Chapter 17
No.1
Outside, within the vast expanse of The Grand Mariner, a tall T-stage constructed of semi-translucent colored glass dominated the space. Chairs surrounded it on all sides. The attendees in the hall were among the nation's wealthiest, each having paid a minimum of $200,000 for entry. Outside, standing room tickets had sold for thousands. The audience was abuzz with anticipation—some eager to see the models, others the jewelry. But the main attraction, the topic on everyone's lips, was Isabella Montgomery and her bold promise to 'stun the world.'
To the right of the T-stage, within a secluded area screened by green bamboo, three figures were seated: two adults and a young boy.
Dominic Sterling quietly entered the space. "Mr. Blackwood," he said with clear unease, "Miss Montgomery declined your offer of assistance. She also mentioned—"
"Mentioned what?" Nathaniel Blackwood's tone was sharp.
Dominic hesitated, gathering his nerve. "She suggested you focus your attention on Christopher. That she isn't short of male company. And that you should... give up."
Having delivered the message, Dominic quickly retreated a few steps, wisely avoiding potential fallout.
As predicted, Nathaniel's expression darkened, like the sky moments before a storm. She refused his help? Claimed she didn't lack men? How many men could she possibly have?
Sebastian Blackwood couldn't suppress a loud laugh. "Ha! Who would have thought my brother could be rejected by a woman? My future sister-in-law is truly remarkable."
Nathaniel fixed him with an icy glare. "You should be grateful those three words just saved you."
No.2
Sebastian looked puzzled. "Three words?"
"Daddy, what happens now?" Oliver Blackwood's voice wavered, on the verge of tears. "Mommy made a huge bet against that awful man. Can she still win without your help?" He began to sob quietly. "I don't want to see Mommy lose!"
Nathaniel gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Don't worry. Mommy won't lose." His voice was calm, yet carried an unshakable conviction.
Sebastian observed the fire in his brother's eyes whenever Isabella was mentioned. This was the second time he'd seen it. His curiosity got the better of him. "Bro, if you're this serious about Isabella, what about the search for the woman from five years ago? Once we find her, who will you choose? Isabella or her?"
Nathaniel's face instantly grew somber. After a long pause, he replied grimly, "Just continue the search."
At that moment, music filled the air. The lights cut out, plunging the entire hall into absolute darkness—a special feature of The Grand Mariner, designed for events like this. A massive black backdrop blocked all external light, transforming day into night.
Silence fell over the hall. Every eye turned toward the stage. Technicians focused cameras for the live stream, which was being broadcast on multiple platforms. Viewership had already hit ten million before the show began. Now, as it started, the numbers skyrocketed past a hundred million.
The comment sections exploded. Thousands of messages poured in every second. Fans cheered for their favorite models. But a significant portion of the chatter was focused on one thing:
[Here to watch Isabella lose ten billion.]
No.3
[+1]
[+10086]
A soft spotlight illuminated the long T-stage, making the modern glass structure gleam with colorful reflections.
The music swelled.
The models began to make their entrance, one after another.
Natalia Dubois emerged first on the runway. Her statuesque frame commanded immediate attention. A sleek black mini dress hugged every curve. Platinum waves tumbled over her shoulders like liquid gold. Piercing blue eyes scanned the captivated audience.
The French supermodel wore Chanel's newest collection. Passion. The name suited her intense aura perfectly. A ruby necklace glowed against her pale skin. Matching earrings and bracelets completed the set.
Camera flashes erupted throughout the venue. The crowd murmured in awe. Whispers spread like wildfire among the attendees.
"If Natalia is just the opener... What does that say about Isabella?"
No.4
"Who even is this Montgomery girl? She came out of nowhere."
"Probably slept her way to the top. No other explanation."
"Let's see if she lives up to the hype. I bet she trips on the catwalk."
The harsh comments continued unabated. In the VIP section, several men in baseball caps shifted uncomfortably.
One stood up abruptly. "I can't listen to this anymore. Our boss doesn't deserve this disrespect."
Maxwell Carter pulled him back down. "Sit. Isabella's orders were clear. No interference. Unless you want to explain why we ruined her plans."
The man grumbled but complied. "They have no idea who they're mocking."
"Patience," Maxwell said calmly. "They'll eat their words soon enough."
The fashion show progressed flawlessly. Each model embodied their assigned jewelry's essence. Some walked with regal grace. Others exuded modern chic. The audience remained enthralled.
No.5
Sophia Kensington made her entrance. A crimson mini dress showcased her enviable figure. She blew a kiss to the crowd. The gesture elicited cheers and whistles.
Meanwhile, the private lounge remained eerily quiet. Nathaniel Blackwood rested with his eyes closed. Christopher slept soundly on his lap, drooling slightly.
Sebastian Blackwood observed the models through a magnifying glass. "Nathaniel, check out this one's proportions! Perfect hourglass shape!" He nudged his brother. "And this model's legs go on forever!"
Nathaniel showed no reaction. His breathing remained steady. Christopher stirred but didn't wake.
Suddenly, an announcer's voice cut through the music. "And now... The moment you've all been waiting for! Isabella Montgomery!"
Nathaniel's eyes snapped open instantly. Christopher jolted awake beside him. Both focused intently on the stage.
Every head in the auditorium turned. All eyes fixed on the runway's entrance. The air grew thick with anticipation.
Backstage, Sophia watched the large screen with a venomous smile. 'This is it, Isabella. Time to face your humiliation.'
She envisioned Isabella's career ending tonight. Public disgrace awaited the so-called heiress.
No.6
The music shifted to something ethereal. A hush fell over the crowd. All breathing seemed to stop.
Then... A silhouette appeared from the shadows. Gasps echoed through the silent hall.
A silhouette of pure ethereal grace materialized on the runway.
Under the spotlight, she seemed almost unclothed, every contour and shadow of her form starkly visible. A swan-like neck. A waist so narrow it defied reality. Legs that stretched for miles in elegant lines.
Not an ounce of superfluous flesh marred her perfection. She was a masterpiece carved by divine hands. A figure born for the runway.
But was she truly bare? Had she resorted to this for victory?
Nathaniel’s expression hardened. His hands flew up, shielding Oliver’s and Sebastian’s eyes. A foreign, searing anger ignited in his chest. Isabella’s words echoed, ‘Strolling on the beach in a bikini.’
Had she always been this brazen?
The audience sat in stunned silence. A few mouths hung open, the word ‘goddess’ trapped on their lips.
No.7
On the live stream, comments exploded. [Holy hell! Can we report Chanel for indecency?]
Then, Isabella took another step forward. The illusion shattered. She wore a gown the exact shade of her skin, expertly wrapped around her torso.
A long, silken cape of the same ethereal hue flowed from her arms. It billowed with her movement, a swirl of spectral smoke, dreamlike and utterly captivating.
The sheer, skin-toned dress didn’t diminish her elegance. It elevated it. She was a celestial being descended from the heavens. Regal. Untouchable. Exquisite.
The lights plunged into total darkness, swallowing the hall.
A single, soft beam found the jade necklace at her collarbone. The faint green stone glowed with an enchanting light. Her dazzling dress, somehow, did not overpower it.
Then, a firefly sparked to life from the jade. Then another. And another. They swirled around her, a growing constellation of light. Dozens became hundreds, then thousands, flooding the pitch-black venue.
The air filled with a slow-dancing universe of ethereal light. The hall transformed into a scene from a fantasy realm, a magical world that stole the breath from every lung.
Awe was inescapable.