"When sabotage is just another form of matchmaking."
The summit event description sounded promising enough.
"True Beauty Challenge: Inner vs Outer Compatibility"
Ava thought it might finally be a session about real, meaningful connection.
She should have known better.
The reality?
A pop-up runway had been erected in the Grand Mirae Center's ballroom, complete with glittering lights, a shallow mirrored walkway, and velvet ropes.
Clipboards were handed out.
Clients were asked to rate potential matches based on:
Physical attractiveness,
Presentation style,
And only afterward, inner personality.
In other words:
Beauty first, substance later.
Ava's stomach churned.
She stood at the edge of the runway, arms crossed, heels clicking impatiently against polished marble.
Ryan sidled up beside her, sipping a coffee he'd somehow charmed out of the summit staff.
"They've officially turned love into a game show," he said under his breath.
