorway, a young woman, not too tall, walked in. Her face stiffened for a moment, her blue eyes widened. With long eyelashes and straight black hair, Samantha sighed inwardly.

So this is the woman?

"Sir-" The woman's voice caught, and Samantha could feel the cold gaze from the woman directed at her unbuttoned blouse. Seeing the awkwardness, Edgar smiled.

"It's fine. Samantha doesn't bite. Come in. Sam, this is Serena Bloom. From now on, she will work here. Just so you know, don't bother her in the future."

Samantha's mouth tasted bitter, her eyes stung. She shot a cold glance at the woman walking in with hesitant steps. Her eyes shifted between Samantha and Edgar. She didn't seem intimidated or afraid at all, in fact-Samantha felt the woman's gaze pressuring her.

"I-"

Samantha didn't give her a chance. Without saying a word, she grabbed her blazer from the floor and stormed out of the room, her eyes burning with rage.

*

Serena stood still for a while, observing the woman-Samantha, the model who often appeared on posters and social media, whom she had admired as a senior, now looked at with disbelief.

"What's wrong with that woman? Do people around you always enjoy sidelining newcomers?"

Edgar narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Where did you hear that?"

Without answering directly, Serena looked at him with a defiant gaze. "There are plenty of rumors among the models that Samantha has never been kind to junior models. That's why you always seek models on short-term contracts, isn't it?"

"You better be careful when talking about things you don't know in front of me."

"Oh? I know you're rude and don't respect your models at all-"

Edgar reached out and pressed Serena's jaw with one hand. "I treat you like this specially, Miss Bloom."

Serena pushed Edgar's hand away, even though it hurt her jaw. She grimaced slightly, then glared at him coldly. "Stop that, jerk. If it weren't for the money, I wouldn't even want to work with you."

"You'd prefer staying in that club? Huh?"

Serena's breath hitched when Edgar mentioned the club as if unaware of the struggles she had been through. She couldn't respond anymore. She knew her place now. Edgar would be her boss, and she couldn't keep being stubborn like this. After all, without Edgar, she might not even be here.

"Why did you choose me? Out of so many women who seem better-"

"Besides being tough, it turns out you can also be very weak, huh? Do you want to lower your dignity? Feeling insecure?" A faint smile appeared on Edgar's lips. A smile that looked more mocking, teasing.

Edgar leaned down until his face was level with Serena's. "It's okay. That's good. You already know that you're just lucky because you have the right aura for my upcoming collection."

On his desk, Edgar handed over a document. Despite still holding back her anger, Serena took it. "What's this?"

"Just some documents and videos on how to pose, find the right angles, and do a proper catwalk for you to study."

Serena nodded awkwardly. "Is there anything else?"

"For now, no. You can go home," Edgar replied, returning to his seat.

Before leaving the room, Serena wanted to say thank you, but when she saw the man already engrossed in his iPad on the chair, she changed her mind and walked out, down the hallway.

"One piece of advice I can give you." A voice startled Serena. At the end of the hallway, that woman-now with her blouse neatly buttoned, stood near the window. Her face twisted, eyebrows furrowed, and her gaze sharp. She stepped closer with a menacing aura.

Samantha stared at the frozen Serena. "Edgar is mine. If I find out you're sleeping with him, then be ready to deal with me."

Tch. Serena held back a derisive scoff that almost escaped her lips. The elegant and beautiful Samantha, who appeared on every LED screen in advertisements, crumbled right before her eyes.

It turns out she's just as vicious as Serena.