Chapter 1617
No.1
As she ascended the stage, a revered icon of the modeling industry presented her trophy. Beatrice Worthington, though in her seventies, maintained the elegance of a woman decades younger. Her presence exuded timeless grace and sophistication.
Isabella met the woman's gaze with equal poise. She accepted the trophy with a respectful bow. "Thank you," she stated with genuine appreciation.
Beatrice studied Isabella with keen admiration. "You truly are exceptional, my dear. So breathtaking it almost inspires envy! Does Ms. Montgomery have any words for everyone today?"
Isabella's fingers traced the weighty trophy before she turned toward the cameras. A confident smile touched her crimson lips. "Next year, this won't be enough."
Six words delivered with absolute conviction and power.
The venue erupted in renewed cheers and applause. Only Isabella could make such a bold declaration at this prestigious event. The Most Popular Supermodel Award carried immense honor. Was she already aiming for next year's Top Model title?
An audacious claim indeed!
In their hospital rooms, both Victoria Kensington and Seraphina Delacroix watched the ceremony with seething rage. This two-month modeling newcomer dared challenge them publicly! Worse, Isabella's radiance on stage was utterly maddening. Her flawless perfection provoked bitter jealousy.
How could such a woman be allowed to thrive? It was unacceptable!
No.2
Suddenly, all lights in the venue extinguished. Darkness enveloped the grand hall. Isabella's smile vanished as her instincts sharpened. Her eyes scanned the surroundings with heightened alertness.
A single spotlight illuminated her position. Another beam focused on the stage's rear entrance. There stood a man holding an enormous bouquet of roses, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit.
Alexander Whitmore!
Alexander here? Now?
What was happening?
Before Isabella could process the situation, Alexander advanced toward her. Each step echoed through the silent hall as spotlights tracked his movement. Under the brilliant lights, he resembled a storybook prince making a grand entrance.
The audience erupted in excited murmurs.
"Incredible!"
"Alexander Whitmore! Did he coordinate this with the organizers? A public apology to Isabella?"
No.3
"Heavens! This is so romantic!"
Throughout the murmuring crowd, women watched with dreamy admiration. While others swooned, Isabella's expression tightened. She stood perfectly still as he approached. "What are you doing here?"
Was this really about a public apology? No, something else had to be unfolding.
Just as anticipated, Alexander approached Isabella Montgomery.
His gaze appeared filled with admiration.
He had meticulously evaluated his circumstances over recent days.
The Whitmore family stocks had plummeted drastically.
Members of the Montgomery family began opposing his leadership.
Isabella represented his final opportunity for redemption.
No.4
Her breathtaking beauty certainly influenced his decision.
Marrying her would only benefit his position.
As for Victoria Kensington… Alexander had alternate arrangements.
"My dearest Isabella," he began, voice dripping with false sincerity.
"I deeply regret my past mistakes."
"I pledge to devote my entire life making amends."
"Please grant me another opportunity."
Each word sounded carefully rehearsed.
He finished speaking and dropped to one knee.
No.5
The bouquet of red roses extended toward her.
A velvet jewelry box rested among the blossoms.
Inside sparkled an enormous engagement ring.
The audience erupted into chaotic excitement.
"This is unbelievably romantic!"
"Alexander Whitmore proposing at such a prestigious event!"
"Victoria seduced him originally. Any man would struggle resisting her advances."
"Besides, everyone makes mistakes. What matters is he learned his lesson."
"Isabella, accept him! You're perfect for each other!"
No.6
"Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"
The chant started with one person then spread like wildfire.
Soon the entire venue echoed with thunderous demands.
Isabella prepared to reject him immediately.
Then her eyes caught something hidden within the roses.
A photograph nestled among the thorns.
It showed her lying on an operating table.
Her pregnant belly swollen beneath surgical lights.
Alexander deliberately brought this photograph.
No.7
His gaze remained steady, lips curling triumphantly.
"Isabella, please accept my proposal."
His tone sounded pleading but carried hidden menace.
Only they understood the unspoken threat.
Her face drained of all color.
He blackmailed her with this incriminating evidence.
Rejecting him meant he would expose the photograph.
She had buried those painful memories years ago.
Forced herself to forget that traumatic period.