Chapter 114: Lucas Harrington Entered with the Other Executives

Lucas Harrington entered with the other executives. The models were already positioned at their stations. Some were having their makeup retouched while others perfected their poses. His eyes scanned the room until they settled on Sienna Bennett. She lounged indolently in her chair as a makeup artist worked on her complexion. Even in stillness, Sienna radiated a regal and untouchable aura. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Lucas's lips, a private display of affection that went unnoticed by everyone.

The media team surged forward with their equipment, moving efficiently into the space. They began their coverage from the lowest-ranked model, introducing Vanessa Bennett before progressing upward to Giselle Marchand. Just as a cameraman moved in for Sienna's close-up, Lucas fixed him with a glacial stare. A collective shiver ran through the reporting crew. They hastily wrapped their segment. "That concludes our live preview," the lead announcer stated abruptly. "Stay tuned for the grand opening of the Crestline Motors Show momentarily." The entire media contingent evacuated the area with remarkable speed.

Backstage now held only the models, their assistants, Lucas, the Crestline executives, and the event coordinators. With the press gone, Giselle could no longer contain herself. She turned to a Crestline executive with a pointed expression. "Mr. Worthington," she began, her voice dripping with condescension, "isn't it completely inappropriate to have those two local models at this caliber of event?"

"Absolutely!" another supermodel chimed in immediately. "And making that rookie the main model? It's a joke!"

"Sienna is utterly unqualified for that position! It should belong to Celeste!" declared a third model.

The supermodels took turns voicing their objections, each argument squarely targeting Sienna. Mr. Worthington shifted uncomfortably and looked toward Lucas. "Mr. Harrington," he said, his tone strained, "you see the situation. I warned you this decision would cause an uproar." The statement sent a ripple of shock through those who heard it. Lucas Harrington was a titan in Aldovia, controlling vast swathes of the nation's real estate, retail, and hospitality sectors. The exhibition hall itself was Harrington property.

The formidable Lucas Harrington had personally chosen an unknown newcomer as the main model? Celeste Duval, who had maintained an image of flawless elegance since Lucas's arrival, felt her composure crack. This was unbelievable. Hadn't Lucas always been ruthlessly impartial? Wasn't his reputation built on never granting special favors? Selecting Sienna was his direct order?

Dressed head-to-toe in sleek black leather, Celeste moved toward Lucas with a hypnotic sway. "Mr. Harrington," she purred, her voice a blend of honey and steel, "please, enlighten me. What possible justification is there for choosing her over me? Is she more beautiful? Has she won more prestigious awards? Are her legs longer or more sculpted than mine? Or perhaps she's simply taller?" By any objective measure, Sienna was no match for Celeste. Celeste was globally crowned the World's Sexiest Model. To men, she was the ultimate fantasy. Her beauty was considered peerless.

Every eye was locked on Lucas, waiting for his explanation with bated breath. He regarded Celeste with an arctic coldness. "My selection," he stated, his voice resonating with absolute, unassailable authority, "is none of your concern." The finality in his tone was a physical force. No one dared to meet his gaze.