Chapter 66
Isabella Montgomery could only manage a faint, bitter smile.
This entire situation could have been avoided if she had arrived earlier.
Now she was stuck with the Crimson Blaze collection.
A deep sense of irritation settled in her stomach as she watched Victoria Kensington claim the Sage Green line.
Engaging in a competition with someone like Victoria was utterly exhausting.
The manager and his team could practically feel the animosity crackling in the air.
None of them dared to comment or ask questions.
This was a professional rivalry, after all.
Some tension between the two models was to be expected.
Their only concern was the final outcome of the magazine shoot.
They needed both collections to generate significant hype and drive strong sales for Guci.
Everything else was secondary.
Isabella finished her makeup just as an assistant wheeled a clothing rack toward her.
“Ms. Montgomery, these are your outfits for today’s session.”
“The schedule calls for thirty-two individual portrait shots first.”
“After that, we will proceed to the joint cover photo with Ms. Kensington.”
Isabella’s eyes scanned the rack.
Every single garment was a vivid, intense shade of red.
The styles varied from long and short dresses to tailored suits and chic jumpsuits.
The designs themselves were actually quite beautiful.
But the overwhelming red color felt oppressive and heavy for a summer collection.
It would make anyone feel hot and uncomfortable just looking at it.
Isabella’s expression remained neutral and unreadable.
She simply selected one of the outfits and headed for the changing room.
Meanwhile, Victoria had already changed and emerged from her dressing area.
She wore a delicate avocado green mini dress.
The chiffon sleeves added a soft, ethereal touch.
The color was incredibly fresh and summery.
Paired with a high top-knot bun, the entire look screamed youthful innocence.
Even the head designer was impressed.
“The top model truly lives up to her title.”
“You’ve perfectly captured the essence of this dress.”
The mood shifted noticeably the moment Isabella stepped out.
A few frowns appeared among the staff.
Her outfit consisted of a long-sleeved chiffon jacket paired with wide-legged trousers that pooled around her heels.
Despite the lightweight fabric, the overall impression was one of heat and suffocation.
The head designer scoffed, unable to hide his disapproval.
“Who on earth decided a red collection was suitable for summer?”
“It’s a complete waste of Guci’s resources.”
His colleague remained silent, offering only a deep sigh.
In theory, summer could be both refreshing and vibrant.
But she had forgotten how a warm color like red could create such a stifling visual effect.
Victoria glanced at Isabella, her eyes gleaming with hidden triumph.
The Crimson Blaze collection was clearly better suited for autumn.
Releasing it in summer was a commercial death sentence.
No one would buy these clothes, no matter how good the photos turned out.
“Sister, I’m starting my shoot now,” Victoria said sweetly.
“Good luck with yours.”
Her words dripped with false sincerity, her true meaning clear.
Isabella ignored her completely and walked directly toward the photographer.
Designer Colette Duvall hurried after her, her face etched with worry.
“This collection might… cause some problems for you.”
“Are you absolutely sure you’re comfortable with it?”
“We haven’t even begun,” Isabella replied, her voice calm and confident.
“How can you be so sure we’ll fail?”
“A designer who lacks faith in her own creations will never succeed.”
Isabella studied her reflection in the mirror.
The craftsmanship of the garment was truly exceptional.
The materials were luxurious and of the highest quality.
The elegant cut gave her a regal, resplendent aura.
The delicate, see-through lace edging on the sleeves offered a subtle glimpse of skin.
It was a refreshing and unique detail.
Yet, something still felt missing…
“I can help you win this,” Isabella stated calmly.
“But I need you to trust me to make a few alterations.”
Before anyone could react, she picked up a pair of scissors from a nearby table.
She began to cut the fabric.
The entire photoshoot team stared in stunned silence.
Designer Colette Duvall looked utterly horrified.
She felt as if her heart were being shredded alongside the fabric.
These were her creations.
Each piece represented countless hours of painstaking work, blood, sweat, and tears.
And now Isabella Montgomery was casually cutting them apart.