Chapter 542
No.1
Just as Julian was preparing to leave after finalizing Isabella's schedule, a news alert made him freeze.
"Isabella! We have a major problem! The Guci photoshoot has been canceled!"
"What?!" Her face went completely blank with shock.
Exhaustion weighed heavy on Isabella's limbs after the grueling day. She craved nothing more than the oblivion of sleep. But the news Julian presented shattered any hope of rest.
He remained silent, his expression grim. He simply extended his phone toward her.
It was Victoria’s Twitter feed. A new photoshoot dominated the screen. Victoria, clad in striking crimson, mimicked Isabella’s signature poses with eerie precision.
She had even replicated the iconic cover shot from Isabella’s portfolio.
In the image, Victoria glanced over her shoulder, her gaze deliberately aloof. She sat with feigned confidence, one hand rotated forward, a shoulder dipped slightly, her head tilted. The provocative contour between her torso and arm was prominently displayed. The red dress seemed to erase any trace of her usual false modesty, presenting a calculated, dangerous image.
[Stunning!] [This red is everything!] [Victoria, you own this look!]
Comments flooded the post instantly. Media outlets and brand sponsors were already swarming.
No.2
“She’s attempting to create a sensation by copying my aesthetic.” Annoyance flickered in Isabella’s eyes.
She knew the impact of her upcoming Guci editorial would be diminished. Accusations of plagiarism would inevitably surface. A direct confrontation with Victoria now could empower Victoria’s fans to orchestrate her exile from the industry.
Julian’s worry was palpable. “This is a disaster. The Guci campaign is your second major project since your return. Its success was meant to solidify your position. The Glamorous Night Annual Dinner is next month. A triumphant Guci release could have secured you ‘The Best Artiste’. Victoria has effectively thrown a wrench into everything.”
“Relax. She won’t succeed.” A determined glint shone in Isabella’s eyes, her red lips curling into a sardonic smile.
“Where are you going at this hour?” Julian frowned as she slipped on her heels.
“This isn’t about Victoria. Don’t worry. Let’s go!” She left him standing there, consumed by suspense.
A luxury car idled in the underground parking lot. Nathaniel Blackwood sat in the passenger seat, a single earring resting in his palm. It was undoubtedly the one Isabella had lost in his car earlier. After putting Oliver to bed, he had immediately ordered Sebastian to drive him here.
Ding. “Nathaniel, look!” Sebastian exclaimed.
Isabella and Julian emerged from the elevator side by side.
Julian courteously opened the passenger door for her.
No.3
A sharp pang of something unpleasant twisted in Nathaniel’s chest. Isabella showed no reluctance around Julian. Yet, she consistently turned away from him when in his passenger seat.
“Who is he?” Nathaniel’s voice was low, his eyes glinting coldly.
“My investigations have yielded little. What I confirm is he returned from Africa with Isabella and currently manages all her professional affairs.”
Sebastian offered feeble consolation. “However, I can confirm they are not romantically involved.”
“Ah. But that describes the present, not the future, correct?”
A corrosive wave of envy washed over him, witnessing her easy, comfortable dynamic with another man.
Nathaniel would need to work much harder.
Meanwhile, Julian drove his sleek sports car toward Moon Studio.
Moon Studio was the most exclusive photography destination in Westchester, reserved for A-list celebrities and major international productions.
They were greeted immediately by Cassandra, the studio's formidable manager.
No.4
“Julian! So good to see you,” Cassandra beamed, her eyes already assessing Isabella.
“We need to use your space for a quick shoot. Hope it's not an inconvenience,” Julian said smoothly.
“None at all. Everything is at your disposal.” Cassandra’s gaze swept over Isabella with professional curiosity.
Julian led Isabella to the extensive wardrobe department.
She selected a simple avocado green dress and pulled her hair into a severe ponytail.
“I’m ready,” Isabella stated.
“No makeup? No stylist?” Julian asked, perplexed.
“No. Make me look completely average,” she instructed firmly, moving toward the plain white backdrop.
The backdrop was intentionally bland, almost clinical.
Julian couldn't comprehend her strategy. Most clients demanded glamour and perfection.
No.5
Victoria’s photos were always stunningly polished. Wasn't Isabella trying to compete?
“Is this some kind of reverse psychology move?”
“Do I look like I’m playing games?” Isabella retorted with a sharp glance.
“Just shoot it. Post them with minimal editing. You’ll understand in three days,” she added cryptically.
He knew better than to press her further. Isabella always had her reasons.
During the session, Isabella adopted deliberately casual poses.
She sat on the floor, feigned bored yawns, rested her chin on her hand.
Without makeup, her features looked ordinary. The unflattering dress made her blend into the background.
“Seriously, Isabella. You want these published?” Julian finally voiced his concern.
“Yes. Immediately. And remember, only basic edits.” She emphasized her point with a firm tap on his shoulder.
No.6
The exhausting session drained her. She hadn't pulled an all-nighter like this in ages.
Yawning repeatedly, she stepped out of the studio.
Suddenly, a black sports car screeched to a halt beside her.
The passenger door swung open, revealing a familiar muscular frame.
“What are you doing here?” Isabella asked, genuinely surprised.
Nathaniel moved closer. “I was in the neighborhood. Let me give you a ride. It’s on my way,” he offered, his voice warm and inviting as he held the car door open.
Isabella’s brow furrowed. “Aren’t you staying at The Royal Crest? I live at Rosewood Manor. That’s in the opposite direction. How is that on your way?”
A playful smirk touched his lips. “You know where I live. Seems like you’ve been keeping tabs on me.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You’re Westchester’s most eligible bachelor. Everyone knows you live in that gated fortress. Gossip follows you everywhere.”
Nathaniel’s expression sobered. He needed to be more careful about his reputation. He didn’t want her hearing anything that might push her away.
No.7
“I’m heading that direction anyway,” he insisted smoothly. “Besides, you made a promise to Christopher this afternoon. That makes us friends, doesn’t it?” He gave a slight, gentlemanly bow and gestured for her to enter the vehicle.
She hesitated, knowing she had arrived in Dominic’s Ferrari. He was likely still with Cassandra. Reluctantly, she slid into the passenger seat. A wave of satisfaction washed over Nathaniel.
The city streets were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of amber streetlights under a blanket of stars.
As they drove toward Rosewood Manor, Nathaniel’s gaze kept drifting to Isabella. The silvery moonlight caught the delicate necklace resting against her collarbones. He was surprised she still wore it. A part of him had expected her to remove it.