Chapter 93

The moment the runway show concluded, the entire venue erupted in deafening applause.

Natalie Beaumont stepped onto the stage with effortless grace, her demeanor poised as she addressed the excited crowd. The air buzzed with anticipation for the after-party.

Reporters swarmed forward, microphones thrust toward Natalie. "Who was that stunning model for the finale?" one journalist demanded. "Did Lumière secretly hire an international supermodel?"

Natalie's lips curved into an amused smile as she gestured for someone to bring Evelyn forward. "This isn't some imported celebrity," she announced proudly. "Meet my business partner and dear friend, Evelyn Sinclair."

Evelyn stood calmly in her breathtaking gown, offering the flashing cameras a serene smile. She remained perfectly still as photographers captured her from every angle, determined to give Lumière the best possible publicity.

Among the elite fashion press, a foreign correspondent noted, "This design resembles a bridal gown. Ms. Sinclair, you moved with such confidence in it. Have you modeled wedding dresses before?"

Natalie tensed, ready to intercept the personal question, but Evelyn answered smoothly, "No, I've never worn a wedding dress."

Nathan Blackwood froze mid-step when the words reached him. His body went rigid, his expression darkening with complex emotions.

Of course she hadn't. Their rushed marriage had skipped all traditions - no ceremony, no photos, just signatures on legal documents. Their entire relationship had been transactional, with Nathan offering nothing but financial support.

The realization struck him like a physical blow. Nearby, Tristan Whitmore hesitated, recognizing Evelyn immediately. She briefly met Nathan's gaze before deliberately looking away, answering a few more questions before gracefully exiting with Natalie.

"I specifically didn't send them invitations," Natalie muttered irritably as they walked. "The audacity to show up uninvited."

Evelyn chuckled. "For men like them, tickets are never an issue." Especially in Nathan's own territory. Natalie huffed in frustration before being swept into conversation with other guests, leaving Evelyn to seek out Isabella upstairs.

Meanwhile, Sophia Blackwood dragged Vanessa Holloway through the crowd, interrogating every staff member they passed. "Where's the finale model?" Sophia demanded repeatedly.

Finally, a harried assistant pointed toward the upper level. "She went upstairs just now."

Vanessa spotted Nathan and wavered, torn between approaching him and indulging Sophia's whims. "Maybe we should just find that model first?" she suggested weakly. "We'll be quick."

Sophia's eyes shone with excitement. "She was magnificent! Someone like that would be perfect for my brother." In Sophia's mind, only a woman of such elegance and presence deserved Nathan. "Even as a model, she's leagues above that Evelyn woman!"

Vanessa's smile turned brittle. "Your brother would never be interested in a model," she said sharply. "Their private lives are scandalous - basically high-class escorts who sleep with anyone who can pay their fees."

Their cruel words carried clearly to the upper level. Isabella's mocking laughter rang out. "If you think so little of us, why bother coming? Nobody invited you."

Sophia froze, mortified to be overheard, and shot Vanessa a reproachful glare.

When they reached the dressing area, they found Isabella lounging before a mirror, watching them with undisguised amusement.

Evelyn sat with her back to them, engrossed in her phone, not even acknowledging their presence.

Isabella smirked. "Well, well. If it isn't the two women wearing Evelyn's rejected designs."

Sophia's face flushed crimson with anger, but she forced herself to focus on her original goal. "I'm not here for you," she snapped. "Finale model! I want a photo with you!"

The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife as the two unwelcome visitors finally realized exactly who they'd been admiring on the runway.