Backstage, Lauren Shaw was bustling about, barely able to catch her breath. This launch wasn’t just attracting big names from the fashion world—seasoned supermodels were walking too, including Claire Xu.
As the brand’s spokesperson, Li Qiuchi definitely wouldn’t miss this show.
The audience seats were already packed. The entire Shen family had shown up. Mrs. Chen sat in the front row, holding her granddaughter, with Shen Wenting beside her; the three Shen brothers clustered together, a presence impossible to ignore.
"The Shen family sure takes this show seriously. They came out in full force."
"Of course they did, it’s Third Young Madam Shen’s claim to fame. Take a look around—most of the guests here are internationally renowned."
"You have to admit, the Third Young Madam really has some skill. In just a few short years, she’s built her brand into a household name."
"Well, don’t forget she has the Shen family backing her. With that support, it’s harder not to get famous!"
"When you get down to it, she only has this success because of the Shens. Honestly, I don’t think she’s that talented. With those designs of hers, I could do just as well."
As the saying goes, when some sing your praises, others are bound to tear you down. Public opinion was divided in the audience.
A snide, sarcastic voice suddenly sounded from behind, interrupting the little group’s chatter.
"Yeah, sure, she has the Shen family behind her—but the thing is, she actually has talent! Even with ten Shen families, someone as untalented as you would never make it."
"That’s not so certain. Someone dumb as a brick like her—give her a hundred Shen families, and she still wouldn’t make it."
"You…" The woman who’d just been talking turned around, ready to spit out some harsh words. But when she saw who it was, her tongue twisted.
Sophia Chandler arched her brows defiantly, completely fearless.
Her companion tugged at her sleeve, whispering, "That’s the reporter everyone knows from TV. Don’t mess with her."
After an awkward pause, the woman swapped seats with her friend, sliding away from Sophia Chandler.
Sophia Chandler gave a cold snort, turning to Ian Lawrence by her side, clearly annoyed. "Some people, huh? Can’t stand to see others succeed—like they’ve got chronic jealousy, always gossiping behind your back."
"Alright, don’t get upset. Getting worked up is bad for the little one," Ian Lawrence soothed in a gentle tone. The couple seemed in perfect sync, matching each other effortlessly.
Everyone kept whispering and speculating, but the man seated in the back row stayed silent throughout.
The show’s opening was about to begin. In an instant, the house lights darkened, except for the runway, bathed in light. The music turned up, electrifying the crowd. Models strode out, keeping time with the beat, treating the audience to an absolute visual feast.
Mrs. Chen’s face glowed with pride. After all, today both her daughters-in-law were center stage.
When Lauren Shaw came out for her curtain call, Yancy Shaw’s gaze found her—and never moved. In his eyes, there was only Lauren Shaw.
In the back row, a man’s eyes burned as he watched her onstage. Lauren Shaw tonight seemed cloaked in light, shining for all the world to see.
He'd never seen her like this before, and now, he finally realized just how dazzling she truly was.
On stage, Lauren Shaw first glanced Yancy Shaw’s way, then blew a kiss to Shen Mu’an, her face blooming with maternal warmth.
With a microphone in hand and a radiant smile, she spoke passionately about founding her brand and the journey that brought her here…
In closing, her gaze lingered tenderly on Yancy Shaw. "Honestly, I owe all of this to my husband. He’s always supported me from behind the scenes, letting me throw my heart and soul into my work."
Bryce Shaw looked at Yancy Shaw with interest. Seeing his brother so at ease, he joked, "Shengsheng just said so much—don’t you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Last time, Second Sister-in-law praised you all the way through the film festival too, and I didn’t see you do anything then!"
But Yancy Shaw’s gaze stayed fixed on Lauren Shaw, holding on until she turned and disappeared backstage.
Bryce Shaw clicked his tongue. "Never thought I’d see the day. You used to be so cold and disinterested, but a single Lauren Shaw turned you inside out. Love really is a magical thing."
Yancy Shaw shot him a cool glance. "I never thought you’d be like this either."
Nathan Shaw couldn’t hold back a laugh, "Both of you are birds of a feather. Who are you to tease each other?"
"To be honest, the three of you brothers are all hopeless romantics," Mrs. Chen said with a rich, gentle laugh. There was no hiding her good mood today.
Little Shen Mu’an waved her chubby hands from Mrs. Chen’s lap, piping up in her sweet baby voice, "Daddy, hold!"
That little voice wasn’t just melting Yancy Shaw’s heart—even Bryce Shaw and Nathan Shaw felt the urge to swoon. This little one was just too adorable for her own good.
Yancy Shaw took Shen Mu’an in his arms, his tone softening, "An’an, should we go find Mommy?"
"Yes, go find Mommy!" Shen Mu’an clapped her tiny hands, her chubby cheeks almost unbearably kissable.
What an unbelievably precious sight.
As Yancy Shaw carried his daughter backstage, Mrs. Chen eyed Bryce Shaw and Nathan Shaw meaningfully.
"So, when are you two—big brothers, mind you—going to do something about it?" Mrs. Chen began her matchmaking campaign again.
Catching on, Bryce Shaw quickly said, "I’m going backstage to check on Qiuchi. Mom, why don’t you stay here and chat with eldest brother?" Without waiting for Mrs. Chen to protest, he slipped away in a flash.
When Yancy Shaw arrived backstage with Mu’an in his arms, he ran into Claire Xu, who promptly whisked the little girl away to play. Yancy Shaw went off to find Lauren Shaw.
Backstage, Lauren Shaw was sorting samples. When she heard Yancy Shaw’s voice, she set down her work, walked to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck in a rare show of sweet affection.
"Honey, thank you."
Yancy Shaw’s hands naturally found her waist, his brows lifting a bit. "For what?"
"Thank you…" Lauren Shaw thought for a moment and then blinked playfully, "Thank you for spoiling me so much."
"Oh? And how are you going to thank me for that?" His voice dropped a register, teasing.
Lauren Shaw’s hand traced lightly across his chest, "Well, how would you like me to thank you?"
He leaned down, lips near her ear, and murmured, "Why don’t you pay me back… privately…?"