Chapter 242

The grand banquet hall buzzed as the classical tune gradually built into a crescendo. The stage lights beamed in full force, making everything shimmer. Onstage, Celestia Brooks could barely keep her heart from pounding out of her chest. More than once she thought about sneaking off when no one was looking, but the damn jewelry on her neck and wrists made it impossible—walk off now, and she’d basically look like a thief. She shot a quick glance over her shoulder at the models lined up behind her. Even if she wanted to bolt, there was no chance anymore. Natalie Young stood a few steps ahead, clearly the mastermind behind this little setup. She threw Celestia a smug look, lips curled in mockery. "Try not to embarrass yourself too badly, or people might wonder how someone like you ever became Mrs. Carrington," she said with a smirk before strutting confidently onto the runway to kick things off. The beat of the music thrummed in her ears. Celestia narrowed her eyes, glaring at Natalie’s di