At nine o'clock, the night was irresistibly seductive.

Natalie Tang had drunk a little too much at her bachelorette party, so her fiancé escorted her back to the apartment. Yet, when she awoke with a splitting headache, she saw, under the dim light, a man and a woman.

Struck as if by lightning, Natalie could only stare in dumb shock at the pair by her bedside, her heart tearing apart in a swell of rage.

"Serena, stop messing around, Natalie just fell asleep!" the man said.

"What's wrong? Afraid your fiancée will wake up?" Serena asked bitterly. "You're getting married tomorrow!"

"Baby, don't make a fuss, let's go to another room," the man coaxed seductively.

"No, I want it here! Right in front of her!"

Tears welled up in Natalie's eyes. She couldn't believe that her fiancé, whom she was supposed to register her marriage with tomorrow, was having an affair with his mistress right in front of her.

"Sweetheart, shall we go to the bathroom then?"

"Go ahead and start the water," Serena said, pushing him towards the chest. Once the man left, she turned to Natalie and sneered, "Tomorrow, I won't give Evan the chance to register with you because I'm pregnant. He's mine!"

Natalie clenched her fists to keep from crying out. Just three years ago, she was the top model of Shengjing, but she gave it all up for this man, even handing over her spot to Serena. And now, it seemed she was just preparing a wedding dress for someone else. No, this had to be a nightmare. She would wake up and everything would be alright.

Clinging to that lie, Natalie tried to soothe herself. But in the middle of the night, Serena, feigning discomfort, clung to Evan and left the hotel. Evan abandoned Natalie without a second thought!

And they were supposed to register their marriage tomorrow!

With a bitter smile the next morning, Natalie drove to the civil affairs office as planned and called Evan, only to receive a cold response: "Serena got injured on stage. I need to deal with this urgent matter first. Let's postpone the registration."

There would be no later. Natalie reminded herself despairingly.

Turning to leave with her sunglasses on, Natalie was confronted by a figure approaching her. He was clad in a deep blue vintage suit that wrapped his muscular frame, a burgundy scarf peeping from his breast pocket. His legs were long and straight, leading down to a pair of shiny brown pointed shoes.

This man... his presence was too overwhelming, like a noble king from the Middle Ages!

Especially when he drew near, even behind sunglasses, his chiseled features and those sensual lips were maddeningly attractive.

Natalie recognized this man as Terrance, the CEO of Harui Entertainment. They had met once at a ball when she was still famous.

Was he getting married today too?

"Mr. President, Miss Chi has not arrived on time... She's ten minutes late," his assistant reported with due respect.

"Tell the Chi family that anyone who is late for their wedding need not bother coming at all," the man spoke coldly.

"But the Chairman said you must get married today, even if it's to a 'shemale,' he wouldn't object," the assistant said timidly.

"Pick someone at random from the socialites then. You have half an hour," the man said briskly, his demeanor aloof.

It seemed they were kindred spirits in misfortune, yet different. Terrance, with his immense wealth, could have anyone he desired. As a most eligible bachelor, love was the last thing he needed. He only required a marriage to appease his elders.

Suddenly, an idea struck Natalie. She removed her sunglasses and approached him, suggesting softly, "Mo, your bride isn't here, my groom has fled. How about... we make a marriage pact?"

Terrance's assistant was dumbfounded, never expecting a woman to be so bold...

But Natalie stood tall, summoning all her courage.

Terrance removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes as dark and sharp as diamonds. After a moment, he turned to his assistant, "Give me her information."

The assistant knew Natalie's identity well, promptly searched her name on his phone, and presented it with due reverence. Two minutes later, the man uttered a single word to her: "Okay."

Natalie felt lucky to have encountered Terrance. Unlike others, he didn't need to use women or seek so-called love, and he certainly wasn't lacking companionship.

And more importantly, she wanted Evan to regret his actions.

The marriage was quickly formalized, and within half an hour, Natalie had her certificate. She was now a married woman.

"Mr. Mo, could you spare a moment for a few words?" she asked.

"Get in the car," Terrance replied, putting his sunglasses back on and stepping out of the office.

Natalie followed, climbing into the Rolls Royce behind him. Once inside, she spoke nervously, "Thank you for marrying me. I'll cooperate with whatever you need, no conditions. But I have two requests."

"Speak," Terrance said, loosening his collar with a weary gesture.

"First, unless absolutely necessary, keep our marriage private. Second, don't meddle in my personal affairs. Don't worry, now that we're married, I won't have inappropriate contact with other men."

Terrance's lips curved slightly at her words, a dangerous air swirling in the car. "I agree... But I'll give you time to clean up your messy past. Half a year from now... I'll make our marriage public."

"Thank you," Natalie nodded.

"One more thing... I don't believe in married couples living apart. You have three days to move to the address I provide. My assistant will contact you later."

Natalie didn't object; as a married couple, it was a reasonable request. She agreed without hesitation: "I will."

"Good."

After their verbal agreement, Natalie left Terrance's car. The assistant took the driver's seat, watching Terrance through the rearview mirror. "President, back to the office? Or should we go to the old house and inform the Chairman first?"

