Chapter 70

Prince Harrison Winslow personally preparing clam chowder for Isabella Montgomery? Impossible! Dominic Sterling, Nathaniel Blackwood's assistant, froze in disbelief. He met Isabella's icy stare, a silent warning that sent chills down his spine. Nathaniel's orders echoed in his mind: 'Comply with her every request.'

He straightened his posture. "Yes, my chairman is indeed Prince Harrison Winslow."

Victoria Kensington went rigid. She had envisioned seducing this mysterious chairman, twisting him to her will. Instead, Isabella had humiliated her publicly once more. Heat flooded Victoria's cheeks, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Isadora," she stammered, her voice tight, "assist me to the changing room. The final shot must be ready."

"Absolutely! Your dedication to work is unparalleled, Victoria. Unlike others who prioritize...indulgence," Isadora Vasquez retorted, shooting a venomous glare toward Isabella before guiding Victoria away.

Isabella simply rolled her eyes, dismissing them. She handed the container back to Dominic. "Inform him his deliveries are no longer required. He should focus his attention where it truly belongs." She had accepted Nathaniel's gestures twice now, yet the thought of him lavishing effort on her while neglecting Christopher soured her impression. Since returning, her focus was business, not romance.

Dominic deemed silence the wisest course. He gave a curt nod and departed.

Whispers erupted among the crew. What did Isabella's words imply? It sounded as though Prince Harrison had developed feelings for her, and she was nobly reminding him to remain devoted to his wife, Princess Arabella. How admirably principled.

Isabella ignored their speculative stares and headed to her changing room.

•••

This was the final outfit, destined for the magazine cover. A duo shoot was far more complex than solo portraits. It demanded individual excellence while simultaneously overshadowing your partner to command the spotlight.

Victoria had meticulously prepared, perfecting her makeup. When she saw Isabella emerge in a deep crimson gown, a smug smile touched her lips.

The dress was a rich, blood-red. Puffed short sleeves, a square neckline hugging the collarbone, and a voluminous skirt of layered mesh. Though opulently French-inspired, it felt heavy, out of sync with the summer theme.

In stark contrast, Victoria wore a light avocado green sleeveless mini-dress. Delicate lace adorned the shoulders, exuding sweet delicacy. A subtle V-neck offered a hint of cleavage. The most daring feature was the triangular cut-out at the waist, exposing a sliver of pale stomach and her navel. The effect was playfully alluring.

Side-by-side, Victoria's dress was clearly the covetable piece. The manager announced, "The flamingo is your prop. Pose freely, but maintain harmony."

"Understood," Victoria purred. She approached the flamingo, gracefully straddling it. Her legs stretched out, the short skirt riding up to showcase their long, toned length. Angled slightly toward the camera, the pose accentuated her chest curve and the strategic cut-out.

She leaned casually against the prop, embodying a fresh-faced, lovable ingenue. A wave of applause broke from the team.

"Exquisite! Pure perfection! Don't move a muscle, Ms. Kensington! Hold that pose!" the photographer exclaimed excitedly. He turned to Isabella. "Ms. Montgomery, complement Ms. Kensington's pose. Just ensure you don't disrupt her."

'Don't disrupt her.' Victoria's heart soared. Isabella would be relegated to the background, forced to find some pathetic pose that merely framed Victoria's brilliance. There was no way Isabella could outshine her now. She was destined to fade into obscurity next to Victoria's radiant display.