I finished the entire performance flawlessly, while Vanessa had to be helped off stage halfway through.
Naturally, the qualification for the tour went to me. She was eliminated. The irony was that if she hadn’t schemed against me, her own talent might have won her a place too.
As I approached the Runway Director, I heard her already making accusations.
“Director, I could have been selected, but Emily Sanders tripped me on stage! That’s why I twisted my ankle.”
She played the victim so well she fooled not only the director but also the entire audience. When she saw me approach, her act grew even more pitiful.
I sneered.
“Who tripped whom is far from clear.”
Vanessa lost her composure.
“You’re lying! You sabotaged me because you were afraid I’d surpass you. Director, please make this right!”
The Runway Director’s face darkened.
“Explain yourselves—who tripped whom?”
The teammates murmured.
“Who’s telling the truth?”
“Using dirty tricks in fair competition? That’s not worthy of a real model.”
Vanessa jumped in, echoing them.
“Exactly! Director, someone like her doesn’t belong here. Kick her out before she harms anyone else.”
I cut her off and turned to the director.