Chapter 1294
No.1
While Isabella slept deeply, Julian was tearing his hair out.
He had posted the lightly retouched photos per her instructions. The comments section erupted with criticism.
Her most devoted fans offered no support.
[Ms. Montgomery, I truly admire you. But these photos are painfully average. I can't defend them.]
[The plain white background might symbolize purity, I suppose?]
This remark silenced further discussion.
Julian felt a headache brewing. He couldn't decipher Isabella's strategy. He wanted to assist but felt utterly useless.
Watching her get torn apart online was agonizing. As her manager, he felt completely inadequate.
Cassandra handed him a glass of water. "Julian, it's one in the morning," she reminded him gently.
No.2
"Right. Sorry for keeping you," he replied.
He pocketed his phone and stood up. "Thanks for your help today. I owe you a meal."
"I'll hold you to that. Now get some rest," Cassandra said with a soft smile.
Julian turned and left.
Cassandra watched his retreating figure, her hands tightening slightly.
His politeness always carried a formal distance.
He only sought her out for work-related matters.
Long after he departed, Cassandra finally stirred. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts.
Victoria's number glowed on the screen. She hesitated.
No.3
After an internal struggle, she tossed her phone onto the couch.
She couldn't bring herself to sabotage his friend, even if that friend was her rival.
Victoria would hear from Gabriella regardless.
"Victoria, check your laptop! Look at Isabella's Twitter. Try to figure out what she's playing at."
Victoria frowned in confusion. "What's happening?"
She opened her laptop and logged into Twitter.
Gabriella explained impatiently, "She posted these bizarre photos... I can't even describe them. Just see for yourself!"
Victoria grew more puzzled. Were Isabella's photos somehow superior?
She searched for Isabella's profile. The underwhelming images made her frown.
No.4
The entire internet mocked the mediocre shots. They weren't terrible, just utterly forgettable. Isabella looked like any ordinary passerby.
The contrast made Victoria's red dress photoshoot shine brighter. Netizens praised her to the heavens.
"What is Isabella trying to pull?" Victoria wondered aloud.
"Who knows? Has she lost her mind? She should be competing with better work or attacking you. Instead, she posts this blandness?" Gabriella sounded equally confused.
Victoria studied the photos again. She still couldn't discern any strategy.
A deep sense of foreboding settled in her stomach. Something terrible felt imminent.
Victoria feared this might push Isabella over the edge.
She attempted reassurance. “Don’t stress, Tiff. Think about it—Isabella has no agency backing, no professional team, and definitely no retoucher. Those photos are her own undoing. You’ll dominate the Guci editorial. Winning your third Top Model will cement your legacy.”
“I hope you’re right…”
No.5
Victoria’s nerves were still frayed. “Stay vigilant. Watch Isabella closely. Report anything unusual to me immediately.”
“Of course.”
She ended the call, her expression tense. Anxiety gnawed at her.
Victoria knew Isabella too well. Every move was calculated. There had to be a reason behind those photos.
She couldn’t decipher the motive. Eliminating Isabella from the industry was the only safe move.
Her eyes hardened with resolve. She quickly dialed Alexander.
His voice, deep and smooth, answered. “Victoria, you’re up early.”
“I had a nightmare. You reconciled with my sister and abandoned me.” Her tone was laced with feigned distress.
Alexander soothed her. “Silly, I’d never choose someone so arrogant. You’re the only one for me, my darling.”
No.6
“Thank you, Alexander. I needed to hear that.” Her voice softened. “What’s your plan for Isabella? Is she testing you?”
He scoffed. “A woman who’s had an abortion playing the innocent? Please. I’m securing the diamond mine and her shares first. The paperwork is priority.”
Disgust dripped from his words.
Victoria murmured agreement. “Hurry and lock her down before some fortune hunter swoops in. At least we’re family. We won’t harm her unless forced.”
“I’ll handle it.” Alexander hung up, his lips curling in contempt.
Suitors for that ice queen? They must be desperate.
Victoria was right. The assets needed securing immediately.
Once married, Isabella would be powerless. A docile housewife entirely under their control.
He called Harrison. “Get the Jade Palace breakfast special. Meet me at Rosewood Manor’s underground parking.”
No.7
At Rosewood Manor, Isabella was jolted awake by the landline.
She ignored it, but the relentless ringing shattered her sleep.
Grudgingly, she answered. “What is it?” She stifled a yawn.
Maxwell’s concerned voice filled the line. “Boss Montgomery, did you really post those photos? The entire internet is mocking you. They’re calling you a fraud. A ninety-nine layers of makeup phony.”
The Guci editorial face-off is happening in forty-eight hours. Why aren't you making a move? I’m ready to assist you with anything, anytime. I guarantee I can capture your photos a thousand times better.
Isabella stretched lazily. Is that the only reason you called me at this hour?
Absolutely! We’re furious on your behalf. You’re stunning—those internet trolls have no right to judge you. You’re our boss, the one and only. No one gets to tear you down like that! Maxwell’s voice vibrated with anger.
Isabella remained unbothered, rubbing her eyes calmly. I spoke with Julian Hawthorne yesterday. This was my plan all along. I know what I’m doing. You’ll understand my strategy during the editorial. Relay this to the team: do not interfere. Stop worrying.
She ended the call without another word.