Kyle had spent the rest of time being both cat and mouse. Somehow his skills had managed to sift all of Valarie's designs over to Ashley to be made. Valarie, still oblivious to what was happening still had her foot cemented in her decision to not put any of her designs in the show. She had planned on walking with popcorn to see the work or scheme that Ashley would display this time.

It was only a few hours to the show and the preparation game was on. No earthquake in history could compare to the magnitude at which Kyle's body was trembling. He had never been so nervous in his life. If Dimitri's plan turn out to be successful, Ashley will get what she deserves and Valarie will get all the credit in the world for the work she had done. However, if his plan was to fail, all hell will break lose and Valarie will never trust any of them again. If tonight is a replay of what happened at the last show, she may take the ultimate decision to leave the company once and for all.

Dimitri had invited Kyle over for a quick meeting in his office before the show started. They were recapping the run down of the plans.

"Just remain calm and stick to the plan and everything will be fine. Now i need to hear it from you. Do you have it under control?" Dimitri peered down at Kyle with concern.

"Mmmhmm" Kyle managed.

"Mmmhmm? Kyle, tell me that you can handle this. Think about Valarie. We are doing it for her. This time the joke is not going to be on her and she will have the last laugh at the end. Now can you do this for Valarie or not?"

"Yes. I can do this okay? I just have to try to avoid her until we pull it off because she is definitely going to know that something is up." Kyle feebly stood up from the chair. "I better get going. I want to ensure that the little witch stays put. She have been on cloud nine ever since we got the designs made."

"Ahh yes. Go keep her in check. We can do this...We have to...I'll meet you there."

Kyle left the room with wobbly feet. He had put on his best suit for he had all intentions of being the master of ceremonies tonight. He was going to slay.

To find one word to describe Valarie's mood was going to be difficult. For some reason, her heart was pounding against her chest and threatening to leap out. Maybe anxiety was consuming her. Not knowing how the outcome of the night would be was dwelling on her. She stared back at herself in the mirror and tried to find composure. Her lips were a bold red as if they were kissed by a vampire who had just claimed its prey. Her eyes, two moons of mystery surrounded by a blanket of smoke. Valarie took a deep breath before walking out into the living room where Jake was awaiting her.

Jake's jaw pried open and remained in that parted position. Valarie's figure showed wickedly under her dress.

"Wow! You look stunning!" he exclaimed.

Her lips quirked up into a smile and her cheeks flushed a warm red. "Thank you. You look like quite a charm yourself."

He smirked "I made sure that my Dimitri defenses were on strong tonight."

"Jake!"she laughed.

"What? Did you not see the look on his face the last time I paid a visit. I'll remind him every time that if he doesn't sweep you off your feet, another guy will."

"But there is no need for that. Dimitri and I have nothing."

"Oh really? Tell me now why would you agree to continue working with him...and without pay?"

"Because I just-"

"You just?" he prompted.

"I just thought that I would do his father a favor okay. I owe him-"

"You owe him nothing!" Jake took a step closer to her and held her firmly by the shoulders. You might be able to lie to yourself but you can't lie to me. The reason why you still decided to continue with Mr. Osbourne's little plan is because you wanted a reason to still work with Dimitri. As much as you are pissed with him now you like being around the douche bag."

"Wait what. I-. No-, Pfft! I don't! I can't stand him!" Valarie defended.

"Oh really? If you can't stand the guy so much then why did you give up on the opportunity of not having to work with him?"

"Because I uh- . Pfft! We're going to be late. Let's go!"

Valarie spun around on the balls of her feet and trotted out the door. Jake smiled, shook his head and followed after her.

Ashley was on edge. She'd only been at the venue for about ten minutes now and have proven to be quite a celebrity. At every corner, every turn she made, someone hailed her out and bestowed her with compliments and well wishes. They expressed their excitement to see the line of clothing she had to show this time. This only made her more nervous and determined to ensure that Valarie's designs made it out as hers once again. If she could keep Valarie out of the dresser rooms, they'll be more than able to pull it off. Kyle had so far cleared all the doubts she had a bout him. Initially she that that it was a scheme but after seeing him pull through with the plan, Ashley really thought that she had him on her side.

