Chapter 1107
No.1
"Of course it was you," she sneered. "Isabella Montgomery. You overreach constantly. What gives you the right to challenge me? Your net worth doesn’t even approach mine!"
Isabella remained silent, letting her rant unfold.
"You lost too, didn’t you? Outbid by ten billion. Pathetic. If you truly wanted it, why not offer twenty? Oh, wait—you can’t."
Seraphina’s laughter was venomous. "You wanted that dress for the Celestial Gala? Dream on. You’ll never win Best Supermodel. That’s my title. You’ll be lucky to present some minor award. How embarrassing—showing up in a masterpiece for a nothing role."
"Except you don’t have the dress! The great Isabella Montgomery, humiliated. Serves you right. You think you deserve D.K.? Never."
Isabella waited until the tirade ended. Her voice was ice-calm. "Perhaps. But if you’re not careful, your entire company will face karma. I’ll acquire it piece by piece."
"Don’t you dare poach my artists!" Seraphina shrieked.
Isabella’s smile was lethal. "Your contracts are legally fragile. One misstep from you, and I’ll dismantle everything you’ve built. Remember that."
She ended the call, the threat hanging in the air.
No.2
Isabella felt the venom in Seraphina’s voice even through the phone. Her expression darkened instantly.
Nathaniel was threatening her with legal action!
If the artists filed a lawsuit, the court would issue a subpoena. Failure to comply would be seen as forfeiting her rights.
How ruthless Nathaniel was! Did she intend to completely obliterate SilverPeak Entertainment?
What chaos!
Just then, Isabella’s assistant approached. “Ms. Delacroix, a woman named Penelope is here to see you. She claims to be Victoria Kensington’s assistant. She asked me to deliver this letter.”
Victoria Kensington?
Isabella frowned. Although she was SilverPeak Entertainment’s director, she only invested for profit and rarely involved herself. Many employees didn’t even know she was the director until recent events exposed her.
As for Victoria, Isabella had only seen her at fashion shows. They were not acquainted. However, the scandals surrounding Victoria had left a strong impression.
No.3
“Why would someone like her seek me out?” Isabella scoffed. “Burn that letter now!”
“But Penelope said this letter can help you defeat Nathaniel,” her assistant insisted.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed slightly. Defeat Nathaniel?
That witch Nathaniel had stolen her spotlight and now threatened to ruin SilverPeak Entertainment! She constantly opposed Isabella. It was time to end this!
With that thought, she took the letter from her assistant.
Opening it, a single word lay quietly on the paper: [Mastiff.]
Isabella’s expression shifted, a sinister smile curling her lips. Victoria did not disappoint. This was a brilliantly malicious plan! She eagerly anticipated how Nathaniel would appear at the Celestial Gala tomorrow night!
Nathaniel was unbothered by her earlier exchange with Isabella. Her focus shifted to tomorrow night’s attire. The Celestial Gala would be her first major ceremony in the modeling industry. It would be her debut recognition in this field.
Moreover, since Seraphina Delacroix wanted to destroy her, it only strengthened Nathaniel’s resolve to prove herself to everyone!
No.4
It was too late for a custom gown. Buying one from a luxury store lacked uniqueness.
Suddenly, two soft knocks sounded at the door.
Nathaniel looked up to see Alexander standing there, seeming to have something to say.
Considering Oliver was asleep, she stepped out and asked softly, “What is it?”
“Hmph. Follow me.” Alexander turned toward the study.
Nathaniel followed him silently.
His tall, strong figure gave off an unusual sense of security. Whenever Nathaniel glanced at him, her heart raced, forcing her to look away.
Inside the study, Alexander picked up a cube-shaped box and handed it to her.
“Open it.” His voice was deep and pleasing.
No.5
She eyed the large matte black box, frowning in curiosity. She reached for it instinctively. Lifting the lid, her pupils dilated in shock.
Inside lay the gown designed by Mr. Ashford! The red dress contrasted exquisitely against the black box. Even folded, the phoenix embroidery was vibrant. The entire phoenix was stitched with pure gold thread, glowing as if alive. This was a masterpiece born from a lifetime of dedication. One glance conveyed its spirit and story.
Nathaniel’s brows furrowed in astonishment. Why did Alexander have this gown? Was he the one who bought it from Mr. Ashford for ten billion?
“That’s right. If you see anything you like soon, tell me immediately,” Nathaniel’s voice was deep and magnetic.
Isabella’s heart fluttered traitorously. He spent ten billion…just because she admired a gown?
She studied his face. “Why are you so generous to me?”
They owed each other nothing. Their relationship was contractual, temporary. She had been clear—she would leave in two months.
Nathaniel’s gaze held a knowing glint. “Are you certain you wish to know the reason?”
That tone. That suggestive depth.
No.6
“Never mind,” Isabella cut in quickly. “I…I should go check on Oliver. Thank you.”
She clutched the elegant box and hurried away.
If she had let him answer, he would have confessed again. Admitted his feelings. Repeated rejections would wound his pride. Better to escape.
Yet, as she carried the precious box containing the item she desired, an unfamiliar warmth spread through her. A quiet joy. Her lips curved into a soft smile without her realizing.
She didn’t notice how much she resembled a smitten young girl.
Only when she passed the full-length mirror in her room did she freeze. The reflection showed a radiant, happy woman. Was that truly her?
Since when had she become this person? And because of Nathaniel Blackwood, of all people. The untouchable, powerful Nathaniel.
Who was he? The undisputed king of Westchester. The formidable head of the Blackwood empire.
Her own wealth paled in comparison. She possessed barely a fraction of his assets.
No.7
What if he discovered the truth about her past? The events five years ago? Would his kindness remain? Would he still look at her with that intensity?
She stared at the large box in her hands. After a long moment, she pulled out her phone and texted her private banker.
(Transfer ten billion to Nathaniel Blackwood’s account.)
(Ten billion?) came the shocked reply.
[Yes. Immediately.)
She didn’t know what came over her earlier. But now, clarity returned. Who was she to accept such an extravagant gift? She was leaving soon. It was better to owe him nothing.
Nathaniel was feeling pleased with himself until his phone buzzed with an alert.
(Your account ending XXX received 1,000,000,000…)