Chapter 110
Nathaniel’s gaze locked onto Isabella’s unyielding posture. He reminded her coldly, “We have a signed contract, Isabella. You’re breaching it.”
Isabella finally halted her steps. She turned to face him, her expression icy. “Breaching it? Then terminate it. I can cover the tens of millions in penalties without a problem.”
She was ferocious. Utterly untamed.
She knew he wouldn’t cancel their agreement. Nathaniel’s eyes darkened. This wildcat was fascinating.
Meanwhile, at the Montgomery Manor, Victoria was in agony. She hid alone in her room, seething. Alexander had promised retribution against Isabella, but the timing wasn’t right for his leverage. For now, she could only watch Isabella’s meteoric rise.
The internet was obsessed with Isabella. Her popularity dwarfed Victoria’s by over tenfold. Netizens marveled at her stunning reversal and ultimate victory. They were captivated by her beauty, her eloquence, her sheer presence. Isabella seemed flawless.
Victoria’s fists clenched. Jealousy and pure hatred radiated from her in waves. “This is unbearable. I want to destroy her. I want my glory back,” she seethed internally.
The door creaked open. Eleanor entered, carrying a small plate with a slice of cake. “Victoria, darling? Are you alright?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
“I’m… I’m fine,” Victoria stammered, quickly composing herself and sliding off the bed.
They sat at the small table near the window. Eleanor sighed mournfully. “You can talk to me, sweetheart. Isabella has gone too far this time! She’s adopted. She should be making concessions for you. Why is she so determined to provoke you? Such an ungrateful wretch!”
“Mother, please don’t blame my sister. She’s just… more talented than I am. I’m sure she never meant to harm me,” Victoria said, her tone placating.
“Never meant to? You are too pure, too kind-hearted. Always defending her! Can’t you see? She’s been using your status as the top model to climb up. She’s stepping on you to reach the top! Now she wants to use you as her supporting act!” Eleanor’s anger flared as she spoke.
Victoria’s brow furrowed. “Her supporting act? Mother, what are you talking about?”
Eleanor let out a heavy sigh. “Your agent, Isadora, was here earlier. She brought a contract for you. For the Mercedes Auto Show. Somehow, that novice Isabella landed the lead model role. She must have paid a fortune. She deliberately arranged for you to endorse the lowest-tier car model at the show. I refused it on your behalf, of course.”
Victoria’s expression tightened. The annual Mercedes Auto Show hired Isabella? She always believed they exclusively used foreign models. Mercedes was a premier luxury brand. The attendees were elite, the absolute pinnacle of society.
The previous year, Victoria herself had tried for a spot and was flatly rejected. She couldn’t believe Isabella was hired. A complete newcomer. It was impossible. And they wanted her to play second fiddle?
Eleanor grasped Victoria’s hand. “My dear, don’t pay her any mind. Just stay away from her. All this publicity lately… ‘Rookie model dethrones the number one.’ She’s blatantly riding on your coattails.”
“Promise me, Victoria. Don’t consider her your sister anymore. Never give her another chance to leech off your success. I will find a way to convince your grandfather to revoke those fifteen percent shares he gave her. I’ll make him see her for the manipulative schemer she truly is.”
“Thank you for always protecting me, Mother. But I’ve decided. I want to accept the Auto Show offer,” Victoria stated calmly.
“What? Victoria, are you insane? You want to be Isabella’s supporting act?” Eleanor was utterly shocked, unable to process the words.