The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 713

Chapter 713: Chapter 713 The Female Lead Turning To Villain
“Thank you all for joining us at today’s fashion show. I poured my heart into designing dresses that enhance a woman’s beauty without overshadowing her essence. They say a dress makes the woman, but I believe a woman should command the dress with her aura and confidence.”

“A dress should be both a battle armor and a sanctuary—a piece that empowers while offering comfort. When we feel effortlessly beautiful in what we wear, we exude confidence in every setting, whether it’s a business gathering, a speech, or any endeavor we pursue. I truly appreciate your time and admiration for my work.”

As Athena concluded her speech, the models who had returned backstage gracefully reemerged, forming a striking ensemble behind her. Among them, only Hera was led to stand beside Athena, subtly highlighting her as the show’s ultimate muse, drawing the media’s attention and the admiration of the audience.

This way, Athena could not only emphasize Hera’s presence but also showcase that her masterpiece was brought to life by Hera herself—making it clear that Hera wasn’t just wearing the stunning piece; she was the embodiment of it.

A ripple of applause spread through the crowd, with Leo, Luke, Rafael, Dave, and Zhane rising from their seats alongside Athena’s parents, clapping in admiration for Athena’s speech while their eyes remained fixed on Hera with adoring gazes.

It was only then that Alice finally noticed them—but she had no time to dwell on it. A storm of anger and resentment brewed inside her. How could Hera have everything so effortlessly?

And to make matters worse, the very young prodigy designer she had been so eager to see turned out to be her so-called best friend.

The realization felt like a slap to the face. Hatred and jealousy twisted inside her—why did Hera get to bask in the spotlight, surrounded by success and admiration, while she had to struggle just to grasp even a fragment of what Hera had?

“Hera!” Alice hissed through gritted teeth, her voice low but dripping with malice and hatred.

“Alice, did you say something?” Brother Lei turned to her, having caught the faint sound of her voice.

In an instant, Alice’s menacing glare vanished, replaced by a mask of innocence. She blinked up at him with wide, clueless eyes, looking as harmless as a bunny. “Hmm? Oh, nothing,” she said sweetly, as if she hadn’t just been seething moments ago.

“Were you saying something? I was busy live-streaming this event and reading the comments, sorry,” Alice explained casually. Only then did she glance down at her phone screen, which was flooded with messages of love and admiration—for Hera.

The gifts poured in one after another, the netizens showering Hera with praise, but instead of feeling happy, Alice’s grip on her phone tightened. A cold, sinking feeling spread through her chest, as if she were plunging into an abyss.

Her heart grew colder and darker with each passing second as she stared at Hera, standing on the stage—effortlessly beautiful, radiant, and basking in the attention that Alice so desperately craved.

Then, a flicker of something dark sparked in Alice’s mind, like a glitching screen flashing ominous words—

“Kill her… I must kill her and take everything she has for myself. Love, glory, and wealth should belong to me alone…”

The thought took root, spreading like a creeping shadow through her mind. Her heart grew darker with each passing second, consumed by jealousy and an insatiable hunger for everything Hera possessed.

After the fashion show, everyone was ushered into the banquet hall, where an extravagant array of food was elegantly arranged along the sides. The grand hall itself resembled the majestic ballrooms of ancient castles, adorned with intricate carvings on the towering pillars and ceiling.

A magnificent, gleaming chandelier hung overhead, casting a warm glow across the space. The vast marble floor stretched expansively, allowing guests to move freely without the risk of bumping into one another, even as they danced in the center.

Above, the second floor was enclosed by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, offering an unobstructed view of the lively scene below.

The glass barrier muted the chatter and murmurs from the main hall, creating a more intimate and refined atmosphere where esteemed guests could engage in business discussions while still observing the grandeur of the event.

As soon as the guests were ushered inside, the VIPs were granted access to the second floor, where they could relax or engage in business discussions. The host would also be present there, making it an exclusive privilege reserved only for the powerful and influential.

As a result, the number of people on the second floor remained sparse, enhancing its air of exclusivity and prestige.

Everyone was pleased with the arrangements, as they clearly reinforced the hierarchy within their social circle.

The VIPs were in high spirits, engaging in discussions with Athena’s parents about business, and many even took the initiative to extend olive branches—without the Lowery couple or Athena’s uncle having to make a case for collaboration.

Opportunities seemed to flow toward them effortlessly, leaving the couple smiling from ear to ear as they negotiated deals.

Meanwhile, Leo and the others remained in a corner, minding their own business. Although several influential businessmen were eager to approach them, the aura they exuded was unmistakable—a silent warning that said,

‘Stay away or get lost.’

As a result, no one dared to intrude, opting instead to observe from a safe distance.

But even then, no one felt that these young men were being overly arrogant or acting superior. In their social circle, talent and ability were paramount, with age being only a secondary factor.

Leo and the others had every right to carry themselves with pride, and even if some considered them haughty, no one would dare voice such thoughts to their faces. Instead, they could only swallow their words in silence.

Leo and the others waited for Hera to arrive as she was still backstage with Athena, wrapping things up. Standing before the models with a bright smile, Athena addressed them warmly.

“Great job, everyone! You all did amazing out there. Now that the fashion show is over, feel free to head to the banquet and mingle—it’s a great opportunity to expand your network.”

Hearing this, the models’ eyes sparkled with excitement. After all, this was one of the key reasons so many fought for the chance to walk the runway for Athena. Not only did she offer generous compensation, but it was also stipulated in their contracts that they would receive an exclusive invitation to the banquet as special guests—an opportunity that many in their social circle would do anything to secure.

Usually, after a runway show, models would either head home or try to find a way to gain access to the banquet by relying on a guest’s invitation. For many, this was a chance to connect with influential figures who could open doors in their modeling careers.

However, with Athena’s offer, they didn’t have to resort to underhanded tactics or offer favors to gain entry. They could walk into the banquet with pride, without being seen as mere arm candy, mistresses, or playthings. This opportunity allowed them to network on equal footing, showcasing their talent rather than relying on connections built through compromise.