Chapter 610
No.1
Victoria’s gaze followed the glinting blade of the knife. Dark waves of loathing crashed behind her carefully neutral eyes. So Isabella wanted to play games? Victoria was more than ready. She would relish watching Isabella’s spectacular downfall at the Celestial Gala.
Paparazzi had swarmed the venue hours before the event was set to begin. The Celestial Gala was the modeling world’s most prestigious night. Every major supermodel would be there, including reclusive legends rarely seen in public.
The main attraction, however, was Isabella Montgomery. This was her first public appearance since the wedding scandal exploded.
Isabella, the nation's wealthiest heiress. Alexander, the charismatic and powerful CEO. Victoria, the world’s top supermodel. A scandal involving these three titans was irresistible.
Every reporter craved an exclusive, a shocking soundbite. By five in the evening, the area outside the venue was a chaotic sea of media and onlookers.
Isabella, finally dressed in her gown, slid into the waiting car.
Evelyn was behind the wheel. Nathaniel and Oliver sat flanking Isabella. The little boy clutched her hand, his expression wistful. “Mommy,” Oliver murmured, his voice small. “When can I go with you? I want everyone to know I’m your Momo. I want to be right beside you.”
A pang shot through Isabella’s heart. That could never happen, could it?
She forced a gentle tone. “When my career is more settled, sweetheart. I’ll take you everywhere. But first, my brave Momo needs to get stronger. You need a healthy, powerful heart for all those exciting events.”
“I will! I’ll be so strong!” Oliver promised, his face brightening.
No.2
His innocent determination twisted a knot of anxiety in her chest. Could she really leave in two months? Would he be fully recovered by then?
Her thoughts were interrupted as the car jerked to a halt about a kilometer from the venue. “There’s some kind of incident ahead,” Evelyn announced, peering through the windshield. “The road’s completely blocked. We’ll have to cut through the side alley.”
“Understood,” Isabella replied, her eyes scanning the congested street ahead.
The Gala attracted the city’s elite and their entourages. Clashes were not uncommon. Avoiding the commotion was the wiser choice. A narrow alleyway opened up just ahead, too tight for the car.
“We’ll have to walk from here,” Evelyn stated, shifting the car into park.
Nathaniel, who had been reviewing documents, finally looked up. He neatly filed the papers away and exited the vehicle, moving to open Isabella’s door. His voice was a low, husky murmur. “I’ll escort you through.”
“No, it’s fine,” Isabella said quickly, stepping out. She glanced toward the alley’s entrance. “Others might use this route too. If we’re seen together… it wouldn’t be good.” Her tone was laced with a reluctant worry.
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. A shadow of disappointment crossed his features. “Am I an embarrassment to you now?” The question was sharp, edged with clear displeasure.
Isabella was taken aback. Of course he wasn’t, but…
Isabella Montgomery and Nathaniel Blackwood shared no real connection. They weren't even in a relationship. Why create unnecessary complications?
No.3
In two months, their paths would diverge completely. They'd become strangers again. If anyone discovered their current arrangement, it would be utterly humiliating.
She couldn't voice these thoughts in front of Oliver, so Isabella chose her words carefully. "You should stay with Christopher. The alley is only five hundred meters away. Evelyn will accompany me. We can discuss this after Christopher feels better."
Her final sentence carried a hidden meaning: Everything would end once Oliver recovered.
Nathaniel's expression darkened, but he didn't press further. "Take care of her," he instructed Evelyn.
"Yes, sir," Evelyn replied dutifully, moving to support the long train of Isabella's gown.
Isabella waved at Oliver. "Be good for Mommy, alright? Wait for me at home." She blew him a kiss.
Oliver reached out with his small, chubby hand, pretending to catch the floating kiss. His face lit up as if he'd truly captured it. "Okay! Be careful, Mommy!"
Isabella nodded and turned to leave. Nathaniel felt an unexpected pang of jealousy watching Oliver's tiny fist clutching the imaginary kiss...
The alley ran behind the venue, squeezed between two towering hotels. The pavement was even, manageable even in heels. Still, Isabella deliberately slowed her pace for Evelyn. Without the three-meter train, she would have walked alone. Evelyn noticed the consideration, feeling impressed.
Isabella usually maintained a cool, distant aura, except when speaking to Oliver. Yet in small gestures, she showed more genuine care than many superficially sweet celebrities. Still, these qualities weren't enough for someone like her to deserve Boss Blackwood!
No.4
They walked single file toward the venue. As they rounded the corner...
"Grrr!"
A massive brown Tibetan Mastiff suddenly charged toward them. The beast stood a meter tall, covered in thick, luxurious fur. It looked powerfully built, almost lion-like in its ferocity!
Before they could react, the mastiff lunged directly at Isabella!
"Ah! Watch out!" Evelyn screamed instinctively, grabbing Isabella and pulling her aside.
Isabella jumped away just as the mastiff leaped. Enraged by their escape, the dog emitted a deep, guttural bark. It launched forward again with monstrous speed.
"Run!" Evelyn's voice cracked with panic as she dragged Isabella into a sprint.
Nathaniel and Oliver were still outside. Mr. Blackwood could handle that beast if he were here!
But how could they outrun a mastiff? It would catch them in seconds.
The worst part: when they turned to flee, the alley's entrance was suddenly blocked by a large ceramic jar. They were trapped!
No.5
They reached the dead end and spun around. The mastiff was barely two meters away, jaws wide open. A bloody scent wafted from its mouth.
The normally composed Evelyn cried out in terror. A mastiff this size could tear flesh with a single scratch. One bite could easily crush a skull and end a life!
What could they do? What could they do?!
Isabella's face turned grave as she desperately scrambled for a solution.
Not far from the alley, Seraphina Delacroix watched the mastiff attack Isabella, a vicious smirk twisting her lips. How dare Isabella steal her company's resources? This was the price she had to pay! She even stole her gown? Fine! Let her die wearing it! Seraphina would attend the Celestial Gala gloriously. She would walk on stage to accept her Number One Supermodel Award!
The mastiff closed in on Isabella. Its bloody jaws gaped open. Its sharp claws aimed directly for Isabella's body.
One scratch. One bite. That was all it would take to end Isabella Montgomery.
Evelyn Sinclair squeezed her eyes shut in terror.
The mastiff lunged, jaws gaping. Inches from impact, Isabella’s arm snapped forward with explosive force.
The blow sent the massive dog stumbling backward. It scrambled away, fleeing down the alley.
No.6
Straight toward Seraphina Delacroix.
Seraphina’s face drained of all color. She spun and bolted, screaming. “Help! Somebody help me!”
No one heard. This was the deserted back of the venue. Her flight triggered the beast’s chase instinct.
It accelerated, claws unsheathed. They raked across Seraphina’s back with brutal force.
Riiip.
The sound of tearing silk echoed sharply.
Her gown shredded. A deep, bleeding gash tore from her shoulder down to her thigh.
Seraphina shrieked, a raw, agonized sound.
The scent of blood maddened the mastiff. It targeted her again.
She ran desperately, her injury crippling her speed. Her heel caught on uneven pavement.
No.7
She pitched forward, plunging into an uncovered maintenance sewage tank.
“Arf! Arf! Arf!” The mastiff stood at the edge, barking furiously at the figure flailing in the filth below.
“Get me out! Help!” Seraphina screamed, terrified the beast would leap down and finish her.
Evelyn watched, stunned and horrified. Disbelief locked her in place.