Chapter 33
The guests were all seated in their places. The front rows were reserved for important dignitaries and industry experts. Gabriel sat on the right side, beside Mr. Antonio, while to Antonio’s left sat Alfred Wyndham himself, watching the stage with quiet pride.
Across from them, still in the front row, sat Delphine. She was surrounded by other powerful men and women from rival companies. Her posture was elegant, commanding attention without effort. Her beauty was almost tempting, and she carried a calmness that made it seem like she knew something no one else did.
The gentlemen at her side leaned in to speak softly with her. She answered with a proud smile that hinted at quiet confidence,
A few seats away sat Diana and her husband. Beside them were their two daughters with their own husbands. They were all present, gathered together for one reason to support Isla.
Not too far off, the Wyndham family occupied their row. This launch was supposed to be their moment of pride, but the weight in their faces told a different story. Anna was failing to hold things together, and it showed.
Still, John kept his composure. He would always stand by his father. Deep inside, he knew Alfred Wyndham always found a way to win. Age had not weakened his wisdom. And if the old man placed his faith in Gabriel and Isla’s marriage, then John believed it was worth his support.
The lights dimmed, and conversations cut short, replaced only by the soft rhythm of the DJ’s music that sounded across the glass hall. Then, spotlights flickered on, lighting down on the runway. The T–shaped catwalk glowed, polished and ready.
The lead model appeared. She stepped gracefully onto the stage, her figure tall and commanding. The cameras zoomed in, capturing every angle of her movement. Drones whirred softly above, recording from the air, leaving no detail unseen.
But inside the control room, the operators immediately noticed something odd. The lead model on stage wasn’t the one they had expected. Clara had short, sleek, jet–black hair cut just to her shoulders. This model had long, golden blonde hair that bounced behind her back like veils. The build was the same, yes but this woman was far more striking. And judging by the audience’s faces, they had noticed too p>
On the runway, the model reached the T–junction. She lifted her chin with poise, her movements smooth, her hips swaying as though there were no bones holding them in place. She moved like she owned the hall.
At the front, Gabriel froze. His mouth parted slightly as he stared. Beside him, Alfred’s chest swelled with pride, his eyes glistening. Watching his daughter–in–law command the runway with such elegance sent warmth through him.
“Mr. Wyndham,” Antonio leaned closer to Gabriel, his gaze never leaving the woman on stage. “Is that not your wife? I never knew she was a model. What a pleasant surprise.” His lips curved in rare admiration. “I must say, Gabriel, I am thrilled. This show of yours might just be the best yet p>
Antonio Diaz was known as the harshest critic in the industry. If he said he was thrilled, then the risk of replacing Delphine this year was already proving to be the right decision. For original chapters go to.net
“That is my favorite granddaughter–in–law,” Alfred said proudly, clapping his hands together. Antonio
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followed suit, and soon the entire hall joined in.
Isla moved with grace down the runway, the dress hugging her figure, her neckline dipping low enough to reveal the soft swell of her cleavage. Every step she took was precise, and every sway of her hips were deliberate, and yet it was her confidence that drew every eye in the hall. Gabriel’s jaw tightened as he watched, his green eyes dark with a storm of emotions. His wife was breathtaking–too breathtaking and it unnerved him.
Backstage, Jeff and the team erupted into cheers. Relief and excitement filled the room as they hugged one another. What could have been a disaster had turned into brilliance. Isla was dazzling the crowd in ways they hadn’t dared hope for.
It was always a gamble to change the lead model at the last minute, especially when everyone had expected a famous face to open the show. Normally, it was the kind of risk that could ruin a fashion event. But as the camera shifted to capture Antonio Diaz’s expression on the big screen. His face was clearly impressed and satisfied. The entire team exhaled. There was no need for panic anymore.
They laughed, hugged, and even teared up with relief. Who would have ever imagined it? Isla–the calm, reserved wife of the CEO–had such a magnetic and commanding side to her.
It had been Sofie’s idea. She was the one who suggested Isla could step in. While helping Isla organize her new walk–in closet a day ago, Sofie had stumbled across some old photographs. Pictures of Isla from her college days, competing in beauty pageants. She had been radiant even then.
So when the problem arose tonight, Sofie remembered those photos. Isla was Clara’s exact size, and Jeff had no reason to object. It was risky, yes, but in the end, it was worth the risk. The storm was over.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.