Ana's POV
"Um..." The model started to speak, but Aileen cut her off before she could get a word out.
Aileen's eyes swept over the model's outfit with obvious disdain, then she turned to me with a cruel smirk. "Ana, do you actually believe you stand a chance in this competition? Honestly, you're just setting yourself up for public humiliation. Why not save everyone the secondhand embarrassment and bow out now?"
The model was about to clarify that I hadn't designed the outfit she was wearing. I caught her gaze and gave a subtle shake of my head.
Even if I bothered explaining anything to Aileen, she wouldn't listen anyway. There was no point wasting my energy.
I met Aileen's stare head-on, keeping my voice level. "Whether I compete or not is none of your business. Now please leave—stop harassing my model."
Aileen's laugh was sharp and cutting as she moved closer to me.
