Chapter 1001
No.1
Rage and fear twisted Victoria’s beautiful features into something ugly.
Who could it be?
She typed furiously. [Impossible. I will pay you whatever you want. Remember, I am the Montgomery heiress. You do not want me as an enemy. Cooperate, and your reward will be substantial.]
The reply was instant and merciless. [Nine minutes.]
Victoria’s blood ran cold. She was trapped.
Isabella’s knuckles turned white as she gripped her phone.
She immediately dialed her manager, Gabriella Martinez.
“Find out who sent that anonymous email,” she demanded. “I want their identity within five minutes.”
Isabella was certain she could pressure this person into backing down once she uncovered their details.
No.2
No one crossed her and got away with it.
But…
Five minutes later, Gabriella called back with disappointing news.
“I’m sorry, Isabella. I contacted the top hacker available and used every resource we have. We still couldn’t trace the sender’s IP address.”
“How is that possible?” Isabella’s voice rose sharply, fear taking over. “We have the best team money can buy! How can we fail to crack a simple anonymous IP?”
As the world’s top supermodel, she had access to elite resources and powerful connections. This shouldn’t be happening.
“The hacker is too skilled. Our team’s best couldn’t penetrate their defenses. Isabella, maybe we need another strategy to keep this quiet. If this gets out, your career is over,” Gabriella reasoned, sighing heavily.
Isabella collapsed onto her bed in shock. Gabriella was her most trusted manager and assistant. If even she couldn’t help, no one could.
What options did she have? Hold a press conference and confess? That would be just as damaging as the screenshots going public. Send nudes instead? Her reputation would still be ruined.
No.3
Another email arrived.
[Three minutes left.]
Attached was a screenshot of a drafted Weibo post.
[Supermodel Victoria Kensington paid to have her sister murdered!]
Isabella’s face went pale. Her hands trembled uncontrollably.
If this were exposed, it would make global headlines. She could end up in prison.
[Don’t post it. Wait. I’ll send the photos now.]
She had no choice. She rushed into her bathroom, even grabbing the cucumber she used for her eye mask.
As much as she hated this humiliating act, she saw no other way. The sender was probably some obsessed fan wanting to amuse himself with her photos.
No.4
Even if her nudes leaked, she could claim they were doctored. She might even gain more male fans. This outcome was far better than prison.
Biting her lip, Isabella took the photos.
…
At Rosewood Manor…
Isabella sat cross-legged before her computer, sipping wine.
“Three, two, one.”
Right on cue, a new email appeared.
Isabella smirked. The fish had taken the bait.
No one could blame Victoria for choosing this option, no matter how desperate.
No.5
Suddenly, a man in casual wear entered the study.
He stared coldly at Isabella. “You might have the funds, but remember why you’re really back.”
“I haven’t forgotten. Everything is going according to plan.” Isabella saved the photo while taking another sip.
The man glanced at her screen. “This alone won’t help you defeat Victoria Kensington. You need more fame to take everything from her. Attend the audition tomorrow.”
He tossed a file onto her desk and left.
Isabella picked it up. It was documents for the Chanel audition.
Chanel, an iconic luxury brand, was hosting its 10th Annual Jewelry Show at The Grand Mariner in Mount Claire. They were seeking a supermodel for the grand finale—a role that could make or break a model’s career.
Isabella scanned the list of candidates. Besides Victoria, the other 49 were world-famous supermodels—regulars at Milan Fashion Week and Victoria’s Secret shows.
Isabella was new to the industry, having just returned from abroad. Yet this man had secured her a spot in this elite audition.
No.6
He knew what he was doing.
Isabella organized the folder, her eyes returning to the photo on her screen. A sly smile spread across her face.
Tomorrow would be interesting.
Victoria’s reputation was on the line.
The next morning arrived with Gabriella Martinez pulling up to the Kensington estate.
Victoria Kensington stood ready in her finest gown, her face perfectly made up. Eleanor Kensington walked her to the door. "I'm so sorry, darling, but I can't accompany you to the audition today. Your father and I have an urgent project meeting. We're both rooting for you, though! Break a leg and secure that final appearance. Mommy knows you're the most talented one there!"
"Thank you, Mommy." They shared a brief, tight hug before Victoria slid into the waiting car.
The moment the door shut, Victoria's sweet, innocent smile vanished. A cold, calculating expression took its place.
Anxiety had been eating at her ever since Isabella Montgomery returned. Victoria knew the terrible truth: Her real birth mother was executed just three days after her delivery. Desperate for her child to have a better life, the woman had switched Victoria with Eleanor's actual daughter. Poor Isabella was left abandoned on the streets.
No.7
Would Eleanor still love her if she discovered the deception?
Seeing Victoria's troubled face, Gabriella assumed she was still upset about the previous night. "Don't let it get to you. It's just one photo," she said, trying to sound reassuring. "Even if it leaked, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Your focus should be on clinching that final appearance spot. Everyone who's anyone will be at the show tomorrow. Rumor has it a Blackwood might even attend. Landing this role would skyrocket your value. No one would even remember that birthday party incident."
"I'm aware." Victoria gave a curt nod.
The events of last night no longer troubled her. The hacker was probably just another obsessed pervert, like so many of her deranged fans. Since nothing was released immediately, it was unlikely to surface now. They probably just wanted the photos for their private collection.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Gabriella added. "When I checked the participant list this morning, I saw Isabella Montgomery's name. The girl just got back to the country and has zero modeling experience. It's honestly laughable that she even signed up!"
Instead of joining in the mockery, Victoria’s brow furrowed at the mention of Isabella. Right. She had threatened to take everything from Victoria. Of course she would show up here, trying to compete. But she was utterly out of her depth against a supermodel like Victoria.
A sneer of pure disdain twisted her lips. Today, she would dazzle the audience. She would make them adore her. She would show Isabella exactly how far out of her league she truly was.
Inside The Ritz-Carlton's Grand Ballroom, a long T-stage dominated the space. Luxurious chairs surrounded it, occupied by hosts, elite designers, and deep-pocketed sponsors.