Chapter 116
Seraphina Delacroix stood frozen in utter disbelief.
She never anticipated such a response.
As an internationally celebrated supermodel, she deserved respect. Yet Nathaniel Blackwood dismissed her outright in favor of that novice, Isabella Montgomery!
How could she ever show her face again after this humiliation?
Seraphina lifted her chin defiantly. "Mr. Blackwood, since you refuse to provide a logical explanation, I quit!"
Her resignation meant the Auto Show would be short one model. Finding a replacement on such short notice seemed impossible.
Archibald Worthington rushed to mediate. "Mr. Blackwood, Miss Delacroix, surely we can resolve this through calm discussion."
Isabella watched from her dressing table, frowning at the escalating conflict. She wanted to intervene, but Nathaniel was already on his phone.
"You have twenty minutes to find a replacement for Seraphina Delacroix," he commanded.
The room fell silent in shock. Seraphina was the industry's top supermodel, adored by millions of male fans. Her face paled instantly.
How could she have forgotten she was dealing with Nathaniel Blackwood of the powerful Blackwood Corporation? No one challenged him and emerged victorious.
She had just threatened Nathaniel Blackwood...
Seraphina's agent hurried forward with anxious apologies. "Mr. Blackwood, please forgive Seraphina's impulsive words. She speaks without thinking but means no harm. She was merely joking earlier. A generous man like you wouldn't hold this against her, would you?" He discreetly nudged Seraphina's arm.
Frustration boiled within Seraphina. She wanted to storm out immediately.
But the modeling commission was incredibly lucrative, and she had already received the advance payment. Leaving would mean returning that substantial sum.
Moreover, this was a prestigious luxury brand Auto Show attended by numerous celebrities. How could she miss such an event? Leaving now would make her the laughingstock of the century!
Clenching her fists, she lowered her head. "I apologize, Mr. Blackwood. I was wrong."
She thought, 'I'll endure this humiliation for now. I'll excel at the Auto Show, and my fans will support me while condemning Isabella for stealing my spotlight!'
Nathaniel's response was icy. "I detect no sincerity in your apology."
Sincerity? She had already humbled herself and admitted fault. Now he demanded more?
Seraphina nearly exploded with rage. She had never been so thoroughly humiliated in her entire career!
Seeing her struggle to contain her anger, her agent interjected desperately. "Mr. Blackwood, we deeply regret our mistake. As a gesture of our sincerity, we'll accept only ninety percent of the modeling fee and guarantee our performance will exceed your expectations!"
"Ensure there are no further incidents," Nathaniel stated imposingly, ending the discussion.
He turned and walked steadily toward Isabella.
Isabella watched his approach with disbelief. 'This man! What is he planning? He's made me a target for everyone's resentment, and now he's coming straight toward me. What does he want?'