She walked hastily to the dressing room to see if things were under control. Dimitri had left Kyle to handle things backstage while he mingled with his parents and friends.

"Kyle!" she hailed him out and signalled him to walk over to her.

Her entire being annoyed him but he plastered on a fake smile and walked towards her.

Ashley looked around to ensure that no one was within hearing distance of them.

"Hey I'm just checking in to make sure that everything is going as planned."

"Oh yes. It sure is girl. There is no need to worry. I already started to fit some of the models into their gorgeous designs....Which you made of course."

She squealed in excitement. "Yes! I can't wait. I'm already so famous. I'll be a legion after this one because these are even better than the last."

Kyle gritted his teeth but maintained his composure. Ashley took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

"Okay since you are the host this time, I'll have to take a back seat but I trust that you'll do an even better job than I did last time."

With that, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek then left to return outside.

"Ewww!" Kyle squirmed as he wiped her lipstick from his face. "Never trust anybody sister" he mumbled as she disappeared behind the door. He didn't lie about having the plan under control except it was his plan and merely hers. The last time the joke was on everyone else but this time the joke's on her. The villain never gets the last laugh. He trotted back to the dressing room to ensure that both Ashley and Valarie get what they deserve.

Once again the group find themselves tight knitted in the same area. Nikolai and his family, Ashley, Valarie and Jake sat in the same row, awaiting the start of the show. An awkward air swirled around which caused even Dimitri to be crippled with tension. Whether or not his plan worked out to be how he planned it or not, the bottom line was that he was going to expose the truth to everyone tonight. His plan would just make it a bit more spicy.

"Valarie so am I finally going to see your pieces tonight?" Mrs. Osbourne asked eagerly.

"No I'm sorry. I decided to sit this one out. I just did the sketches but I didn't actually make them."

"Aww how unfortunate. I was really looking forward to seeing your designs."

Valarie pouted. "I promise next time I'll build up the courage to display them.

"I hope that the next time is very soon."

"It will be sooner than you expect" Dimitri inputted.

Valarie raised an eyebrow and rolled her eyes then looked away from him. He smirked subtlely. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Whether she was mindlessly looking around or she was happy or sad, lately it was as though she had put a spell on him. His mind has been busy and she was mainly the one on it.

The surrounding lights dimmed and the spotlight focused on the stage. Everyone's attention was drawn in and they sat back in anticipation for the show to begin. A dazzling body in a fine suit and shiny shoes walked out front.

"Ladies and gentlemen! My name is Kyle, and I am wild. I shall be your host tonight!"

Valarie snorted as Kyle made his introduction. His persona was infectious and he already had the crowd going.

"If I wasn't in such a good mood men I would steal your women away but I've got more things on my plate right now. The show must go on."

Kyle sparked off the show with the older designers. They proved to be no less than spectacular. As it approached the reveal of the final designer's clothing, Dimitri found his way to the stage as after Kyle invited him down. He took the mic from him and smiled rediculously as he walked to the very font of the stage.

Both Valarie and Jake looked at each other skeptically before returning their attention to the front.

"It is with great honor that I take part in revealing our lead designer today. Ever since I was a child, my father taught me the essence of good values. He was also one who believed in seconds chances and giving time to see if the best would come out of someone who have done the worse. Before I get into all that mushy gushy things that I learnt from my father, I think that I should torture you anymore by keeping these...wonderful designs a mystery anymore."

He looked up into the audience and glanced at Valarie before focusing his eyes on Ashley. "Ashley, why don't you come on down here. Let them look upon the face of this...incre-. Incredible designer."

Valarie rolled her eyes "You have got to be kidding me."

Ashley squealed and eagerly rose from her seat to make her way down to the runway. She gave an end to end smile as the round of applause increased in volume. As she came to a stop next to Dimiri, he continued on.

"Ashley, why don't you tell them what was your source of inspiration for your designs."

Valarie looked on intently.

As the thought of answering that questioned played in her head, Ashley started having thoughts of backing out before she even attempted to answer. She widened her smile even more.

"Uh-. Let's not. I'm too excited to talk about it. Besides, i'm not much of a talker anyway."

Dimitri raised both eyebrows in amusement. "Oh really? Last time you were more of a talker than anyone I knew. Why the sudden change in persona?"

