Chapter 512

No.1

"You! I am ranked third! What are you? You have no ranking at all! How dare you use that tone with me!" Sophia shot up from her chair, furious.

Isabella let out a derisive laugh. "Precisely. A complete unknown like me was chosen for the finale. Doesn't that prove you're inferior to a newcomer? Are you certain you didn't simply purchase your ranking?"

"You—!" Sophia shoved her assistant and makeup artist aside, lunging toward Isabella.

"Enough!" Mr. James roared. "The show begins in thirty minutes! Everyone, get ready! Anyone who ruins my show will pay ten times the damages!"

The room fell silent instantly. Sophia sat back down, fuming. A makeup artist rushed over to Isabella and began helping her into her outfit.

Mr. James approached Isabella, his expression a mix of anxiety and awe. "Miss Montgomery, I must admit, your audacity is impressive. Because of you, this show is completely sold out. How do you feel? Do you truly believe you can win?"

If she failed, it would damage Chanel's reputation. The company would be criticized for hiring her. He knew better than anyone: a jewelry show wasn't like a fashion show. There were no elaborate costumes or wings. The focus was solely on the jewels. The models simply wore them and walked. How much spectacle could there be? How could one woman possibly stand out?

Isabella remained utterly composed. "Don't worry. I haven't lost to anyone in the last five years." Her tone was as arrogantly confident as ever.

The other supermodels shot her disdainful looks. She was beautiful, yes. But her arrogance was staggering. She was just a woman. Two eyes, a nose, a mouth. What made her so special? Did she think she could just walk out on stage and hypnotize the entire audience? With what? A handful of glitter?

Who did she think she was, going up against Alexander Whitmore, the son of the nation's second-richest man?

No.2

Sophia snorted at Isabella's retreating back, seething with impotent rage. Suddenly, her phone screen lit up with a new message.

[Sophia, this is your first major show. Double-check everything. Especially your heels—they can be faulty. Tripping on the runway is the ultimate humiliation for a model. It would destroy your career. Be careful!]

A vicious, calculating gleam flashed in Sophia's eyes as she read the message.

Hmph. Mock me, Isabella? I'll make sure you're run out of the industry for good. You think you can beat Alexander? Not a chance.

Time slipped away unnoticed.

It was nearly ten o'clock.

"Places, everyone," an assistant announced backstage to the models. "Line up by the stage. It's starting soon!"

The supermodels rose and arranged themselves according to their assigned numbers. Isabella Montgomery was scheduled to appear last, meaning she had at least thirty minutes before her turn. She relaxed into her seat, settling her mind.

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.

No.3

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."

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.

No.4

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.]

[+1]

[+10086]

A soft spotlight illuminated the long T-stage, making the modern glass structure gleam with colorful reflections.

The music swelled.

No.5

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?"

"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."

No.6

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.

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.

No.7

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.

The music shifted to something ethereal. A hush fell over the crowd. All breathing seemed to stop.