Chapter 1090
No.1
“Her mother was trapped inside.”
“She rushed back.”
Dominic’s tone was flat.
“I verified the story.”
“It checks out.”
So even Vivienne didn’t know who entered the room.
Nathaniel’s eyes turned stormy.
Downstairs, Isabella entered the dressing room.
A figure stood inside.
No.2
Elegant. Poised.
Vivienne Delacroix wore a silk halterneck dress.
Pearlescent fabric hugged her curves.
Her skin glowed.
Long curls cascaded down her back.
She looked like a movie star.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed.
Why was Vivienne here?
McKenzie spoke to McAmor in a hushed, honeyed tone.
No.3
Isabella couldn't help recalling the rumors linking McKenzie to Nathaniel. A faint unease stirred within her. She quickly suppressed it and approached them.
McKenzie happened to be standing right at Isabella's vanity. Isabella had no choice but to politely say, "Excuse me, ladies."
McAmor glanced over. "Isabella's here, Sister. She's the new face of our collection."
McKenzie didn't even look Isabella's way. She kept her focus on McAmor. "Then it's settled. You must attend our tech awards ceremony in two days." With that, she swept out of the room with an elegant grace, her gaze never once drifting toward Isabella or her surroundings.
The sharp click of her heels echoed through the space. Each tap seemed to resonate deep within the hearts of everyone present. All eyes followed her with pure admiration. McKenzie's aura was overwhelmingly powerful and flawless. From head to toe, she was the picture of perfection. Her skin was as fair and smooth as milk foam, like delicate porcelain crafted by the heavens themselves.
It was Isabella's first time witnessing such innate nobility and grace. McKenzie's prestige was in a league of its own. If one were to compare her to the ever-popular Victoria, McKenzie made Victoria seem cheap and utterly lacking in refinement. If Victoria was a pristine white lotus raised in a sheltered greenhouse, then Isabella was a hardy piranha, weathered by storms and scorching sun.
In that context, McKenzie was a phoenix soaring above the clouds, untouched by earthly dust. Her elegance and nobility were cultivated from a lifetime of privilege, a blessing very few ever experienced.
Isabella took her seat at the vanity, her eyes narrowing slightly. Perhaps only a woman of such perfect elegance could truly be a match for Nathaniel. A woman like that probably didn't even believe in something as trivial as 'love'.
"Isabella, you need to give your absolute best for the main advertisement shoot today," McAmor told her. "My sister has never taken much interest in my work before. But when she heard you were the ambassador, she came to see for herself."
No.4
After the events of the previous day, McAmor had newfound confidence in Isabella. Her tone was now more assured and calm.
Isabella gave a noncommittal hum, her mind racing. 'Her sister showed no previous interest, but came because of me? Yet McKenzie completely ignored my presence. Something doesn't add up here...'
Once her makeup was done, Isabella and the crew headed out early to capture the dawn light for the first shots.
Meanwhile, Victoria tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She was anxiously waiting for news from Manager Brown. She had a press release ready, prepared to expose Isabella's scandalous personal life and her affairs with younger men to the world. Even if not everyone believed it, Victoria would be satisfied if it tarnished Isabella's reputation just a little.
But after a whole night of waiting, the only update from Ronnie was that Manager Brown had been fired! By Nathaniel himself!
It was over. All her meticulous planning, her ten million dollars—everything was wasted.
That very same day, footage of Isabella in the gowns went viral. Isabella looked breathtakingly alluring and captivating in the morning light. It didn't take long for her to become the center of attention once again.
Argh! Unacceptable! Victoria couldn't stand it. With everyone fawning over Isabella, her popularity kept skyrocketing. Victoria had to bring her down. She had to destroy her completely. Remembering her backup plan, Victoria grabbed her phone and called Alexander.
He answered on the third ring, his voice flat. "I'm in a meeting. What is it?"
No.5
Ever since that disastrous day, the day of her punishment, Alexander had been giving her the cold shoulder. Victoria felt a pang of heartache, but she masked it with a sweet, gentle tone. "Alexander, darling, I called to say goodbye. I've done so many terrible things lately. I don't even recognize myself anymore. I've decided to go to the countryside to reflect and find myself again."
"The countryside?" Alexander frowned. "You've never lived outside the city. What could you possibly do in a place like that?"
“Since everyone despises me now, I need time alone for self-reflection. While I’m away, Alexander darling, you must do everything to win Isabella over.”
Victoria paused briefly, then continued in an even sweeter tone. “Even though my sister lost her purity, had a child, and recently became Nathaniel’s mistress… she’s still remarkable. If you can be with her—even if not for her fortune—it’s far better than being with someone like me.”
“What nonsense are you saying? How could I ever fall for a promiscuous, morally bankrupt woman like her?”
Alexander thought of Isabella’s actions and felt a wave of disgust. “When are you leaving? I’ll take you to the airport.”
“No need, my love. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself. Don’t overwork. Even if you don’t like Isabella, you must pursue her. Her assets will secure your position in the Whitmore family. Call me anytime—I’ll always support you.”
Victoria hung up, her voice dripping with false sweetness. A smug, satisfied smile spread across her face.
‘No man can resist a woman who knows how to play sweet and vulnerable. Did Alexander really think he could forget me? Impossible!’
No.6
She began packing immediately. Her new plan was to retreat to the countryside temporarily. She would return in glory one month later.
Meanwhile, Alexander was troubled by Victoria’s words. Despite his coldness, she still supported him selflessly. Yes, Victoria had made mistakes, but her intentions were always to help him. Unlike Isabella…
His eyes fell on a report from Harrison: Last night, Isabella checked into The Ritz-Carlton. Nathaniel arrived just before midnight.
They spent the night together.
Disgraceful! She was still technically his fiancée, yet she spent the night with another man! What did her beauty matter? She was nothing like Victoria! Still… given his current situation, he needed Isabella’s shares and her diamond connections. She held twenty-five percent of the Montgomery Group stock.
Suppressing his revulsion, he ordered Harrison, “Prepare a gift basket. I’m going to The Ritz-Carlton.”
“Right away, sir.”
At The Ritz-Carlton.
Nathaniel had already left when Isabella returned from her morning shoot. Exhausted, she headed straight to bed. Less than an hour later, an insistent doorbell jerked her awake.
No.7
She dragged herself to the door and checked the peephole. Alexander stood outside, looking arrogantly impatient.
Him again? He actually showed up?
Isabella had no intention of opening the door. But she knew Alexander—he would keep ringing until she gave in.
She yanked the door open. “What do you want?”
Hearing her annoyed tone, Alexander felt another surge of disgust. How could she ever compare to Victoria?
He forced a pleasant expression. “I heard you’re here for a shoot. I brought lunch—your favorite.”
He tried to step inside, but Isabella blocked the doorway. “No stray animals allowed. If you’re just delivering food, you can leave now.” Her voice was ice.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Isabella, you let another man into your room, but you refuse me? Have you forgotten we’re still engaged?”
“Engaged?” Isabella let out a cold, mocking laugh. Her gaze was sharp and dismissive. “Did that thought ever cross your mind while you were wrapped up with Victoria? What gives you the right to question me now?”