Ashley furrowed her brows and looked at him. "What are you doing?" she questioned him under her breath.

He completely ignored her question. "Ladies and Gentlemen, our 'lead artist' has chickened out. Well I think an event like this should have a few words from at least one of the artist...A true artist in this case."

His eyes made four with Kyle and they exchanged a silent message. The lights dimmed and a projector screen dropped down from behind. The murmuring starting increasing. Many were confused as to what was going on.

A video soon started playing. It was of Valarie and Kyle out on the balcony eating lunch. Valarie gasped and looked on in confusion. "What the hell is this?" she shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

All ears tuned in as the conversation began in the video.

*** Start of video ***

Kyle: "Val, I've seen you done sketches in just a few minutes and i've seen you worked on some for weeks. Nonetheless, both are equally amazing. What inspires you?"

Valarie: "My mood. Feelings. My heart my soul, my mind. When I draw, I draw with all of me. The speed at which I get them done depends mostly on my mood. If i'm angry, I can whip up a sketch in just a minute haha. My lighter moods take longer because I can really take my time and search my soul for ideas. The funny thing is though that even if all my designs are a reflection of me, it is also a reflection of many, because that is who I am. I can't think of doing something without it benefiting someone else simultaneously. So when it comes to designs, I think about what people would want to wear. I think about how each piece could embody or express someone's personality or spirit. Art doesn't discriminate. From the darkest soul to the purest heart, everyone should be able to wear something that feels like their own skin."

*** End of Video ***

A mixture of applause, silence and questions and murmurs filled the air. Valarie sat open mouthed. She couldn't wrap her head around what had just happened. She had no idea that was even videotaped and who had done it. Questions swirled around in her head.

The lights came back up and the spotlight was once again on Dimitri and Ashley. A smile was still plastered on her face but this time it was a fake one. On the inside she was pissed. Why would Kyle show a video of Valarie in such a good light?

"Okay I think I have kept you guys long enough now. I now present none other than the best of Ashley's designs."

He walked off stage and Ashley followed feebly behind. She tried to maintain her composure and have faith that Kyle was still on her side.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you. The true work of Ashley herself!"

The first design that came out dropped jaws. It looked like it had been passed through the shredding machine before it made it onto the model. The second one had an even greater effect. A garbage bag with holes for arms would have been an even greater design.

Ashley's face went from flushed red to pale instantly. "Those are not my designs!" she shouted.

Valarie looked on in confusion but a smirk slowly plastered on her face. Nikolai and his wife looked on in confusion as more horrendous designs came down the runway. Was this all part of the show and the grand finale will reveal the true designs.

"Stop this! Stop this now!" she ordered Dimitri. A sick smile came across his face and he stood grounded as the audience spiralled into total shock.

"What is this disgrace to fine art!" a man shouted out.

His words struck Ashley like a truck. Her desperation to stop the show only grew. Before Dimitri could process her actions, she had already made it up on the stage and pushed the model that was about to walk out back stage. She stormed down the runway and demanded that Kyle stop the show.

The music finally came to a stop and all looked on in undesirable awe for an explanation of what had just happened.

"I know all of you are wondering what just happened and to be honest, I am just as confused as you are. There must be some mix up or something because those are not my designs!"

"Actually, they are" Dimitri countered as he walked towards the stage.

"No! They are not!" Ashley said between clenched teeth.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am disappointed and pleased to inform you that all you have known before is a lie. My fath-"

"No it wasn't!" Ashley cut him off.

"Shut up you lying pig!" Kyle shouted from behind.

"What do you think you are doing?" She then lowered her breath to question partly in secret "I thought you said you were sticking to the plan?"

"Yes, I said I was sticking to the plan. Honey, this is the plan. This has been the plan all along. I was the bait and you pounced on me like a little piranha."

Nikolai could bare it no longer. He stood up from his seat and walked down to the stage. "Okay would someone care to enlighten me about what is happening here? Dimitri, what is this?"

