Chapter 403
No.1
Isabella's expression tightened. Hayley had been recruited from SilverPeak. She possessed a naturally magnetic and alluring presence. SilverPeak had forced a sweet, innocent persona onto her, crafting an image of a demure idol with a perfect figure. It had worked, building her a large fanbase, though she was often criticized for seeming inauthentic. After joining GoldenPhoenix, Isabella had allowed Hayley to embrace her true, more confident and mature self, so long as it didn't damage her career.
Isabella had personally chosen Hayley for the co-lead role in the Celestial Gala, portraying the Enchanting Concubine. Now, with Hayley in the hospital, GoldenPhoenix had no one who could embody that specific style. Who could possibly step in?
"You have to figure something out, Isabella," Gloria pleaded, her voice strained. "The event starts in three hours! Our annual Celestial Gala cannot be a failure!"
"Don't panic. I'm working on a solution. I'll call you back in five minutes," Isabella stated calmly before ending the call. Her mind raced, scanning through potential replacements.
She quickly opened a search engine, looking for models or actresses who had famously played concubine roles in films or dramas. Dozens of images and articles appeared, showcasing various women of elegance and charm.
A determined glint shone in Isabella's eyes. She immediately found Genevieve's number and dialed.
Meanwhile, at Genevieve's residence...
Just as she was seeing Arabella Fontaine to the door, Genevieve's phone rang.
She answered it. "Hello, Ms. Montgomery?"
No.2
"Hayley Waltz is out for the Celestial Gala. We need a replacement. Are you interested?" Isabella got straight to the point.
Genevieve's brow furrowed in surprise. "What? I... I've been out of the industry for seven years. I don't think I'm capable—"
"If it weren't for Johnson back then, you would have landed that concubine role. You would have been more famous than ever. You need to believe in yourself. Climb back up from where you fell. If you want this, I will help you," Isabella's voice was firm, filled with absolute conviction.
Genevieve glanced at Arabella and her own daughter. Both of them gave her a strong, encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, she replied to Isabella, "Alright. I'll do it."
After hanging up, Isabella sent a detailed plan to her agent, Julian Hawthorne, and tasked him with handling the logistics.
That evening, the event proceeded without a hitch. The Celestial Gala was live-streamed, attracting massive viewership and online engagement.
The so-called rivals, Arabella Fontaine and Genevieve Beaumont—the other woman and the wife—appeared together at the gala. One was adorned in a magnificent gold costume, the other in a striking crimson dress. Both were breathtakingly unique.
They led the other artists through the heritage district, eventually arriving at the summit of the ancient city wall. Their combined beauty, amplified by the recent viral scandals surrounding them, made them the center of attention. Photographers fought for the best angles to capture them.
At the climax of the event, the two women made a joint announcement to the public. "We are establishing the EmpowerHER Fund. Its purpose is to provide financial support and resources to women who have been cheated on or abandoned, helping them heal and grow from their pain. Furthermore, we will host daily free workshops to educate women on recognizing red flags and making smart choices."
No.3
Their announcement broke the internet. Arabella and Genevieve, women who were once pitted against each other, were now best friends and philanthropic partners. A wife and the other woman forming a friendship and a charity together was an almost unheard-of phenomenon.
Their stunning appearances, combined with their powerful message, went instantly viral. The Celestial Gala shattered all previous records, generating three times the usual attention and discussion. Retweets on social media soared into the billions.
As the event concluded, Gloria's phone was inundated with calls. She ignored most of them. Then, a specific caller ID flashed on her screen, causing her to freeze in shock.
This person was calling her?
It was Master Worthington.
A living legend in the art of calligraphy.
A single stroke of his brush could command millions.
His masterpieces were enshrined in the national museum.
A man of his stature…was calling her?
No.4
Isabella finally answered. “Master Worthington, this is an honor.”
“Isabella, this event is a triumph. You single-handedly restored Arabella’s reputation! Your strategic mind is exceptional!” Master Worthington’s voice brimmed with genuine admiration.
Even though Arabella was proven to be the victim, the scandal had left a stain. The ‘other woman’ label was hard to shake. It had cost her followers and credibility.
But this move was pure genius.
