“Not to worry, this is a private banquet. No reporters are allowed, so you can rest assured that your photos won't go public. Also, the models will wear masks while they walk the runway." Ivan comforted her with a smile.

The knots in Ariana's stomach loosened up immediately. She began to look forward to modeling the jewelry.

The banquet hall was already filled with many fashion moguls, celebrities, and businessmen. Everywhere was decorated so beautifully that one would think the event was much more than a runway show and auction.

Even the nameplates on the table were inlaid with diamonds.

Numerous fragrant roses and designed-to-perfection lights lined the runway. It was as if the runway would lead anyone who walked on it into a rose garden.

Soft pop music began playing in the background. Soon, many tall and elegant models began catwalking down the runway one after the other.

When it was almost Ariana's turn, she put on her mask and walked forward. Ivan winked at her.

“Don't forget our Little arrangement. Good luck!"

Ariana nodded with a smile and walked out in her high heels.

*

Adrian sat with his arms folded at the VIP table very close to the runway.

Fashion shows weren't his thing. After Looking at a couple of models, he lowered his head and tapped away on his mobile phone.

He was texting Theodore, asking him to drop the act. He felt that it was high time Theodore stopped pretending to be crippled and came back to BRD Group for good.

The past few weeks had been hell for Adrian. He was almost losing his mind after filling in for the CEO for too long. He didn't even have time to go on dates or turn up at different clubs like he badly wanted to. Work was killing him!

Adrian yawned tiredly after he got no response from Theodore.

Suddenly, the music changed. The light in the banquet hall became dim. However, the runway was brightly lit.

Adrian looked up at the model on the runway. His eyebrows crinkled in utter surprise and uncertainty.

The model was dressed in a black flowing dress. Its hemline was adorned with several irregular and small diamonds. The Light reflected on the diamonds, causing shimmers on the walls of the banquet hall and other objects. Her skin was fair, contrasting with the ruby pendant sitting on her chest.

Rubies were not rare jewels for the sophisticated people here, so this one didn't attract too much attention.

What attracted Adrian's attention was the model who wore it. He blinked a few times. The model seemed vaguely familiar to him. Although half of her face was covered by the mask, her Lips and sharp chin were bare.