Too Late For Regrets, Mr. Billionaire (Brianna Meyers and Brandon Levy) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20 Modeller the Show

Chapter 20 Model for the Show

By the end of the month, Brianna’s company was basically up and running, with more than a dozen employees on board. Patsy and Tristan pitched in steadily advancing the initial product development and marketing efforts.

Meanwhile, Clair chipped in with ideas and offered a lot of support.

The days were hectic and tiring, but Brianna felt optimistic and full of energy inside.

Right in the middle of her work, the phone rang It was Clair.

He said, “Brianna, got time for the show on Friday?”

“Of course, I’d be honored.” Brianna set aside her task and sipped some water to cover her embarrassment.

She’d been so swamped that she’d almost forgotten about Dexter Gems‘ major showcase in Klamdiff.

Relieved by her answer, Clair relaxed and pressed on. “This event is unveiling our big annual highlight, Woodland Waterfall. Any interest in modeling it?”

“Me?” Brianna was taken aback. “How could I? I’d just end up tarnishing your brand.”

“The design draws from a mountain stream waterfall, light, flowing, and full of life. It really suits your vibe.” Clair had his

own ulterior motives.

Still, when headquarters shipped the piece over for display, he was stunned by its beauty, and his immediate thought was that only Brianna’s presence could truly complement this jewelry.

“No, no, I couldn’t. I’m not a model; leave it to the pros.” Brianna shot him down right away.

She was naturally introverted and dealt with social anxiety. Getting her on stage for a runway walk? That would kill her.

Even in college, when the department ran internal events requiring students to model their own creations, it had been absolute torment for her. A formal occasion like this? No chance.

“Brianna, I’m dead serious. Your style is perfect for it. Hang on, I’ll text you a photo so you can see.” Clair kept trying to convince her. “Besides, walking the show could give you a real boost in the jewelry world.”

He dangled the perk in front of her.

Brianna listened, starting to waver. If it helped the company, she’d go through hell or high water.

Just as she mulled it over, the photo came through from Clair.

As she saw it, something stirred in her. He was spot on. It did match her perfectly.

The necklace, called Woodland Waterfall, had three layered chains at the neck that draped over the shoulders, mimicking a cascading fall both front and back.

In the rear, four strands, two shorter, two longer, hung down to the shoulder blades. Up front, the chains stretched over 40 inches, with varying lengths crisscrossing.

It was completely studded with diamonds, obviously priceless.

He said, “This one’s the grand finale. Brianna, give it some thought.”

“Alright! I’ll model it.” Brianna agreed then and there.

Clair hadn’t seen that coming so fast; he paused in surprise, then beamed with delight.

The piece had ignited a spark of inspiration in Brianna.

Still, she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of regret. Her finances right now wouldn’t stretch to buying something so luxurious.

As she grew up immersed in jewelry and spent four years studying design in college, few pieces ever truly captivated her like this.

She pulled a favor from Clair to snag a few extra invites, figuring she’d bring some staff along to expand their perspectives.

The showcase was set for Friday afternoon, so Brianna showed up early. Makeup and prep always took ages.

Clair stuck by her side attentively, reminiscing about funny grad school stories to calm her nerves.

Just then, an assistant came over, reporting that a celebrity lined up for the runway couldn’t be reached.

Clair frowned in irritation. “Swap her out.”

The assistant hesitated, then explained, “But… she was recommended by the Levy Group. Pulling her might not sit well, right?”

The Levy Group was one of Klamdiff’s premier elite families; crossing them could spell trouble.

Chapter 20 Modelfer the Show

Clair shot Brianna a puzzled look. He’d never heard her mention any family ties to showbiz. “Which celebrity?” Brianna kept her face composed, but inwardly, she was already annoyed. She thought, ‘It has to be Darcy!‘

Since her debut, she’d starred in a reality show, shining with her gorgeous looks and sharp emotional smarts. Pairing up with a hot male celeb has won her hordes of fans.

Right after her debut, she’d snagged a slew of endorsements.

The Levy family had obviously been pulling strings behind the scenes, but Brianna hadn’t figured Brandon would use his pull to connect her with top–tier luxury brands so quickly. She thought, ‘Is he really falling for her?”

“Darcy Meyers!” the assistant said.

Clair shot a confused look Brianna’s way. He thought, Same surname? She must be a relative of Brianna, right?’

Brianna played it cool, like it had nothing to do with her, keeping her face blank.

With no clue from her, Clair couldn’t read the situation, so he just waved off the assistant to keep trying to reach her.

A high–profile event like this would definitely have sent invites to the Levy family.

She’d assumed Brandon wouldn’t bother showing up. He never struck her as the type.

But now, it looked like he’d be there for sure, cheering on Darcy.

If you were in, go all in–that had always been Brianna’s approach.

Since she’d committed to Clair, she’d get her head in the game and crush this runway.

Darcy finally strolled in around noon. Manager and Blanca in tow.

The makeup artist was already fuming over her tardiness. He thought, ‘All the big–name models and stars have arrived on time, yet this fresh–faced celeb is pulling diva moves?

‘Walking for a luxury powerhouse like this is a golden opportunity most celebrities would kill for.’

He said, “What gives? This is a runway gig, sweetheart. Why show up with a full face already done?”

“Hey, watch it! With this many models to handle, she’d be waiting around anyway if she came early. What’s the big deal with timing it differently? My daughter’s a star. Fans swarm her everywhere. So what if she’s made up?” Blanca fired back.

“Ma’am, this isn’t some street market where you drop by whenever.”

“Who’re you scolding?”

Brianna was tucked away in a curtained side room, picking at her lunch on the sofa. She’d need fuel for the afternoon strut. She caught the ruckus outside but stayed quiet.

Clair, perched nearby, kept an eye on her. Still foggy on their connection, he held back and let it unfold.

“That’s you! Who the hell are you, anyway? No randos allowed. Didn’t you see the sign?” The makeup artist was a flashy middle–aged guy with a flair for drama, dressed to the nines and packing a mean streak.

“You flaming fairy, how dare you talk to me like that? Do you even know who I am?”

“Who’re you calling a fairy? You dried–up crone, with wrinkles like furrows in a field, slathered in all that goop? What, prepping for a scare flick?”

The head makeup artist struck a pose, hands on hips, and dished it right back, no holds barred.

Blanca wasn’t about to back off. “You weirdo, not man or woman. Mark my words, my son–in–law’s the CEO of the Levy Group. I’ll have him boot you out.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify