Chapter 531
No.1
Isabella settled into the chair beside Victoria, immediately surrounded by a team of makeup artists, hairstylists, and styling assistants.
Victoria's hands clenched beneath the vanity. The manager hadn't even acknowledged her presence earlier—just an assistant had shown her to this room. Yet Isabella received royal treatment from the moment she arrived.
How could a newcomer command more respect than the industry's top supermodel?
Gabriella noticed Victoria's darkening expression and quickly adjusted her foundation. "Stay focused, Victoria. Your performance during the shoot will overshadow everything else. You know how to work the camera better than anyone."
Victoria composed herself. Of course she did. She had dominated magazine covers for years. She understood angles, lighting, and how to captivate the lens. She would outperform Isabella completely and reclaim her position as the undeniable star.
The manager positioned himself between their stations. "For Guci's Summer collection, our designers created two distinct lines. Each of you will represent one collection. The magazine feature will determine which line generates higher sales, thus declaring the winner of this collaboration."
"Given your stellar reputations, we anticipate record-breaking sales for both collections. Now we need to determine who represents the Avocado Green line versus the Ruby Red collection."
Victoria immediately offered her suggestion. "Isabella's vibrant energy perfectly suits the red collection. Red naturally draws attention in print, which would certainly boost sales for that line. I'm happy to let her have it."
Her generous tone impressed the surrounding staff, who admired her apparent professionalism and kindness toward her colleague.
Isabella nearly laughed aloud. Does she truly think I'm this naive?
No.2
While ruby red made a bold statement, this was a summer collection. Consumers gravitated toward lighter, cooler tones during hot months—especially refreshing avocado green. Statistics showed most people avoided attention-grabbing colors; only a small percentage preferred standout pieces like ruby red. The green line would undoubtedly outsell the red.
Gabriella intervened when Isabella remained silent. "Is something wrong, Ms. Montgomery? Victoria generously offered you the superior collection. You should be appreciative."
"If it's so superior, then she should keep it. I don't require handouts," Isabella countered sharply.
Victoria's smile tightened. She would never actually choose the red collection herself. Summer consumers avoided bold reds.
"As your elder sister, I've always let you have the best things since we were children," Victoria resumed her gracious persona. "I want to continue that tradition now. I have faith you'll excel with the red collection."
She selected several avocado green garments and headed toward the changing room without looking back.
Isabella Montgomery could only manage a faint, bitter smile.
This entire situation could have been avoided if she had arrived earlier.
Now she was stuck with the Crimson Blaze collection.
A deep sense of irritation settled in her stomach as she watched Victoria Kensington claim the Sage Green line.
No.3
Engaging in a competition with someone like Victoria was utterly exhausting.
The manager and his team could practically feel the animosity crackling in the air.
None of them dared to comment or ask questions.
This was a professional rivalry, after all.
Some tension between the two models was to be expected.
Their only concern was the final outcome of the magazine shoot.
They needed both collections to generate significant hype and drive strong sales for Guci.
Everything else was secondary.
Isabella finished her makeup just as an assistant wheeled a clothing rack toward her.
“Ms. Montgomery, these are your outfits for today’s session.”
No.4
“The schedule calls for thirty-two individual portrait shots first.”
“After that, we will proceed to the joint cover photo with Ms. Kensington.”
Isabella’s eyes scanned the rack.
Every single garment was a vivid, intense shade of red.
The styles varied from long and short dresses to tailored suits and chic jumpsuits.
The designs themselves were actually quite beautiful.
But the overwhelming red color felt oppressive and heavy for a summer collection.
It would make anyone feel hot and uncomfortable just looking at it.
Isabella’s expression remained neutral and unreadable.
She simply selected one of the outfits and headed for the changing room.
No.5
Meanwhile, Victoria had already changed and emerged from her dressing area.
She wore a delicate avocado green mini dress.
The chiffon sleeves added a soft, ethereal touch.
The color was incredibly fresh and summery.
Paired with a high top-knot bun, the entire look screamed youthful innocence.
Even the head designer was impressed.
“The top model truly lives up to her title.”
“You’ve perfectly captured the essence of this dress.”
The mood shifted noticeably the moment Isabella stepped out.
A few frowns appeared among the staff.
No.6
Her outfit consisted of a long-sleeved chiffon jacket paired with wide-legged trousers that pooled around her heels.
Despite the lightweight fabric, the overall impression was one of heat and suffocation.
The head designer scoffed, unable to hide his disapproval.
“Who on earth decided a red collection was suitable for summer?”
“It’s a complete waste of Guci’s resources.”
His colleague remained silent, offering only a deep sigh.
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.
No.7
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.”