Chapter 584 It’s my turn

Elodie’s question made Athaliah realize they hadn’t even touched on payment, but that conversation could wait. She had never let anyone work for her for free, and when it came to Seraphine there were a dozen ways she could repay the favor later.

“Elodie.” Voren’s mouth curved with quiet amusement. “I’m only doing this for my wife. She’s a good friend of your boss.”

He wasn’t lying, though there was more to it than that. Seraphine would be gutted if the show fell apart in front of everyone.

Elodie’s grateful gaze shifted to Seraphine. “Thank you so much for coming and saving the day. I’ve never seen my boss this close to falling apart.”

The Liah he had always known was steady and completely in control. This was the first time he had ever watched her look so shaken.

Just like that, Athaliah and Elodie started guiding Voren, Corvine, Seraphine, Jasmine, and the children through their walks and timing for the runway.

Most of the guests and VIP clients were already seated, so there was no chance to rehearse on the actual stage. The professional models were meant to back up every segment, but Athaliah made sure they walked first so the family could see exactly what was expected of them.

Once everyone had changed into their outfits and the makeup artists got to work, Athaliah slipped away to prepare for her own appearance and the media interviews, leaving the rest for the artistic director.

When she returned, the transformation left the whole group staring. The exhaustion that had carved deep lines across her face seemed to have vanished. She looked rested, sharp, and strikingly beautiful.

The interview went smoothly until one reporter asked the question that hung in the air.

“We heard you were planning to cancel the show, yet most of your guests are already seated. Don’t you think that would have been insulting to them?”

Everything was broadcasting in French, but Elodie kept translating for Voren while helping him get ready.

Athaliah lifted her chin, confidence settling back into her eyes. “I’m not the type to give up. I can promise you this show is going to be one of the best Paris has ever seen. There’s a surprise coming, and I know you’re going to enjoy it.”

A massive screen carried the interview live, English subtitles scrolling underneath.

In one section of the auditorium three men sat together, their attention locked on the broadcast with growing confusion.

“Brad, did she call you?” Killian asked.

Brad’s jaw tightened. Watching Athaliah look that glamorous made him want nothing more than to walk to wherever the interview was being held and claim her in front of everyone. “No. Maybe she’s still trying to buy herself some time.”

“But the show’s about to start.” Killian glanced toward Curt, waiting for him to weigh in, but the man stayed silent, eyes fixed on Athaliah’s image.

Killian was about to press further when the MC took over and announced the launch of the summer collection.

Professional models began their walk. Brad turned to Curt, brows drawn tight. “Didn’t you say the Corsican Mafia would make sure no model stepped on that stage?”

“Those are her personal models.” Curt finally spoke, his expression grim. He had never expected Athaliah to work with so few people.

Then the auditorium erupted in deafening applause. Some of the audience jumped to their feet while photographers and camera crews scrambled for better angles.

Their attention snapped to the runway.

A blonde male model strode barefoot across the beach-themed stage, six-pack glistening under the lights. An open white linen shirt hung over his broad frame, paired with tropical-print shorts that gave him the effortless look of someone who belonged by the ocean. He moved with easy confidence, every step pulling louder cheers from the crowd.

It was obvious why they had gone wild. This one stood out from the usual models.

The three men recognized him instantly. “Corvine?” Curt shot to his feet, the shock nearly knocking the breath out of him.

Killian’s face went pale, eyes almost glassy as he stared at the stage. “How is this even possible?” Brad muttered.

Before anyone could answer, another surprise appeared.

A beautiful red-haired model glided down the same beach-themed runway, sunlit curls bouncing around her shoulders. She wore a flowing coral bikini cover-up over a white two-piece, the sheer fabric catching the lights like sea foam. Barefoot, gold anklets at her ankles and a woven straw hat resting lightly on her head, she carried the whole look of effortless summer elegance. The crowd loved her just as much.

“Wait… I’ve seen that girl somewhere before.” Brad narrowed his eyes.

Killian remembered at once. “I saw her at the full moon festival with the other girls who testified against Daisy. What’s she doing here?”

“She’s hot.” Brad’s gaze stayed locked on Jasmine.

Killian’s expression darkened, but he quickly realized that if Brad’s interest had shifted to Jasmine, it only meant one less man competing for Athaliah.

Then Brad added, almost casually, “After I marry Liah, this one would make a perfect exclusive side-chick.”

Curt’s face tightened with irritation, and he looked ready to snap back. Before he could, the MC spoke again.

The three men nearly lost their composure when two children stepped onto the runway. The crowd fell in love with them instantly.

“Isn’t that Alpha Ravyn’s son?” Curt asked.

“And the girl is Alpha Voren’s daughter.” Killian stared at the little girl, thoughts racing. He was the only one who knew that child was the reason behind Voren’s recent chaos at the Silver Moon Pack.

They didn’t get the chance to say anything else. Voren himself appeared, and the color drained from their faces.

A strikingly attractive, muscular man strode confidently down the runway in classic groom’s attire. His tailored black tuxedo fit him perfectly, satin lapels catching the light.

A crisp white shirt, bow tie, polished shoes, and a white rose boutonniere completed the look, giving him an air of timeless elegance and solid masculine presence.

The three men stared, then turned ashen. “Voren?”

They hadn’t even recovered from that shock before another stunning figure appeared.

A breathtakingly beautiful woman glided down the runway in an elegant wedding gown. Her radiant smile was framed by cascading waves, a shimmering veil flowing behind her.

The ballroom gown only heightened her beauty, making her look like pure grace and quiet strength.

The three men knew exactly how much Seraphine meant to Voren. They could hardly believe she had stepped onto the stage as well.

Then Athaliah made her final appearance.

She walked out in a tailored ivory jumpsuit cinched at the waist with a gold belt. Her hair was swept into a sleek bun, and the minimalist jewelry she wore only underlined the natural authority and artistry she carried.

The crowd erupted into cheers. Their support brought tears to her eyes. She wasn’t just the designer of the gowns but also style icon in her own right.

She made the final announcement. “We cut the runway short to make room for the surprise on the list. We’ll take a short break, and right after that the surprise will be unveiled.”

Everything had turned out better than she expected, especially the moment when Voren, Seraphine, and the children walked together after their individual appearances.

It had looked unbelievably romantic when Voren leaned down and kissed Seraphine. The lights, the music, the perfect timing made the whole sequence feel like a real wedding.

The artistic director had suggested it because they were an actual couple, and the result had been better than anyone hoped.

Athaliah was ready for the final phase, especially when she spotted Elodie already guiding Seraphine and Corvine backstage to start work on the fashion app.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on her side. The media cornered her before she could leave. “S. Liah.” One of the reporters stepped forward, using her brand name. “There’s a lot of public interest in one of your models. The blonde one. Is he single?”

Athaliah had no idea where that question had come from. Usually, interest like that came from agencies hoping to sign someone who had caught the public’s eye.

When her gaze swept the auditorium, though, she spotted the three men sitting together, her body went rigid.

A smile curved her lips as she turned back to the reporter. “Sorry, but that blonde man isn’t a model. He’s my fiancé.”

Shock rippled through the auditorium. At the same time the three men turned completely ashen. “I think we can’t win against Corvine.” Brad swallowed hard.

Killian’s gaze turned dangerously dark as he leaned back in his seat. “It’s my turn.”