Chapter 2: The Counterstrike

In truth, Natalie had never imagined herself daring enough to marry a stranger, but what was done, was done—and she harbored no regrets.

Back in her car and ready to head home, Natalie's hand paused on the ignition as Evan's call came through.

"Natalie... where are you now?"

"Just outside the civil registry office, about to head home," Natalie replied, her voice a study in calm restraint.

"Serena has an important show. I need you to walk for her. The makeup artist will put on a mask; no one will recognize you," Evan ordered, as if this was the most natural request in the world. "Serena's injured, so... take one for the team, will you?"

"Isn't Miss Serena supposed to be hospitalized with her injury? The media should be aware of that..."

"But I've already spun the story that she'll attend despite her injuries. You'll go because I say so."

The shamelessness of it. Natalie had indeed played the fool for Serena's benefit more times than she cared to admit. But she was done being used as a pawn in someone else's game.

Keeping her voice even, Natalie agreed, "Fine. Send me the details and I'll be there."

"Natalie, we're almost married. Do this for Serena; it's her time to shine."

"Oh, I'll give her a hand. A very helpful one," Natalie's voice dripped with unspoken intent.

"We'll talk later over dinner," Evan said before hanging up, blissfully unaware of the seismic shifts taking place.

After the call, Natalie rang her agent, who flew into a rage.

"Mr. Han wants you to walk for that witch Serena? This is nonsense! Without your step back, she'd be a nobody."

"Lucy, I've already agreed..." Natalie said smoothly.

"You're actually going?" Lucy spat out, incredulous. Both Natalie and Serena were signed with Timi Entertainment, but since Natalie's step back, both of them had been the subject of ridicule.

Natalie knew Lucy was fiercely protective of her. "I won't be played for a fool any longer," she assured her with a laugh.

"That's my girl. So, you have a plan?" Lucy perked up.

"Lucy, you're the only one I trust. Can you do something for me?"

"Anything," Lucy affirmed, her loyalty never in question.

"This whole charade of Serena pretending to be injured is just for the Top Model of the Year award. I need you to drop by Tianhe Hospital."

"I get it. Get proof that she was there during the show, then expose her," Lucy's excitement was palpable.

"Not just that. There's bigger news. She's pregnant with Evan's child. And Lucy, prepare a statement for me. It should say Evan often used me to walk for Serena. Please gather the evidence for which shows."

Lucy gasped, instantly grasping the cause of Natalie's change of heart. The shameless couple had been using Natalie like a disposable servant.

"Natalie, rest assured, I'll take care of both matters."

Without another word, Natalie felt an unprecedented peace settle over her. She would reflect the treatment she received back onto others, no less.

With clarity of purpose, Natalie swiftly gathered her things and drove alone to the fashion show venue, meeting with Serena's assistant there—a portly, married man of cunning nature and opportunistic tendencies.

He was polite to Natalie, out of respect for her family's powerful background.

"Why are you just arriving? Hurry... we need to start makeup..."

"What show is this exactly?" Natalie asked, allowing herself to be led.

"It's nothing important!" the assistant replied, though in truth it was the renowned French jewelry brand hf's showcase.

Serena might become the new face of hf due to this show, a deal that almost fell through due to her so-called injury. But if using Natalie was the solution, he was all for it.

Natalie, having already researched the show called 'Crown of Stars,' realized Serena's assistant was taking her for a fool. Was this how easy she was to deceive usually?

"Thanks to Serena's status, we have a separate makeup room," the assistant said, pointing to the jewelry and the runway flow chart on the makeup table. "You're the finale. This is the jewelry you'll be showcasing," he said, instructing the makeup artist to begin.

Did Evan really think a mask would conceal her identity from discerning eyes? Though risky, Natalie was set on delivering a stunning shock to the deceitful couple.

Meanwhile, Terrance's assistant had been shadowing Natalie. Upon learning of her stand-in at the show, he immediately informed Terrance, who then instructed his secretary to arrange for his presence at hf's showcase.

"Yes, President!" affirmed the secretary.

It was no grand affair, but Terrance wanted to witness Natalie's true potential.

...

At 11 a.m., the Haiyi Showroom was alive with classical music, signaling the start of the show.

Natalie, now fully made up, stood before the full-length mirror, awaiting her cue. Draped in a white strapless gown, her simplicity radiated purity. A golden mask lent a mysterious allure, her hair pinned up with a white rose accentuating her ethereal beauty.

The assistant gawked, acknowledging even a motionless Natalie could outshine the brightest stars. Serena's endorsement deal seemed to be in the bag.

"Your entrance is dramatic—you'll descend seated on a vine chair! This bracelet, the 'Crown of Stars,' I'll put it on for you," the assistant said as he picked up the bracelet, trying to clasp it on Natalie. But it was too large for her slender wrist, sliding down to her arm.

Designed by hf's founder for his daughter, the golden bracelet featured a central white diamond crown flanked by two flawless sapphire stars, representing the parents' adoration for their child.

"It won't fit... What do we do?"

"Do you trust me?" Natalie suddenly asked Serena's assistant.

"At this point, you're all I have," he admitted, the stakes too high for doubt. If this flopped, Mr. Han would surely have his head.

"Then leave it to me," Natalie declared confidently.

"Get ready... It's almost time for your entrance," he said, unaware of the sharp intelligence hiding beneath Natalie's lashes.

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