Chapter 1918

"It's already been three years."

"Yeah. Take some time and really think about this. I chose you for a reason-your talent is real. Don't let me down."

"Mr. Connor, I've made up my mind. I don't want to compete anymore."

"You can go," Tyler said quietly.

He could see the frustration written all over Fiona's face.

Jean stepped out, casting Fiona a lingering look before letting out a heavy sigh. She wanted this chance, too. But sometimes, life just throws things at you that you can't dodge.

"For the past couple of years, Jean's been a real dark horse. Her designs are impressive, and she's gotten here all on her own, no connections. Looks like someone's trying to sabotage her," Fiona said.

The international competition organizers had sent out invites, and clearly, someone was jealous. Now there was trouble brewing inside International Glam.

"Tyler, I need you to handle something for me."

Fiona set Jean's file down on the coffee table. Tyler instantly caught on.

"I already sent people to check out Jean's background. We should hear back soon."

It wasn't only Jean. Tyler was having the other three contestants investigated, too. He'd made sure no stone was left unturned-there couldn't be any loose ends.

Fiona rubbed her temples as a headache started to build, then leaned back on the sofa for a moment, waiting for the pain to fade. It was still early, so she pulled up the list of teams for the competition. There were six teams in total, including International Glam, but the details of who was on each team still hadn't been released.

A knock at the door broke her train of thought.

"Mr. Connor, someone's here to see you," the receptionist called.

Fiona sat up a little. "Come in."

The receptionist entered, leading a young woman behind her. As soon as she saw who it was, Fiona's eyes widened in surprise-it was Jane.

"What are you doing here?" Fiona asked, glancing at the receptionist. "You can leave us."

Jane walked over and sat down next to her. "Fiona, I want to be in the competition. Everything with the Kidd family is settled. My grandma won't stop me anymore. I want to do what I actually want for once."

Fiona could see the passion in Jane's eyes. Even before the Kidd family drama, she'd noticed Jane's gift for design. It always felt like such a waste for her not to pursue it.

Thinking about Jean dropping out so suddenly, Fiona nodded. "I can add your name, but the competition isn't in the States this year-it's in untry M. Are you sure you're free to go?"

Jane nodded without hesitation. Whatever happened with her family, she wasn't looking back now. It was time the Kidds realized they couldn't get by without her, no matter how capable Mrs. Kidd thought she was.

"From now on, my time is my own."

"Good," Fiona said.

She picked up the file from her desk, ripped up Jean's information, and tossed it in

the trash.

"Lisa," Fiona called out, "bring Jean in."

"Mr. Connor, Jean's already here."

Jean stepped in, her eyes red and puffy-she'd clearly been crying.

"I accept your decision not to compete," Fiona said.

The words had barely left her mouth when Jean dropped to her knees, desperate.

"Mr. Connor, please, I want to compete. I have to. I'm begging you please let me."