Chapter 27

Time slipped away unnoticed.

It was nearly ten o'clock.

"Places, everyone," an assistant announced backstage to the models. "Line up by the stage. It's starting soon!"

The supermodels rose and arranged themselves according to their assigned numbers. Isabella Montgomery was scheduled to appear last, meaning she had at least thirty minutes before her turn. She relaxed into her seat, settling her mind.

Outside, within the vast expanse of The Grand Mariner, a tall T-stage constructed of semi-translucent colored glass dominated the space. Chairs surrounded it on all sides. The attendees in the hall were among the nation's wealthiest, each having paid a minimum of $200,000 for entry. Outside, standing room tickets had sold for thousands. The audience was abuzz with anticipation—some eager to see the models, others the jewelry. But the main attraction, the topic on everyone's lips, was Isabella Montgomery and her bold promise to 'stun the world.'

To the right of the T-stage, within a secluded area screened by green bamboo, three figures were seated: two adults and a young boy.

Dominic Sterling quietly entered the space. "Mr. Blackwood," he said with clear unease, "Miss Montgomery declined your offer of assistance. She also mentioned—"

"Mentioned what?" Nathaniel Blackwood's tone was sharp.

Dominic hesitated, gathering his nerve. "She suggested you focus your attention on Christopher. That she isn't short of male company. And that you should... give up."

Having delivered the message, Dominic quickly retreated a few steps, wisely avoiding potential fallout.

As predicted, Nathaniel's expression darkened, like the sky moments before a storm. She refused his help? Claimed she didn't lack men? How many men could she possibly have?

Sebastian Blackwood couldn't suppress a loud laugh. "Ha! Who would have thought my brother could be rejected by a woman? My future sister-in-law is truly remarkable."

Nathaniel fixed him with an icy glare. "You should be grateful those three words just saved you."

Sebastian looked puzzled. "Three words?"

"Daddy, what happens now?" Oliver Blackwood's voice wavered, on the verge of tears. "Mommy made a huge bet against that awful man. Can she still win without your help?" He began to sob quietly. "I don't want to see Mommy lose!"

Nathaniel gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Don't worry. Mommy won't lose." His voice was calm, yet carried an unshakable conviction.

Sebastian observed the fire in his brother's eyes whenever Isabella was mentioned. This was the second time he'd seen it. His curiosity got the better of him. "Bro, if you're this serious about Isabella, what about the search for the woman from five years ago? Once we find her, who will you choose? Isabella or her?"

Nathaniel's face instantly grew somber. After a long pause, he replied grimly, "Just continue the search."

At that moment, music filled the air. The lights cut out, plunging the entire hall into absolute darkness—a special feature of The Grand Mariner, designed for events like this. A massive black backdrop blocked all external light, transforming day into night.

Silence fell over the hall. Every eye turned toward the stage. Technicians focused cameras for the live stream, which was being broadcast on multiple platforms. Viewership had already hit ten million before the show began. Now, as it started, the numbers skyrocketed past a hundred million.

The comment sections exploded. Thousands of messages poured in every second. Fans cheered for their favorite models. But a significant portion of the chatter was focused on one thing:

[Here to watch Isabella lose ten billion.]

[+1]

[+10086]

A soft spotlight illuminated the long T-stage, making the modern glass structure gleam with colorful reflections.

The music swelled.

The models began to make their entrance, one after another.