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“In summary, he said I would have better luck as a garbage woman than in the fashion world.” She gave me a watery smile, “It’s okay; I’ll be fine. I’ve probably heard worse from other people but then again- other people aren’t Mark Vasiliev.”

“I shouldn’t tell you this but you scored the highest with me,” her eyes widened, “Remember it’s a secret. Listen to me, you’re amazing and there will always be people who say shit that they shouldn’t. It says much more about them than you.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s all good; you should go get ready for the final round.”

She nodded and left the bathroom. I took a handful of tissues and wiped off my shoulder then made my way out of the bathroom. I went back to the tables to find Marissa but she wasn’t there. I was about to leave when Mark walked up to me.

“You’re Adira right?” he asked and I nodded.

“That would be me; yes.”

“You know it’s against the rules to speak to the contestants alone, right?”

“I’m surprised you remember considering you were talking to her and berating her work. That would count as trying to mentally psych her out if I’m not mistaken.”

“She was talking about how she loved the contestants and how she thought everyone did well,” he began as he took a sip from his champagne.

“If that’s right then she has a good eye because they were all amazing. ”

“You can’t really think that,” he scoffed, “I haven’t given anyone over a 25.” Out of a 100

“To each their own I guess.” I shrugged, “I think I’m going to get a drink. It was nice meeting you.”

I started to leave when he spoke, “Have you ever wondered why they invite certain people to shows when they clearly shouldn’t be there?”

“I’m not sure I’m following.”

“That girl for one; she sticks out like a sore thumb and let’s not forget the camera crew you brought.

I wonder why you need so many people.” He said it casually but I could hear the hidden insults, “Then again; it would make sense if you’re trying to make a career in influencing, seeing as fashion clearly isn’t your strong suit. ”

“Excuse me?”

“Take it from me, Adira,” he stressed every syllable of my name, “You might have something going on for you but you’re probably on the same level as those people on stage. You’re nowhere near judge material.”

“I’m glad that the choice wasn’t left up to you then.”

“You can’t really think that Francine picked you because she thought you were good,” he laughed and dropped his voice to a whisper, “It’s a publicity stunt to avoid backlash later on. I thought you were smarter than this.”

I had to take deep breaths to calm myself because the last thing I want is to get his blood on my shirt from killing him with my heels. Also, I will not look good in a prison suit. Technically, I will, but I will not do well in prison and there is no way Olivia will visit me out there .

Instead of responding the way he obviously expected me to I gave him a small smile.

“Do you want to know what I think?” I asked and he laughed.

“Please, enlighten me.”

“I think that you’re insecure and you’re sad and you know that everyone is getting tired of your hater bullshit so you’re just trying to project,” he opened his mouth to speak but I cut him off, “I am not done Mark. If you have a problem with me being here; then by all means, find the exit. Sometimes it’s better if you stay quiet because when you open your mouth; you let everyone know what a truly disgusting person you are. ”

“Also, I’m wired for the event. As you mentioned earlier; I am filming something so I am always wired. I’m sure Francine would be excited to hear what you had to say about her and her methods. She won’t do too well with knowing that you created a scandal for her.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” he spat.

“Try me,” the vein at the side of his head bulged but instead of speaking, he stormed off.

I waited until he left before I buried my face into my palms and let out a frustrated groan. I wanted nothing more than to go after him and beat him to a bloody pulp because God knows what else he said to that girl.

It is such a shame that horrible people exist but unfortunately it is part of life and they aren’t going anywhere. Quite the contrary actually; they’re here to stay. I was so focused on calming down that I didn’t realize anyone was approaching me until I felt a hand on my shoulder .

I jumped slightly then relaxed considerably when I saw it was Nathan.

“Don’t scare me like that,” I said, “I could have hit you or something.”

“I heard the conversation,” he went straight to the point, “Marissa couldn’t find you so she sent me to look. I heard what he said.”

“Great, now I have to wonder who else heard him spew his bullshit.”

“One word,” he said and I turned to him in confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

“Say the word and his career is over; I know secrets that will ruin him for life.”

I was shocked by the intensity of his words and I’m not going to lie, a part of me wanted so badly to say it. A part of me wanted to hurt his career just like he tried to hurt mine and just like he hurt that girl’s but I knew it wouldn’t make a difference.

He would always be a horrible person and stooping to his level won’t change that; it will only make me just like him. Instead of answering, I offered Nathan a smile and held out my hand for him to take.

“They’re going to start soon.”

He gave me a nod of understanding and took my outstretched hand. We walked back to our seats together and when Marissa saw me, she leaned in to whisper.

“Where did you go? I was looking for you.”

“I had to make a quick run. ”

“Well did you get your drink?” she asked but I couldn’t answer because the lights dimmed and the show started.

I looked up and realized that Mark was staring at me. He raised his glass in a form of mock salute. Nathan followed my line of sight and when he saw Mark, he gave my hand a small squeeze- almost in reassurance. I finally peeled my eyes off Mark and turned to face the stage.

“You know that you were right about him,” Nathan’s voice was so low that only I could hear, “He’s just a scared man and everything he said about you and your business is not true.”

I didn’t want to speak, I didn’t know what to say; so I settled for squeezing his hand softly.