Chapter 223

Ten years ago, Isabella Montgomery was only thirteen. She was the adopted daughter of the Montgomery family, just starting seventh grade. Under Victoria Kensington's influence, she became obsessed with gothic fashion. While everyone else dressed elegantly, she wore bizarre outfits. She went to school with wild, untamed hair. She became an object of ridicule. The entire Montgomery family despised her.

Victoria would always tell her, "Isabella, remember this. Everyone has the right to be unique and beautiful. We don't all have to be the same. Alexander loves your uniqueness! Even if your family hates you, you still have us!"

Isabella was completely fooled by their manipulation. She believed her family didn't understand her. She thought they didn't support her interests. During one heated argument, she ran away from home. That's when she accidentally met D.K.

Back then, D.K was just a local designer. His real name was Frederick Ashford. He came from the Ashford family, which had over a century of embroidery history. Legend said their ancestors served the royal family for generations. Unfortunately, machines replaced hand embroidery. Traditional clothing was overtaken by modern designs.

The Ashford family gradually faded into obscurity. But Frederick remained dedicated to traditional wear. His girlfriend thought he was too old-fashioned and stubborn. She eventually broke up with him. That breakup inspired him to blend modern designs with traditional techniques. He created elegant gowns that bridged past and present.

D.K were his ex-girlfriend's initials. Sadly, when he became less stubborn, she didn't return. She had died in a car accident the day she left him.

That was ten years ago. Frederick told Isabella everything while drunk on the roadside. He even said, "She loved red gowns. She said people would notice her immediately in red. After her death, I made a gown in her favorite shade. I called it Phoenix. I hoped she could come back to life, reborn like a phoenix."

"But I know that's impossible. I started this project when I was thirty. Now I'm seventy. I lack the courage to finish it. I'm afraid once it's done, she still won't return. I'm scared my only belief will disappoint me in the end."

"I lost this year's fashion week. I felt my Phoenix could win. But I just can't bring myself to complete it!"

"If I ever finish it one day, it means I'm ready to leave this world. I can finally go meet her."

"Young lady, Phoenix represents my lifelong devotion. It's my life's work. Do you think I can make it happen?"

Young Isabella listened to the drunk old man's rambling. She didn't understand what 'devotion' meant back then. She didn't take it seriously. Yet, this memory stayed vivid in her mind all these years. Even now, she could recall Frederick's expression clearly. His face was full of passion and nostalgia.

After Alexander cheated on her, Isabella suddenly understood Frederick's story. She felt it deeply. Frederick's devotion to his ex-girlfriend was something Isabella would never experience. She knew no one would mourn her death. No one would miss her for that long.

So she wanted to buy this gown. Not because it was unique. But because Frederick's raw passion and love shouldn't be ruined by ignorant people.

Meanwhile, the bidding price reached eighty million. People were throwing money around without understanding the gown's true value.

Finally, a user named 'Seraphina Delacroix' commented, [One billion!]

The live-stream chat exploded in shock.

[Seraphina Delacroix? The world's sexiest supermodel?]

[One billion? Is she serious? It's just a gown! How is it worth a billion?!]

[Seraphina, have you lost your mind?]

[I'm not crazy. I'm rich! I'm buying it no matter what! Anyone else want to challenge me?] Seraphina typed her response immediately.

Isabella had been dominating the modeling industry lately. Many artists from her company wanted to terminate their contracts. Seraphina Delacroix was furious about the situation. She just wanted to vent her anger through extravagant spending.

Plus, as the most celebrated supermodel, she needed to stun everyone at the Celestial Gala tomorrow night. She had to outshine everyone, especially Isabella!

When Isabella saw Seraphina's comment, her lips curled into a cold smirk. Her fingers began typing on the keyboard.