When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 336

Nelly looked calm, a hint of a smile on her lips as she flashed Nancy an “ok” sign. Nancy drew a deep breath, lifted her chin, and stepped out onto the runway with purpose. Surrounded by some of the industry’s top models, she still managed to draw every eye the moment she appeared.

Her outfit, though, was nothing like the others in the collection. The difference was so obvious, it set off a wave of whispers.

“Is she not wearing makeup?”

“Her makeup looks kind of messy…”

“Maybe it’s just the style? It actually matches her clothes…”

“But it’s still kind of weird…”

Nancy caught bits of the conversation. It made her hesitate, her confidence slipping. She even wobbled a bit, but her stage presence was so steady that no one really noticed.

Backstage, Nelly was watching and could tell Nancy was starting to crack. She grabbed the assistant’s walkie-talkie and told the stage crew, “Can you change the lighting when Nancy gets to center stage?”

Right as Nancy reached the middle of the runway, the lights dipped. When they flared up again, a golden, dappled glow washed over her face, highlighting her sharp features. The floor projection shifted too, turning from a sparkling coastline into a faraway, endless desert. The effect was just as stunning as before, even though it clashed completely with the main theme of the show.

Nelly spoke so well that the whole room broke into applause, even the host who asked the question seemed moved. Nancy’s appearance fit the never brand perfectly. Judging by the audience’s reaction, never was the hottest collection of the night.

After the show, Nelly hurried Nancy away to get changed. On the way, Nancy quickly filled her in. Rudy had kidnapped her. She’d fought back the whole time, and when Rudy got tired of her yelling, he locked her in a room. Later, some people in police uniforms suddenly showed up and let her go. Nancy hadn’t stopped to think, she just ran straight to the venue.

“If Rudy really took you, why would he let you go so easily?” Nelly asked, her suspicion obvious. The timing was just too perfect.

Nancy thought about it. “Maybe they made too much noise and the police noticed?”