Too Late For Regrets, Mr. Billionaire (Brianna Meyers and Brandon Levy) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21 What Do You Want?

The fashion show kicked off, heavy velvet curtains shutting out every bit of sunlight. The venue sparkled under brilliant lights, with pulsing music adding a layer of glamour to the air.

Tall, slim models paraded in perfectly tailored couture gowns, enhancing the jewelry’s stunning allure.

Their steps swayed gracefully, the gems catching the light and shimmering with mesmerizing brilliance.

As she waited in line to hit the runway, Darcy finally noticed Brianna tucked away in the corner.

Beside her stood a polished, sharply dressed man in a suit.

The outfits for this show came courtesy of the organizers, mostly in black.

Brianna wore a sleek black silk high–neck sleeveless gown, with an H–line cut that skimmed the floor, baring just her slender arms and shoulders.

The dress highlighted her tall, otherworldly grace, making her seem like a pristine fairy, utterly untouched by the mundane. But the real standout? She was decked out in the “Woodland Waterfall“, today’s showstopper jewelry piece.

Its front chain cascaded past her knees, lending her a vibe of effortless, lazy elegance.

With her hair swept into a low bun, her striking bone structure accentuated her delicate features, radiating a raw, unpolished beauty.

Resentment bubbled up in Darcy. She thought, ‘Why does she have to pop up everywhere?”

Glancing down at her own strapless sweetheart gown, which flattered her shoulders and neck, she realized black just wasn‘ t her color.

In a sea of models, she faded into the background like any other extra.

Darcy leaned over and whispered to the model beside her, “Who’s that over there?”

“No idea, but I heard she’s a designer, brought in specially to model the Woodland Waterfall.” The model shot Brianna an admiring look. “She really makes the piece come alive.”

Darcy rolled her eyes subtly, not buying it. “I meant the guy.”

“Oh, that’s Clair, the brand’s design director.”

Darcy fumed inside. She thought, ‘Why does she get these opportunities handed to her on a platter, the ones I have to scrap for? She was just a homemaker. What makes her a designer, anyway?

‘And now she is closing the show for Dexter Gems!‘

Jealousy raged through her, twisting her pretty features.

Still, she forced a soft smile and sauntered over. “Brianna.”

Brianna spotted her, and her own smile vanished.

Darcy said, “Didn’t expect you here. How’d I miss you earlier?”

“And who’s this?” Darcy batted her wide eyes innocently, since Brianna wasn’t biting.

It was someone else’s gig, so Brianna had to grin and bear it.

“Clair. Darcy.” Brianna made the introductions.

Darcy said, “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard all about the design director. Mr. Salazar, you’re impressively young and talented.”

Clair shook her hand with a warm smile. “The pleasure’s mine. Thanks for coming out to support us, Ms. Meyers.”

They chatted briefly before Darcy had to dash onstage.

She squared her shoulders, showcasing her elegant swan neck, gathered her skirt, and strode out with poise.

She was modeling the “Blossoming Flowers” series: a diamond–encrusted choker with rubies and emeralds, paired with matching bracelets and earrings.

As the show wrapped up, Brianna floated down the catwalk with effortless steps, her silk skirt gleaming softly.

The “Woodland Waterfall” swung gently with her stride, dazzling under the spotlights.

It gave off an unintended aura of vibrant aloofness.

When she reached the end of the T–stage, applause thundered through the room.

Clifford’s gaze trailed Brianna’s retreating form. “Hey, your wife’s a knockout, huh?” He teased Brandon with a grin.

Chapter 21 What Do You Want?

Brandon shot him a displeased look.

Sensing the chill in his stare, Clifford backpedaled a bit. “I meant it as a compliment. She usually seems like such a demure Hittle wife. Didn’t realize she had this kind of charisma.”

Brandon stayed silent, though his face relaxed slightly

Darcy had told him she was walking for Dexter Gems and pleaded for him to show up and support her.

Since Brianna was launching her own jewelry line and he knew zilch about the field, he’d agreed as a favor. He’d scanned the audience earlier and missed her, figuring she hadn’t made it.

Tumed out, she was one of the models.

Her look tonight took him back to that wild night years ago in the villa’s back garden, when he’d lost it. She’d worn a similar gown then, with an lively yet distant vibe, fragile in a way that tugged at your heartstrings. Now, though, she carried an extra edge of strength.

The president emerged with the designers and models for the finale bow.

Clair trailed behind, holding hands with Brianna.

Brandon’s eyes narrowed, a cold aura rolling off him.

Feeling his stare, Brianna glanced over, their gazes locking for a split second.

No shock, no delight, she just looked away, unfazed. She thought, ‘Of course, he is here to prop up Darcy.‘

With the show over, the evening party was next.

The evening party was an exclusive affair, limited to a select group of social elites and the brand’s VIP clients.

Its main goal was to showcase the jewelry and entice guests into opening their wallets.

Darcy had changed into a stunning white couture strapless gown, featuring a yellow bow at the bust that gave her a vibrant, cheerful glow.

She still wore the “Blossoming Flowers” jewelry series.

In her fresh outfit, her confidence came roaring back. She was convinced she’d already left Brianna in the dust.

Margo was there as well, surrounded by her close friends, and she made a point of showing interest in the pieces Darcy was displaying.

The Dexter Gems president, champagne glass in hand, introduced the series on Darcy to the group. Their animated conversation and laughter soon made then the center of attention at the party.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner, Clair was chatting quietly with Brianna.

At events like this, people inevitably flocked to network with Brandon. He was mobbed, wave after wave of guests approaching him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Brianna and Clair, and his frown deepened without thinking.

He began making his way toward them.

But Darcy, who had been subtly keeping tabs on him, called out, “Brandon!”

“Brandon!” Darcy wasn’t thrilled.

Brandon turned.

r

Margo picked up on it right away, flashing a bright smile as she looped her arm through Darcy’s and guided her over to Brandon.

“See anything that catches your eye?” Brandon sipped his champagne.

Ronda Mora and the others joined them, trading the standard pleasantries.

“Brandon, there are some cufflinks that would suit you perfectly. Want me to point them out?” Darcy extended her hand, expecting Brandon to take it and escort her.

In these kinds of settings, with towering heels and long, trailing skirts, men typically played the gentleman and offered an

arm.

He said, “No need. I’ll take the Woodland Waterfall set.”

The jewelry was gorgeous, and it suited her perfectly.

Darcy’s expression crumbled in an instant.

Chapter 21 What Do You Want?

Ronda gestured invitingly, leading Brandon over to the models.

She had no clure the two were husband and wife.

As Brandon approached, irritation flashed in Brianna’s eyes.

Clair greeted him cordially. Ronda’s cue, he launched into a description of the piece.

He said, “This necklace is set with 1,816 diamonds. The inspiration for the design comes from…” Clair delivered the spiel with professional ease.

Brianna eyed Brandon suspiciously. She thought, ‘What is he up to? Is he planning to scold me for modeling?

‘Too bad for him; I won’t be part of the Levy family much longer, so he has no business telling me what to do.‘

He listened courteously until Clair finished. “Great. This one’s mine.”

Brianna gave him a puzzled stare. She wondered, ‘What kind of act is this?‘

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