It was true—Selina’s entire design process had gone surprisingly smoothly, almost unbelievably so.
She had access to every material she needed, as if she really were just an ordinary contestant. It was as though Angelica hadn’t instructed anyone to make things difficult for her.
But was that even possible?
Selina’s expression was lazy and indifferent. "Angelica, do you need something? If not, move. You’re in the way."
Angelica forced a helpless smile. "I was hoping we could talk... but never mind. Go ahead and eat."
Selina turned and walked off without a second glance.
Someone by Angelica’s side frowned. "Angelica, you’re way too patient. That attitude Selina has is just... ugh."
Angelica replied with false gentleness, "Maybe she’s just upset about her work not turning out well. Let’s not bother her."
But as she watched Selina walk away, Angelica couldn’t stop the venomous smile that tugged at her lips.
Selina’s last seven days had gone smoothly? Of course they had.
Because she’d planned it that way.
She wanted Selina to finish her design without a hitch—only to have it all ripped away at the final reveal. The more effort Selina put in, the more devastating her downfall would be.
Reporters crowded the venue. Selina finally managed to push her way into the restaurant and find the private room Logan had reserved.
Right before she entered, she overheard a few reporters chatting.
"Rowan showed up too."
"Think we’ll get a chance to interview him?"
"I heard Rowan’s pretty young, but he wears a mask all the time. Maybe he’s so ugly he can’t show his face?"
"Probably. I heard he was disfigured when he was young. Such a shame..."
"And that mask of his is hideous—like, horror-movie ugly. Do you think he’s got some kind of mental issue or something?"
"Shhh! Don’t say that out loud! What if Rowan hears you? Okay, yeah, the mask is kinda terrifying, but maybe it’s just for the mystery vibe, you know?"
Selina, overcome with curiosity, couldn’t help but glance at one of their phones.
The screen showed a candid photo.
The man was tall, lean yet powerful, with broad shoulders and long legs—he had an effortlessly commanding presence. He wore a black dress shirt, and beneath it, she could make out the faint lines of defined chest muscles.
If you ignored the face, this man was basically every woman’s dream guy.
But on his face... was a grotesque, monstrous mask—like something out of a horror flick.
Selina: "..."
Uh... what?
She was stunned.
And confused.
Just judging by his physique, she nearly thought it was Logan.
She had always imagined Rowan to be nearly forty, never expected him to be built like that—on par with Logan.
But that mask... Even if he’d been disfigured, most people would choose something sleek, understated. Yet Rowan wore a heavy, ugly thing that looked like it belonged in a haunted house.
Wasn’t he one of the most famous designers in the world? What kind of taste was this? Or... was this the latest high-fashion trend, and she’d just fallen out of touch with the design world?
Selina’s eyes narrowed as an idea sparked in her mind.
She shut the door and sat next to Logan.
"I remember... you’re friends with Rowan, right?"
Logan’s fingers paused. "Why?"
Selina’s eyes sparkled. "Is he one of the judges?"
Logan said calmly, "Mrs. Reid, Rowan would never abuse his position."
But due to a few inconvenient circumstances, he still couldn’t tell Mrs. Reid that just yet.
Logan replied in a warm, indulgent tone, "Mrs. Reid, Rowan doesn’t need a doctor. He’s perfectly fine."
Selina blinked. "Then why does he wear a mask?"
Logan lightly covered his mouth with a fist and gave a small cough. "Personal preference."
...Personal preference?
He wore that terrifying mask as a personal choice?
Selina nodded. She didn’t get it—but she’d respect it.
Logan looked away, slightly annoyed.
Before they came, the mask he usually wore couldn’t be found, so he had Jack grab one at random. He hadn’t even looked at it before putting it on.
He hadn’t realized it was that... distinctive.
And now Mrs. Reid had completely misunderstood.
Logan cleared his throat again and changed the subject. "I won’t be on-site this afternoon, but Luke will be. Ask him if you need anything."
Selina’s expression calmed.
This afternoon, the winner of the design competition would be announced.
And at the same time... Angelica would be exposed and disgraced.
This was going to be a tough fight—but Selina was ready.
"Thank you, Logan," she said seriously. "But I don’t need help. The feud between me and Angelica—let me handle it myself."
Her eyes, as she said it, were clear and full of conviction.
Logan suddenly realized—he’d seen those same eyes before, four years ago.
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