"Paulina, what's going on here?" Meesha asked, her eyes locked on Paulina's.

Paulina turned, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Mind your own business, Meesha. This doesn't concern you," she snapped.

Meesha's gaze never wavered, her expression unwavering. "Actually, it does. Why are you bullying her?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled.

Paulina shrugged, her voice dripping with disdain. "It's none of your business! Go away!" 

Meesha's raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Paulina, remember I'm your senior in this industry. I've earned respect and recognition. You, on the other hand, are just starting out. I can get you fired with a single phone call. Your rich family won't be able to save you," she said, her voice firm but measured.

Paulina snorted, her expression incredulous. "Impossible!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with arrogance.

Just then, Vanessa appeared, her eyes scanning the scene before settling on Meesha. "What's going on here?" she asked.

Paulina quickly played the victim, her eyes welling up with tears. "Meesha's harassing me!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Vanessa's expression turned cold, her eyes flashing with anger. "Meesha, stay out of this. Paulina is under my guidance," she said, her voice menacing.

Meesha scoffed, her expression incredulous. "I won't stand by while Paulina bullies someone. That's not what this industry should be about."

Vanessa turned to Paulina. "Paulina, darling, don't let Meesha intimidate you. You did nothing wrong," she said, her voice filled with condescension.

Paulina's face lit up with gratitude, her eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks, Senior Vanessa."

Meesha's eyes narrowed, her expression disgusted. "You're supporting this behavior?" she asked.

Vanessa smirked, her expression smug. "I'm supporting my protégée. You're just jealous of Paulina's potential."

The young model, still shaking, spoke up, her voice trembling. "B-but Senior Meesha's telling the truth. Paulina's been bullying me all day," she said, her eyes welling up with tears.

Vanessa's gaze dismissed the girl. "No one asked you."

Meesha's expression flashed with annoyance. "You're enabling Paulina's entitlement?"

Vanessa shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "In this industry, you need to be ruthless to succeed. Paulina understands that."

"Paulina, darling, let's go," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness, as she led Paulina away.

As Vanessa and Paulina left, Meesha turned to the girl, her expression softening with kindness. "And what's your name?" she asked, her voice warm and gentle.

The girl's voice trembled, her eyes still shining with tears. "S-sarah," she stuttered.

Meesha's face lit up with a warm smile. "Sarah, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Sarah nodded, her tears welling up again. "Senior Meesha, t-thank you for standing up for me," she said.

Meesha's gaze never left Sarah's face, her eyes shining with empathy. "You don't have to thank me, Sarah. No one deserves to be bullied," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Meesha smiled. "You're talented, Sarah. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise," she said with conviction.

Sarah's eyes shone with gratitude, her face lighting up with a timid smile. Meesha also smiled back. She guided Sarah to a quiet corner, away from the bustling backstage area.

"Tell me about yourself, Sarah," Meesha said, her voice warm and inviting, as they sat down on a plush couch.

Sarah thought timidly before asking, "What do you want to know?" Her eyes were wide with curiosity.

Meesha leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "Hmm… Let's see. How old are you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Sarah hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm nineteen."

Meesha nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Are you in high school?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Sarah shook her head, her eyes cast downward. "No, I graduated last year."

Meesha's brows furrowed, her expression curious. "So you must be in college then?" she asked, her voice laced with assumption.

Sarah hesitated before speaking, her eyes cast downward. "No," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You're not? Why?" Meesha asked.

"I…I come from a poor family. My parents struggled to make ends meet. I couldn't afford college," Sarah replied, her voice cracking with emotion.

Meesha's expression softened, empathy etched on her face. "I see," she said gently. "So you went into modeling instead?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Sarah nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Yes. It's a passion, and I also use it to support my family. But things haven't been working out for me in the industry," she said.

Meesha thought for a while, her expression thoughtful. Then, she offered, "I'll sign you under my agency. You'll get better opportunities that way."

Sarah's eyes widened, her eyes gleaming with hope. "R-really?" she stuttered.

Meesha smiled, her voice filled with assurance. "Yes. It's the least I can do to help. And besides, I've seen you on the runway before. You have good talent," she said, her eyes shining with sincerity.

Sarah's face lit up, her gratitude pouring out. "Thank you, Senior Meesha. Thank you so much," she said, her voice overflowing with emotion.

Meesha smiled, waving off her thanks. "No need to thank me. You're like a little sister to me. Call me Sister Meesha instead."

Sarah nodded obediently. "Okay, Sister Meesha."

As promised, Meesha secured Sarah spots in top runway shows. She also helped Sarah's family buy a cozy new house. Sarah's parents thanked Meesha tearfully.

"We can't repay your kindness," Sarah's mother said, her voice choked.

Meesha waved it off, her eyes shining. "Just see Sarah succeed," she replied.