The cocktail party was held on the top floor of the same hotel last time. Most people in the industry had a touch of an artist about them, casual and free without too many rules.
It was Josie’s first time attending the event. Laura kept her company by her side, long since well-versed in navigating such a social setting, effortlessly mingling with a drink in her hand. Alice’s name was renowned, so the mere mention of it drew a crowd over, striking up a conversation and getting acquainted.
Most of the time, Josie acknowledged others with a smile, only engaging in conversation when she encountered someone she could get along with.
There were indeed a few individuals who were quite famous, whom Josie also heard about while abroad. However, the majority were unfamiliar to her.
“Any family with some money sends their children abroad to study from a young age. This field is the easiest to make a name for oneself, so many involve themselves in the industry to secure better marriage prospects and have a credible title to their name,” Laura explained.
At that, understanding dawned up upon Josie.
She didn’t pay attention to all that, only concerned about why Vivian hadn’t shown up yet.
During the event, Laura went to the restroom. Feeling somewhat disinterested, Josie wandered toward the rooftop, lost in thought.
She didn’t notice the group of women posing for a photo at the back, but as they watched her walk by, her distinct aura took them by surprise. “I’ve never seen her before. Who is she?”
“I don’t her either.”
Just then, Shirley, who was toasting inside, spotted Josie with her sharp eyes. She let out a snort of laughter and walked out right away. “I remember this gown was ordered by Laura three months ago. Why is it on you now?”
Sensing several gazes landing on her, Josie finally realized they were talking about her. Turning around to the sight of Shirley, a headache assailed her. “You even want to control what others wear?”
Why do I keep running into her everywhere? Don’t tell me she’s also one of those who went abroad for the prestige of it?
“I simply can’t stand seeing some opportunist swooping in and snatching others’ resources as soon as she returned. How abhorrent of you.”
Shirley’s attack was intense, leading to the onlookers subconsciously viewing Josie as an evil woman.
Josie didn’t want to engage with them, so she bypassed them directly to leave. However, Shirley pushed her back. “So, I hit a nerve? Where are you going?”
“What else do you want to say?”
“If I were in your shoes, I would definitely take this gown off and return it to its rightful owner. Everyone knows that Laura has been working her heart out these past few years. You just returned, and you want to reap the harvest? What gives?” Shirley was relentless.
Those who were informed knew that she was speaking of a mere piece of clothing, but those who didn’t know better might mistake it for Josie having stolen someone’s parents.
Josie glanced around, observing that the onlookers were all heavily made-up socialites who were curiously peering in her direction.
She chuckled in anger. “Ms. Ross, let’s not worry about my attire for now. This event today is a cocktail party for designers. May I know your renowned name is in the industry? Why have I never heard of you?”
In other words, she was skeptical about Shirley’s reason for being there.
“Do you even deserve to know my name? I’m simply standing up for Laura, speaking up against injustice.”
Josie nodded. Well, she’s sounds pretty righteous.
At that point, Laura had already returned, but she seemed unable to make her way over through the crowd. She could only stand rooted to the spot, watching anxiously. Josie shot her a reassuring look.
“Before you speak up against injustice, shouldn’t you at least tell me your name?” Josie’s voice was calm, neither arrogant nor servile.
“I-I came here by invitation and am not a designer!”
“Oh, are you also some opportunist, then? Can I call security to escort you out?”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
Josie jerked her head up, her swan-like neck rendering her graceful. Her gaze fell on the entrance. She was about to call security when she was abruptly stopped by Shirley. “You asked for my name, so I’m curious to know yours as well. It seems such an event setting might also be above your station, no?”
She knew Josie was a designer, but her name never appeared in the past few years, so she reckoned there was no way she could be famous.
