The crowd was in an uproar, and there was a commotion in the venue. Although the female reporter was not loud, her accusation rang so abruptly amidst the showering praises; it was piercing, and energetic. It was as if a naughty child threw a stone into the calm lake just to stir up endless ripples.
The thundering applause was proof that everyone was impressed by the so-called Irina's performance. Now, they were suddenly told that it was not Irina but someone else?
"How could this be? Didn't the host announce that she's Miss Irina from TY Entertainment?"
"If she's not Miss Irina, then who is she?"
The scene lapsed into chaos as the host tried his best to maintain order from the stage.
At this moment, Natalia removed her cat-eared mask to reveal her true appearance amidst everyone's rising doubt.
"It's Natalia!"
Everyone was no stranger to Natalia. Soon enough, people identified her and shouted her name.
Natalia gave everyone an apologetic bow. "I'm sorry for causing this commotion."
"Why would Miss Natalia appear on the stage? Isn't this supposed to be Miss Irina's show?"
"Could it be that Miss Natalia is trying to make a comeback, and she's trying to achieve using Miss Irina?"
After learning of Natalia's identity, malicious speculations swarmed in. What came to mind first was not the fact that Miss Irina found herself a substitute while Irina sat back and enjoy the fruits of Natalia's labor. The crowd only knew to accuse Natalia of using the entertainment company's juniors as a stepping stone for her comeback.
Natalia had mixed feelings. She cracked a slow smile without losing her composure.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a radical supporter of Irina in the audience threw a water bottle at where Natalia was standing.
"God, how could there be such a cruel woman like you? Think about how much Miss Irina has sacrificed for this industry! Yet, here you are, ruining her reputation! Unforgivable!"
Natalia intended to dodge the bottle, but before she could move, a beautifully carved hand reached out and caught the bottle agilely.
Natalia looked up and her eyes met Alex's violet eyes.
It was him, Alex.
She did not expect to see him here too.
Alex did not comment. He turned away silently, his eyes glowing with light purple specks. He scanned his surroundings and the audience lapsed into deathly silence.
Natalia was stunned. She was a little surprised, but she failed to notice the vacant look that flashed across the audience's eyes.
She only heard Alex's deep voice that rang. "She'll be a rising star in the modeling industry."
The simple runway show had taken a dramatic turn. Even though she was prepared for it, she could not help but feel a lingering fear. It was not until Natalia got into Alex's car that she snapped out of it.
She thought that the chaos during the runway show would make it difficult for her to get away on her own. She had not expected that the chaos would be resolved with a single sentence from Alex.
Natalia was shocked by Alex's verbal response in front of the audience and the lens of countless cameras in front of her. "She'll be a rising star in the modeling industry."
That certainty in his words warmed Natalia. The world might not be as bad as she thought after all.
"Mr. Bruch, thank you for helping me out." Natalia expressed her gratitude sincerely. "From now on, if you need any help, I'll do my best to help."
Alex nodded in response.
Natalia looked at Alex's indifferent face from the side hesitantly before adding apologetically, "Mr. Bruch, I don't intend to lie to you. I intended to expose my identity just now. I was the one who arranged for the reporter to expose me."
Yes, this was all a trap set up by her to take revenge on the heartless couple—Vasili and Irina.
Alex remained as cold as ever. "You can tell me what you want to do, I'll help you. After all, you're my lawful spouse now."
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Bruch." Natalia declined politely. "I'll personally ensure that I get what initially belongs to me."
As she spoke, Natalia's phone rang. It was her manager, Bailey.
"Oh, my dear Natalia, how are you doing? Are you hurt? I heard that there was a commotion and rushed over, but you've already left." Bailey's tone was slightly breathless and worried.
"I'm sorry for making you worry, Bailey. I'm fine," Natalia murmured. "Now, we should proceed with our plans."
The severity in Natalia's tone made Alex, who was driving, glance at her.
Natalia noticed Alex's brief gaze, but she still told Bailey the details of her original plan without hesitation.
"Bailey, now is the best opportunity. Please contact everyone in the media that you know and release a statement. We'll publicize the news of me substituting for Irina today. Then, contact a group of cyber troopers to spread photos of Irina and Vasili walking out of the hotel one after the other."
Bailey quickly understood what Natalia meant. "Don't worry, Natalia. I'll make the arrangements now. You'll just have to wait patiently."
After hanging up the phone, Natalia's solemn expression faded away.
She turned to Alex worriedly.
With her sitting next to him and laying out her schemes, what would Mr. Bruch think? He must be lamenting how unlucky he was to have married such a scheming woman, right?
"You don't have to be concerned," Alex said abruptly as if reading Natalia's mind. "Just do what you think is right."
Natalia stared at Alex, stunned. After a long pause, the corners of her mouth curled up in a faint smile.
His reassurance swept all of her worries away. Her newlywed husband did not seem as cold and heartless as his looks suggested.
Natalia stared unblinkingly at Alex's side profile. As she lamented after comparing the fairness of his skin to hers, she was vaguely worried—Alex's skin seemed unnaturally pale.
However, it did not take long for Natalia's attention to be diverted. She was fascinated by Alex's eyes, those violet irises. Just a quick glance at them would make her swoon.
There were only a handful of humans in the world with purple irises. How lucky was she to have met such a partner?
To Natalia, Alex's violet eyes must be one of the most unique eyes she had ever seen in her lifetime. He truly was an extraordinary man.