"Father, there is something I must reveal and I should have done this a long time ago. I guess I was just testing to see if the witch will cast her spell twice. You are a man who believes in giving the chance for the sinner to repent for his sins but second chance in this case only proved the demon to be the devil. You see, Miss Ashley is nothing but a cheat and a liar. At the last fashion show she orchestrated an entire plot to steal someone else's designs and use them as her own for false fame."

Everyone gasped and the murmuring started rising.

"Son, do you have any idea what you are saying right now? Ashley, what is he talking about?

"I have no idea what he is talking about" she defended.

"Oh really? Maybe this might job your memory. Kyle" Dimitri prompted.

The lights dimmed once again and another video began to play. This one was made up of a number of short clips. One in particular stood out.

***

Ashley: "Did you get her sketch book?"

Kyle: "Yes she left it with me until she gets back from lunch."

Ashley: "These are even better than the rest. Wait till you see her face again at the show when 'my' designs walk down the runway again."

Kyle: "You are a queen of savage."

Ashley: "I'm just a girl who knows how to make her way to the top."

Kyle: "Why did you choose to use Valarie's designs as your own though?"

Ashley: "Why not? Besides, I hate the bitch and I will make sure she stands in my shadow again at the next show."

***

Jaws dropped, eyes widened, anger flared.

"Was that enough of a reminder for you Ashley? I said that I will reveal the truth and the truth is... Valarie, one of the best employees we have at our organization, is the real mastermind behind the pieces you saw at the last show. She worked weeks on end to bring those designs to live perfection. She took Ashley under her wings when she had just started working with us only to be stabbed in the back by her. I had trusted Ashley to be the director of the last show and piece it all together. However, she used the opportunity for her own selfish desires. I did some digging and I found that even her graduation certificate from the institution where she last studied was nothing but fraud, like herself. When I contacted them to enquire about the type of person she is, I was in for an hour of dark tales. They informed me that she was caught multiple times stealing the other student's work and claiming it to be hers. She was actually expelled from school prior graduation and had paid someone to make a fake certificate and recommendations to snake her way in here." Dimitri explained.

"I was shocked when I saw that she revealed Valarie's designs as hers at the last show. Actually it happened so fast that I got stupid. I didn't know what to do. Tell the truth, let it happen. Then I thought of a plan to see if she would repeat something like that again and she did...Well tried to. Valarie made it clear that she wasn't going to have her designs made in fear that they would get stolen again. I wanted to find a way to show you how talented she is as well as to reveal Ashley for the fake she is so a thought of a plan. I asked Kyle to have Valarie's designs made without her knowing. I also asked him to throw the idea out to Ashley to see if she will repeat such a treacherous act twice and she did." He continued.

Mrs Osbourne gasped and rose from her seat. "You little cheat! I knew something wasn't right with you, I felt it in my bones. If it's one thing I can't stand is a wolf in sheep's clothing. A liar, a thief! Out company do not and will not stand for such nonsense! You sat around and let everyone believe that you were this great artist while poor Valarie sat humbled. You are a disgrace! Tell me, how long do you think you could have carried on with this before your façade crumbled down?"

Ashley was now in the spotlight and this time she didn't like the colour that was being shun on her. Her inside slowly disintegrated until she felt herself faded into nothing. She felt low yet she tried to keep her head up high.

"I do not need to answer to you or any of you" she said to Mrs Osbourne. "I will not stand for you to make such allegations against me. I am done here." With that she spun around on the balls of her feet and made an attempt to walk away.

"Oh no you don't young lady. I am not yet done with you. You keep your butt right there!" Mrs Osbourne stormed down the steps towards the stage. All elegance went out the door as soon as she saw Ashley for who she really was.

As Ashley was about halfway down the runway, Dimitri nodded at Kyle and he pressed a button on his remote control. A lever pushed over and a bucket of black paint came tumbling down on her. Ashley squealed as the paint slicked down her entire body.

"Ooopsie woopsie sorry! No I'm not!" Kyle sang.

All looked at her in disgust. No one could believe that she was capable of doing such a thing. She had everyone fooled and most didn't take that well. Insults started throwing at her like a wild fire.

"Security! Security! Get this trash of the runway. She is not worthy of standing here. Get her out of my sight but do not let her leave. I will deal with her after the show." Mrs Osbourne ordered.

She was about to write her own fairy tale and there was no beauty but she was the beast.