"Follow Natalie and report her whereabouts to me," Terrance instructed, then exited the car.

There must be a reason she suddenly proposed marriage.

As the CEO of a multinational entertainment company, he was no stranger to Natalie's fame in the modeling world. Three years ago, she suddenly turned down an offer from the top modeling agency Star Emperor, resulting in a full-scale industry blackout. Subsequently, she signed with Timi Entertainment and became intimately associated with its boss, Evan.

A top model vanished into obscurity...

But as it turned out, there was more to Natalie's story than met the eye.

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.

With a knowing smile, Natalie gathered her gown and darted backstage. The mask obscured her face, but her globally renowned, strikingly long legs were an unmistakable feature differentiating her from Serena.

The climax of the fashion show approached as Natalie descended on a wicker chair, spotlighted from above. But to the audience's astonishment, her wrist was bare—devoid of the 'Crown of Stars' bracelet.

What was going on?

The audience scanned Natalie from head to toe in search of the missing piece, only to be captivated by her long, flawless legs—legs that one would not easily forget.

Then, with a confident smile, the golden-masked Natalie gracefully raised her hand, let her head fall back, and lifted her left leg in an elegant dance pose. In that fleeting moment, the 'Crown of Stars' bracelet slid down from her dress, now adorning her ankle and dazzling the crowd with its breathtaking brilliance.

The entire audience was mesmerized, and the sight of Natalie on the wicker chair, transitioning from one stunning pose to the next, made the bracelet's beauty shift with each move. An outburst of fervent applause erupted, and the onlookers rose to their feet in ovation.

From an aloof vantage point, Terrance watched intently as Natalie—his newlywed wife and formerly Shengjing's top model—stood in for a B-list model. Yet, whether it was three years ago or after her retreat from the limelight, she remained a true model, born for the runway.

As Natalie's final pose crystallized, the jewelry show concluded in perfection. The founder of hf, unaware that it was Natalie and not Serena on stage, was thoroughly impressed. He strode onto the runway, extended a gentlemanly hand to Natalie, and led her to the front, both bowing in gratitude to the audience.

"Thank you all, and of course, thank Miss Mu for her captivating performance," he announced.

Natalie simply bowed politely, but an unexpected shrill voice cut through the moment: "She's not Serena! I've seen Serena in person; her legs aren't that long!"

Confusion spread instantaneously. Suspicious gazes turned to Natalie, scrutinizing her legs. "If you really are Miss Mu, please take off your mask. If not, Timi Entertainment is a fraud!"

Doubts grew louder, and even hf's designer began to question the woman beside him. "Miss Mu, please remove your mask..."

Caught in the crossfire, Natalie reluctantly reached for her face covering, revealing her identity. The crowd gasped, recognizing the once-famous model.

"It's Natalie!"

Whispers spread that Natalie, since being blackballed, had vanished into obscurity, now reduced to walking for others. Was this a calculated move for attention, or was she coerced by circumstance?

"Natalie, it's Natalie," the journalists swarmed, cornering her with no escape.

"Miss Tang, can you explain why you are standing in for Serena at hf's jewelry show?"

"Having been blacklisted three years ago, are you attempting a comeback through this show?"

"An outdated model—do you intend to steal Serena's opportunity, taking advantage of her injury?"

"The very picture of a publicity stunt. What a fall from grace!"

The press's questions turned increasingly cutting, and the accusations flew.

"You're nothing but a has-been!"

"The endorsement belongs to Serena, give it back!"

Natalie was backed into a corner, harried by the press, pushed and shoved. Then, to add insult to injury, hf weighed in: "We will be suing Timi Entertainment for fraud. I wanted Serena, not some third-rate model!"

The designer's ignorance of Natalie's past status only worsened the situation. "And you, see you in court! But for now, get off my runway."

The harsh command silenced the showroom, stunning even the press, for no model had ever been so publicly berated.

"Are you not leaving yet?"

Natalie braced for the humiliation, but a low, magnetic voice echoed from the runway's edge: "Someone should leave, indeed..."

All eyes turned to Terrance, standing stoically at the runway's end. His unexpected presence shocked the crowd—why would the CEO of Harui Entertainment be here?

More importantly, he stepped onto the runway, and everyone knew Terrance despised underhanded machinations among celebrities. Natalie seemed to be digging her own grave.

The onlookers held their breath, expecting Natalie to be doomed, but instead, Terrance moved protectively beside her and coldly addressed the hf designer: "It's not her who should leave... but you."

"I could erase hf's presence from Shengjing entirely, considering your manners don't match your jewels."

Natalie's heart skipped a beat, never expecting this man—whom she'd only met three times—to defend her.

The media was in turmoil, realizing too late that Natalie had ties to Harui. They wouldn't have dared such boldness had they known.

The designer paled, fully aware of the need to not offend Harui International. After a brief silence, he offered a begrudging apology: "I'm sorry, President Mo. I wasn't aware of your relation to this lady..."

"You're mistaken. I have no relation to her," Terrance clarified, dismissing any link to Natalie. "I simply disapprove... of your character." With that, he turned to leave but not before issuing a parting statement to the press. "Undeniably, however, she will be the new star of the modeling world."