Chapter 111: Every Top Model's Eyes Locked Onto Vanessa Bennett

Every top model's eyes locked onto Vanessa Bennett. Whispers spread through the room like wildfire.

“Who is she? Crestline never hires local talent for their main shows.”

“She looks familiar. Maybe a second-tier model?”

“That’s the girl from the nude photo scandal. The one that blew up the industry.”

“Didn’t she completely bomb the Valenne campaign? They say she’s poison for endorsements now.”

“How did someone like her even get into the Crestline Motors Show?”

Their mocking tones cut deep. Vanessa’s fists clenched at her sides. They were targeting every one of her failures. Rubbing her public humiliation in her face. These women were legends. Each had a mantle full of major awards. Vanessa had two top model trophies herself. But one was bought through connections. The other was...tainted. In raw talent, she couldn't match them. Not truly.

Vanessa took a sharp breath. She addressed them in their native language, a skill she’d painstakingly mastered. “I was just as surprised to get this opportunity. I didn’t fight for it. My sister secured the spot for me.”

“Your sister?” A wave of shock passed through the group.

“Yes,” Vanessa said smoothly. “You didn’t know? She’s this year’s lead model. For the gold race car. I have so much admiration for her. So young. No major awards to her name, yet here she is.”

Murmurs erupted. “A special relationship with the organizer, no doubt.”

“I don’t believe those rumors,” Vanessa countered, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “She’s incredibly gifted. You’ll see when you meet her. You’ll understand.” She turned. “Bianca, let’s go change.” Her agent, Bianca Reyes, nodded and guided her away.

Eleven stunned supermodels were left in her wake. The organizer had kept the lead model a secret. They’d all assumed it was a global superstar. Not some unknown rookie. A nobody stealing the spotlight from true icons? Unforgivable. Celeste Duval, the most famous model present, studied Vanessa. She seemed familiar. That girl from the Maison Aurelia finale... Sienna Bennett had stolen Vanessa’s moment then. Now, she’d snatched the Auto Show’s top role. She was always eclipsing Vanessa.

The sharp click of heels echoed in the hallway. Celeste’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s teach her a lesson.” Unified nods answered her. A common enemy united them. The door swung open. Sienna Bennett entered. She wore sleek black bell-bottom trousers and a crimson crop top. Her presence was electric, commanding the room. Hostile glares followed her every move. She ignored them completely. Her gaze was fixed ahead, dismissive of the gathered royalty of the fashion world. She moved toward her designated vanity.

A timid makeup artist approached. “Good afternoon, Ms. Bennett. I’m your assigned artist for today. These are your accessories.” She laid out a pair of earrings, a watch, and other items.

“Leave us,” Celeste commanded the artist. She advanced, her coterie of tall, blonde, blue-eyed models forming a formidable wall around Sienna. Their combined height and fury created an intimidating atmosphere.

The makeup artist fled, seeking refuge in a corner. From the changing room doorway, Vanessa watched. A sly smile touched her lips. Crossing Celeste Duval was a fatal mistake. Sienna was finished.