Not only did it position Arabella as a philanthropist, but partnering with Genevieve ensured even Genevieve’s fans would embrace her. It skyrocketed their public approval.
An undeniable masterstroke in reputation management.
“The credit isn’t mine,” Isabella confessed. “The strategy came from another formidable woman. I have immense respect for her.”
During their meeting at GoldenPhoenix, when Isabella was ready to terminate contracts, Isabella Montgomery had proposed the charity foundation. The plan unfolded perfectly with Arabella and Genevieve’s joint announcement. The results exceeded all expectations.
Master Worthington was stunned. “It wasn’t your idea? There’s another strategic genius in your industry besides Genevieve Beaumont? Who could conceive something this brilliant? I’ll be direct. My granddaughter is facing… difficulties. Her public image is suffering. I need your help. Her help.”
No.5
“Well…” Isabella considered Isabella Montgomery’s status and demanding schedule. She hesitated. “She is… highly selective. I’m uncertain if she’ll take the case. But I can ask.”
“Please do,” Master Worthington replied. “Convey my message. Money is no object. Tomorrow at eight. I’ll be waiting at The Ivy.”
“Understood.”
At The Grand Monarch…
Isabella Montgomery had fallen back asleep after sending the proposal to Julian. Troubling dreams made her rest uneasy. She slept until noon to compensate for the lost hours.
Nathaniel chose not to disturb her. He instructed Dominic to bring his documents. He set up a temporary office in the living room, working while he waited.
Dominic checked the time. Anxiety crept into his voice. “Sir, the international summit is at two. Should we wake Ms. Montgomery?”
“No,” Nathaniel’s tone was firm.
He glanced toward the bedroom door. His voice dropped to a low murmur. “Reschedule the summit for four this afternoon.”
No.6
Reschedule.
Dominic felt a wave of dread. The attendees were global leaders. Their schedules were nightmares to coordinate across time zones. This meeting had been locked in for over a month.
“Is there a problem?” Nathaniel’s brow furrowed.
“None, sir. I’ll handle it immediately.” Dominic turned and left.
His boss was utterly bewitched. Reason had flown out the window. Refusal was not an option.
The buzzing of her phone finally roused Isabella. Half-asleep, she answered.
“Ms. Montgomery, I hope I’m not interrupting.” It was Beatrice. “I am so relieved I didn’t terminate our contract. The event was a phenomenal success. I owe you a great debt of gratitude.”
Isabella made a soft, acknowledging sound. Her eyes remained closed.
“There’s another matter,” Beatrice continued. “An esteemed gentleman was deeply impressed by your strategic planning. His granddaughter is currently embroiled in a… reputation crisis. He is desperate for your assistance. He has authorized me to say he will pay any price. He is a deeply respected artist. A titan in his field. I sincerely hope you can help him.”
No.7
Isabella’s brow creased. Any price? Money wasn’t an incentive. But extra funds for Oliver’s toys were always welcome.
Her current plan for Victoria required patience. She was waiting for Victoria to make her move. The execution was still weeks away. She had the time.
“Fine,” Isabella agreed.
“Thank you! Thank you! He will be waiting for you at The Ivy. Tonight at eight.”
Isabella felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had been particularly harsh toward Nathaniel just days before. The memory of their confrontation at GoldenPhoenix resurfaced clearly. “Actually,” Gloria continued, “I should extend my thanks to Alexander. Without his interference, our collaboration might never have happened. I can see he genuinely cares for you. His remorse is palpable. Perhaps you should give him another chance.”
“Gloria,” Isabella’s voice was icy. “Do I strike you as someone who would ever take back a discarded man?” She ended the call abruptly without waiting for a reply.
Sitting up, Isabella stretched her stiff muscles. Her eyes widened slightly when she noticed the time. Noon. She had slept far longer than intended.
Stepping out of the bedroom, her gaze immediately found Nathaniel. He was seated on the plush sofa, one leg elegantly crossed over the other. A file rested on his lap. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a golden halo around his powerful frame. He looked every bit the untouchable aristocrat—commanding, expensive, and devastatingly handsome.
He glanced up, his dark eyes meeting hers. “You’re finally awake. Lunch is on the table.” His voice was a low, smooth baritone.