Chapter 1303
No.1
Victoria took her mother's hand, her tone soft and pleading. "Mother, we grew up together. Through everything, I will always care for her. I truly believe love can change a person. She will see my sincerity one day and return to the family. We can be a real family again! Staying cooped up here just lets my mind wander to dark places. Please, let me do the Auto Show."
She finished with a coquettish pout, still clinging to Eleanor's hand. Eleanor sighed in exasperated defeat. "Fine. I can never say no to you. But remember this. If she dares to bully you this time, I will not stand idly by. I will mobilize the full force of the Kensington family against her. I will drive her straight out of Westchester for good!"
"I'll remember. Thank you, Mother." Victoria melted into her embrace, a mask of pure glee on her face. Those exact words were what she needed to hear. She had to utterly destroy Isabella before the Kensingtons ever discovered the truth.
The moment Eleanor left, Victoria snatched her phone. A message from Gabriella Martinez glowed on the screen.
[Victoria, I deliberately leaked that contract to Lady Kensington. I wanted to stoke her hatred for Isabella. Use this chance wisely.]
No.2
Victoria's fingers flew across the screen.
[Don't worry. She despises Isabella completely now. She even vowed to use all the family's power to exile her from Westchester. This time, we cannot let Isabella turn the tables! I have a detailed plan, but I need you to handle it personally. We can't trust anyone else. This is critical. No one can know about this except us!]
(Understood! I'll handle it myself!) Gabriella typed back immediately.
Victoria sent the intricate plan. Gabriella read it, her frown deepening. If it worked, Isabella would be completely ruined, facing at least five years in prison. But if it failed… She understood now why Victoria demanded her personal involvement. Every single detail was vital. There was no room for error.
In the following days, Isabella and the other top models were immersed in intense preparations. Nathaniel Blackwood, wanting to shield her from clashes, arranged for her to practice separately. Throughout the entire training period, Isabella saw no one, not even Victoria. The peace was a welcome respite. In her spare time, she assisted Adrian Sinclair with managing GoldenPhoenix Entertainment and continued her investigation into the events from five years ago.
No.3
She had already scrutinized every guest present at The Ritz-Carlton that fateful day. Even Victoria's role had been uncovered, yet the trail for that man had gone cold. It seemed Victoria was the only one who held the key to the truth.
Isabella set down the list of names, a dark shadow passing through her eyes. Since the investigation had hit a wall, the next step was to extract the information directly from Victoria. The Auto Show presented the perfect opportunity.
Before she knew it, the day of the Mercedes Auto Show arrived. The backstage was a whirlwind of top international supermodels, all blonde and blue-eyed. Victoria had arrived too.
Every top model's eyes locked onto Victoria Kensington. Whispers spread through the room like wildfire.
“Who is she? Mercedes never hires local talent for their main shows.”
No.4
“She looks familiar. Maybe a second-tier model?”
“Didn’t she completely bomb the Guci campaign? They say she’s poison for endorsements now.”
“How did someone like her even get into the Mercedes Auto Show?”
Their mocking tones cut deep. Victoria’s fists clenched at her sides. They were targeting every one of her failures. Rubbing her public humiliation in her face.
These women were legends. Each had a mantle full of major awards. Victoria had two top model trophies herself. But one was bought through connections. The other was...tainted.
No.5
In raw talent, she couldn't match them. Not truly.
Victoria took a sharp breath. She addressed them in their native language, a skill she’d painstakingly mastered. “I was just as surprised to get this opportunity. I didn’t fight for it. My sister secured the spot for me.”
“Your sister?” A wave of shock passed through the group.
“Yes,” Victoria said smoothly. “You didn’t know? She’s this year’s lead model. For the gold race car. I have so much admiration for her. So young. No major awards to her name, yet here she is.”
Murmurs erupted. “A special relationship with the organizer, no doubt.”
No.6
“I don’t believe those rumors,” Victoria countered, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “She’s incredibly gifted. You’ll see when you meet her. You’ll understand.” She turned. “Isadora, let’s go change.” Her agent, Isadora Vasquez, nodded and guided her away.
Eleven stunned supermodels were left in her wake. The organizer had kept the lead model a secret. They’d all assumed it was a global superstar. Not some unknown rookie.
A nobody stealing the spotlight from true icons? Unforgivable.
Seraphina Delacroix, the most famous model present, studied Victoria. She seemed familiar. That girl from the Chanel finale... Isabella Montgomery had stolen Victoria’s moment then. Now, she’d snatched the Auto Show’s top role. She was always eclipsing Victoria.
The sharp click of heels echoed in the hallway. Seraphina’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s teach her a lesson.” Unified nods answered her. A common enemy united them.
No.7
The door swung open. Isabella Montgomery entered. She wore sleek black bell-bottom trousers and a crimson crop top. Her presence was electric, commanding the room. Hostile glares followed her every move. She ignored them completely. Her gaze was fixed ahead, dismissive of the gathered royalty of the fashion world. She moved toward her designated vanity.
A timid makeup artist approached. “Good afternoon, Ms. Montgomery. I’m your assigned artist for today. These are your accessories.” She laid out a pair of earrings, a watch, and other items.
“Leave us,” Seraphina commanded the artist. She advanced, her coterie of tall, blonde, blue-eyed models forming a formidable wall around Isabella. Their combined height and fury created an intimidating atmosphere.
The makeup artist fled, seeking refuge in a corner.
From the changing room doorway, Victoria watched. A sly smile touched her lips. Crossing Seraphina Delacroix was a fatal mistake. Isabella was finished.