Chapter 165: **The Purple Snail**

"Roy, what the hell do you mean?" Lucas Zeller glared at his friend with a mix of frustration and confusion. "First, you tell me not to pick her up, and now you're saying I don't have to go? Are you messing with me?"

"Messing with you? Wouldn't dream of it." Roy Lin scoffed, leaning back against the armrest. "Claire and Blaine are already on the plane. That's why I said you don't need to go."

"You're lying!" Lucas spun around, his voice rising with anger. "I clearly heard Lauren say their flight was tomorrow. How could they already be on the plane today?"

"Because Claire has given up on you," Roy replied, standing to face him. "She asked Blaine to leave a day earlier. Got it now? She doesn't want to see you anymore. And frankly, I don't either. My patience with you has run dry. I'm taking my leave—consider it a belated honeymoon I'm owed."

"Damn it!" Lucas grabbed Roy by the collar, his frustration boiling over. "You knew she was leaving today, and you didn't tell me?!"

"I only found out 20 minutes before their flight, thanks to Blaine's call." Roy gestured for Lucas to loosen his grip. "Now let go, will you?"

Lucas released him abruptly, collapsing back onto the couch, his head hanging low. "I was planning to pick her up tonight… but she left early… I never wanted to break up, let alone divorce her…"

Roy stared at Lucas's sudden despondency, unsure how to react. After a pause, he sighed. "I don't even know what to say to you right now. If you didn't want a breakup, why didn't you go after her sooner? Or better yet, why didn't you control your temper that day? You abandoned Claire at Blaine's house and then jumped to conclusions about their relationship. That's seriously low."

"Are you done mocking me?" Lucas snapped, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Did Blaine say when they'll be back?"

Roy shook his head.

"Why didn't you ask?"

"You didn't tell me to." Roy shrugged and headed for the door. "Claire wants you to have your freedom. Oh, and I meant what I said—I'm taking that honeymoon leave."

"Take it already! Stop nagging!" Lucas bellowed after him. His mind, however, was elsewhere—fixated on the divorce papers Claire had left behind. Whatever her reasons for handing him those papers, he refused to believe she was truly done with him.

He clung to the hope that she would return once the competition was over.

---

The **Starlight Design Competition**, a dazzling event showcasing Asia's top stylists, was in full swing. The venue buzzed with energy as the crowd awaited the announcement of the grand prize winner.

"And now," the announcer declared, holding the audience in suspense, "the winner of the Asian Styling Design Championship is… Blaine Jackson of the Blaine Creations Studio!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers as Blaine stepped forward to accept his trophy. However, it wasn't just the champion that caught everyone's attention. Standing beside him was Claire Grace, her stunning outfit shimmering under the lights. Her fitted, purple sequined dress accentuated every curve, while her glossy black hair was styled into a unique design resembling a snail shell—a look that captivated every eye in the room.

Even before Blaine's masterpiece had been unveiled, the spotlight hadn't left Claire. Camera flashes seemed to follow her every move, capturing the elegance she exuded.

With tears glistening in her eyes, Claire turned to Blaine, her voice trembling with emotion. "Blaine… Is it true? Did they just announce you as the winner?"

Blaine nodded, his sharp eyes glowing with quiet pride.

"Yes! I'm so happy for you!" Unable to contain herself, Claire threw her arms around him. "You're incredible, Blaine. You actually won!"

"I couldn't have done it without you," Blaine said warmly. "Your trust in me made it all possible."

"By the way, Blaine," Claire stepped back and pointed to her hair. "Why haven't you ever styled my hair like this before? I mean, a snail shell? Really?"

Blaine chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Because you've always been a snail, Claire. And this look? This 'Purple Snail'? It'll make you famous—if you're interested in becoming a brand ambassador."

Before Claire could respond, the competition's host interrupted their moment. "Blaine, could you share the inspiration behind the 'Purple Snail' design? Everyone here is dying to know."

"It's my pleasure."

With his signature poise and charisma, Blaine addressed the crowd, answering every question with ease and confidence. His charming demeanor kept the audience enthralled.

As Blaine wrapped up, a striking woman stepped onto the stage. Dressed in a bold, glamorous outfit, she introduced herself in fluent French. "Mr. Jackson, is this stunning model your exclusive muse? Our company, the Paris-based *Charm Wild CN Cosmetics*, would love to collaborate with her as our brand ambassador."

Blaine's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Miss Sophie Leroux, Vice President of *Charm Wild CN*. Are you trying to steal my assistant?"

"Your assistant?" Sophie raised an elegant brow before switching to fluent English. "Well, if she's only your assistant, then surely this can be negotiated?"

"Wait, you two know each other?" Claire asked, her curiosity piqued by Sophie's familiarity with Blaine.

"Not well," Sophie replied with a cryptic smile.

Blaine stepped in, amused. "Sophie may not know me, but she knows my brother quite well. She's his girlfriend."

Claire blinked in surprise. "Oh…"

Blaine leaned closer, speaking just loud enough for Claire to hear. "I wasn't kidding earlier. If you're interested in becoming a spokesperson, this could be your big break. *Charm Wild CN* is one of Europe's top ten cosmetics brands. Think about it."

Claire hesitated. A brand ambassador?

Before she could decide, Blaine grinned and ushered her offstage. "No rush. Let's celebrate first—you helped me win this championship."