Chapter 1534
No.1
In theory, summer could be both refreshing and vibrant.
But she had forgotten how a warm color like red could create such a stifling visual effect.
Victoria glanced at Isabella, her eyes gleaming with hidden triumph.
The Crimson Blaze collection was clearly better suited for autumn.
Releasing it in summer was a commercial death sentence.
No one would buy these clothes, no matter how good the photos turned out.
“Sister, I’m starting my shoot now,” Victoria said sweetly.
“Good luck with yours.”
Her words dripped with false sincerity, her true meaning clear.
No.2
Isabella ignored her completely and walked directly toward the photographer.
Designer Colette Duvall hurried after her, her face etched with worry.
“This collection might… cause some problems for you.”
“Are you absolutely sure you’re comfortable with it?”
“We haven’t even begun,” Isabella replied, her voice calm and confident.
“How can you be so sure we’ll fail?”
“A designer who lacks faith in her own creations will never succeed.”
Isabella studied her reflection in the mirror.
The craftsmanship of the garment was truly exceptional.
No.3
The materials were luxurious and of the highest quality.
The elegant cut gave her a regal, resplendent aura.
The delicate, see-through lace edging on the sleeves offered a subtle glimpse of skin.
It was a refreshing and unique detail.
Yet, something still felt missing…
“I can help you win this,” Isabella stated calmly.
“But I need you to trust me to make a few alterations.”
Before anyone could react, she picked up a pair of scissors from a nearby table.
She began to cut the fabric.
No.4
The entire photoshoot team stared in stunned silence.
Designer Colette Duvall looked utterly horrified.
She felt as if her heart were being shredded alongside the fabric.
These were her creations.
Each piece represented countless hours of painstaking work, blood, sweat, and tears.
And now Isabella Montgomery was casually cutting them apart.
Designer Colette Duvall had hoped the audience would still appreciate the artistic vision behind her creation, even if it wasn't the most innovative summer collection. She would've been content if just a handful of people connected with her pieces. Yet Isabella Montgomery was ruthlessly cutting apart her work! That garment was being destroyed right before her eyes!
The manager shifted uncomfortably. Isabella might be the diamond-clad boss, but she was currently representing Guci as their endorsement model. How could she vandalize Guci's specially designed clothing?
Isabella straightened her posture and discarded the excess fabric with a flick of her scissors. Instantly, everyone gasped in astonishment. The originally voluminous outfit transformed into a high-waisted masterpiece under her precise alterations.
No.5
Colette's initial heartache melted into emotional tears of joy. Her collection aimed for ethereal, free-flowing red garments, hence the long sleeves and trouser legs. Yet in her creative process, she had overlooked incorporating true elegance and visual appeal.
Witnessing Isabella's modifications, the clothes achieved greater fluidity and otherworldly beauty within minutes. Overcome with emotion, Colette exclaimed, "It's flawless! Absolutely perfect! Isabella, you're nothing short of genius!"
Maintaining her composed demeanor, Isabella moved to the center of the set. "Let's begin," she stated calmly.
The photographer shook himself from his daze and began working. Unlike most models who needed constant direction, Isabella transitioned seamlessly between poses. She held each position for precisely the right duration—just long enough for perfect shots before shifting stances.
Isabella understood the garments better than their creator. She simulated walking, making the wide trousers flutter dramatically. She raised a hand to touch her hair, showcasing the lace-edged sleeves perfectly. She sat at an angle with slightly bent knees, revealing glimpses of her shapely legs.
Every pose was exquisitely crafted. Breathtakingly beautiful! All thirty-two outfits underwent Isabella's transformative vision, producing spectacular results through the lens. Colette felt tears of gratitude welling up. She knew this collection would break sales records.
The shoot continued until late afternoon. An assistant approached Isabella. "Please take a moment to rest. Once Miss Victoria finishes her session, we'll proceed with the joint photoshoot. That will conclude today's work."
Isabella settled in the lounge, sipping the provided refreshments. Gabriella Martinez glanced her way and couldn't suppress a mocking laugh. "Finished already? The photographer must've been dissatisfied with you. You should learn from your sister—she's performing exceptionally. Her photographer can't stop shooting, hence their extended session."
"Why would I need to learn inferior modeling techniques from her?" Isabella retorted humorlessly.
No.6
Gabriella froze, words catching in her throat. 'Damn that Isabella!' she seethed internally.
Just then, Victoria concluded her photoshoot. Gabriella rushed to her side, escorting her to the lounge. Junior assistants immediately attended to Victoria—one serving an iced drink, another massaging her shoulders. She embodied refined elegance like royalty.
Meanwhile, Isabella sat alone. Victoria seized the opportunity. "Sister, why didn't you bring assistants? Ronnie, go help massage my sister's shoulders. Don't worry about me."
"Yes, Miss," Ronnie responded dutifully, moving toward Isabella.
“Unnecessary,” Isabella dismissed. “They were just photographs. Did that truly exhaust you? I don’t require such theatrics.”
She rose and walked toward the water dispenser.
Victoria had been relaxed, but Isabella’s sharp tone soured her mood instantly. Humiliation warmed her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. She was the top model, after all.
She seized the moment. “Oh, what a useless older sister I’ve been. All these years at home, Mother and Father never allowed me to do a thing. They feared I might strain myself. That’s why I’m so terribly spoiled.”
She smiled sweetly. “I truly admire you, dear sister. You’ve had the chance to be so… independent. Not like me. Even on a simple walk, someone always holds my umbrella. Whatever I wish to eat is prepared immediately. I’ve told them often they should be kinder to you. That you could be their real daughter! Can you guess what they said?” She left the question hanging, a deliberate tease.
No.7
Isabella didn’t even glance her way, entirely focused on her water.
Undeterred, Victoria pressed on. “Mother and Father said you were always distant, even as a child. They never cared for your temperament. Your personality. They said even if you were their biological child, they would still prefer me.” Her voice was honeyed, but the threat beneath was crystal clear. Unraveling the truth would gain Isabella nothing. No one would ever take her side.
Before Isabella could respond, Beatrice Holloway arrived.
“Ms. Kensington, I had a feeling I’d find you here. Mrs. Montgomery heard you were working so hard on your magazine shoot all afternoon. She was terribly concerned. She prepared ambrosia specially and asked me to bring it to you.”
“Mrs. Montgomery dotes on you, Victoria,” Gabriella Martinez commented offhandedly, shooting a meaningful look toward Isabella. She accepted the ornate container to pass to Victoria.
“Give it to my sister,” Victoria instructed graciously. “She’s never had ambrosia made by our mother personally.”
“A fair point. Our Victoria has had it more times than she can remember. You may have this one.” Gabriella carried the container toward Isabella, her every movement dripping with condescending charity.
Isabella shot them a mocking glance. “Ambrosia has little nutritional value. It’s overloaded with refined sugar. Excessive consumption can lead to diabetes. Hypertension. If you desire something sweet and refreshing, yet far healthier, I’d suggest fruit. High in vitamins. Full of natural sugars. Far superior for you.”