Chapter 322
Isabella Montgomery answered the call. Gloria's panicked voice immediately filled her ear. "This is a disaster, Isabella! We were so focused on Arabella that we missed the bigger problem. Hayley Waltz, the co-lead for the event, has been hospitalized with acute nephritis!"
Isabella's expression tightened. Hayley had been recruited from SilverPeak. She possessed a naturally magnetic and alluring presence. SilverPeak had forced a sweet, innocent persona onto her, crafting an image of a demure idol with a perfect figure. It had worked, building her a large fanbase, though she was often criticized for seeming inauthentic. After joining GoldenPhoenix, Isabella had allowed Hayley to embrace her true, more confident and mature self, so long as it didn't damage her career.
Isabella had personally chosen Hayley for the co-lead role in the Celestial Gala, portraying the Enchanting Concubine. Now, with Hayley in the hospital, GoldenPhoenix had no one who could embody that specific style. Who could possibly step in?
"You have to figure something out, Isabella," Gloria pleaded, her voice strained. "The event starts in three hours! Our annual Celestial Gala cannot be a failure!"
"Don't panic. I'm working on a solution. I'll call you back in five minutes," Isabella stated calmly before ending the call. Her mind raced, scanning through potential replacements.
She quickly opened a search engine, looking for models or actresses who had famously played concubine roles in films or dramas. Dozens of images and articles appeared, showcasing various women of elegance and charm.
One photograph, however, instantly stood out from the rest. It was an old audition photo of Genevieve Beaumont for a historical film. Dressed in a pristine white concubine gown, her makeup was exquisite, designed to accentuate her cool, crystalline eyes. She radiated an enchanting, captivating aura. Throughout history, the concubine was often the king's favorite, more beloved than the queen herself. Genevieve's face perfectly captured that blend of innocence and potent seduction. She was ideal.
A determined glint shone in Isabella's eyes. She immediately found Genevieve's number and dialed.
Meanwhile, at Genevieve's residence...
Just as she was seeing Arabella Fontaine to the door, Genevieve's phone rang.
She answered it. "Hello, Ms. Montgomery?"
"Hayley Waltz is out for the Celestial Gala. We need a replacement. Are you interested?" Isabella got straight to the point.
Genevieve's brow furrowed in surprise. "What? I... I've been out of the industry for seven years. I don't think I'm capable—"
"If it weren't for Johnson back then, you would have landed that concubine role. You would have been more famous than ever. You need to believe in yourself. Climb back up from where you fell. If you want this, I will help you," Isabella's voice was firm, filled with absolute conviction.
Genevieve glanced at Arabella and her own daughter. Both of them gave her a strong, encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, she replied to Isabella, "Alright. I'll do it."
After hanging up, Isabella sent a detailed plan to her agent, Julian Hawthorne, and tasked him with handling the logistics.
That evening, the event proceeded without a hitch. The Celestial Gala was live-streamed, attracting massive viewership and online engagement.
The so-called rivals, Arabella Fontaine and Genevieve Beaumont—the other woman and the wife—appeared together at the gala. One was adorned in a magnificent gold costume, the other in a striking crimson dress. Both were breathtakingly unique.
They led the other artists through the heritage district, eventually arriving at the summit of the ancient city wall. Their combined beauty, amplified by the recent viral scandals surrounding them, made them the center of attention. Photographers fought for the best angles to capture them.
At the climax of the event, the two women made a joint announcement to the public. "We are establishing the EmpowerHER Fund. Its purpose is to provide financial support and resources to women who have been cheated on or abandoned, helping them heal and grow from their pain. Furthermore, we will host daily free workshops to educate women on recognizing red flags and making smart choices."
Their announcement broke the internet. Arabella and Genevieve, women who were once pitted against each other, were now best friends and philanthropic partners. A wife and the other woman forming a friendship and a charity together was an almost unheard-of phenomenon.
Their stunning appearances, combined with their powerful message, went instantly viral. The Celestial Gala shattered all previous records, generating three times the usual attention and discussion. Retweets on social media soared into the billions.
As the event concluded, Gloria's phone was inundated with calls. She ignored most of them. Then, a specific caller ID flashed on her screen, causing her to freeze in shock.
This person was calling her?