Before Ariana could utter a word, Donna snapped, "Mr. Silence, she's the one at fault here! She secretly said something to the client, causing him to cancel the shoot and refuse to work with our model."

“She said something? What exactly did she say? Since you don't know what she said, how are you so sure that this is her fault?" Horace queried, frowning deeply.

“Sir, the fact remains that the shoot was canceled because of her. Why does it matter that-"

"Enough!" Horace shut Donna up before she could finish speaking.

“Before I came here, I received a message from Ivan. He told me a completely different story."

Donna's face changed when she heard this. Flustered, she took a quick peek at Jasper.

Jasper's face darkened.

“The timing of that e-mail is questionable.”

Horace smiled politely, ignoring the sarcasm in his tone, and went on.

“It's simple professional etiquette. It's good that Ivan went out of his way to explain things to the management. According to him, he canceled the shoot because the model spoke ill of his designs and refused to act according to his suggestions. He said that he can't work with such an arrogant and difficult person. Although he wanted to terminate the deal completely, he decided to continue cooperating with SJ Entertainment on the condition that the key model must be changed. And it's all thanks to Ms. Edwards’ timely intervention."

The onlookers began to murmur as soon as they heard this statement. Their opinions of Ariana changed.

Brielle's face darkened. How dare Horace tear her down in the presence of all these people? She was so angry, but she decided to clear her name before things turned sour for her.

“It was just a misunderstanding. I didn't speak ill of the designs, nor did I go against him arrogantly. I just made a simple observation. Ivan is Italian. Perhaps he misunderstood my words because English is not his first language. The interpreter, who was supposed to act as a bridge between us arrived late. It is all her fault!"

Horace was not surprised that Brielle was pinning the blame on someone else.

"I see. Since no one wants to take the blame, I will report this incident to the boss."

Brielle looked horrified. She didn't expect things to get out of hand. She dreaded having to face dire consequences should the matter be tabled by the higher-ups.

She shot a glare at Ariana and stormed out angrily. Her assistants and bodyguards followed her out. The studio became empty all of a sudden.

Jasper's face was gloomy. He walked toward Ariana menacingly, intending to exchange words with her. But Horace stepped between them.

“Mr. Jasper Anderson, your father is waiting for you in his office. I think you should go now."

Jasper snorted and stared daggers at him.