CHAPTER 52: LOMBARDI EVENT 3 [CHRISTIAN POV]

After Leslie and the others left backstage, Mr. Lombardi walked over.

"Christian, I will ask directly. Have you already signed a contract with any auction houses for Sophia’s season launch?"

At least he has the balls to ask directly instead of beating around the bush for hours like Georgio.

I turned to him and smiled, "We have not signed anything official, but as you may have guessed, the Moresis have also asked about this."

He frowned. "Does that mean that we have no chance?"

I took a sip of my champagne and looked up at the big stage, "How about this. Your daughter and the Moresi ladies will all be modeling. Let’s leave the decision up to them. Whoever can ’wow’ the crowd the most will be the winner."

Mr. Lombardi turned to face me. He was gauging how serious I was about this.

"You mean to say, whoever wins at gaining the most attention on stage will decide which auction house will get to host the Sophia season launch?"

"Yes, I give you my word." The smile never left my face.

He closed his eyes and thought about it momentarily, "Very well, I agree. But allow me to speak with my daughter since there are two Moresi girls."

I nodded, agreeing to his request. It didn’t matter how many times he talked to her or what he had her wear, I already knew who the winner would be.

Leslie, tonight the world will know of you.

-

After the Lombardis stepped away, Liam and Zach huddled around me.

"Well, well. You’re bride is really something. She’s pretty, but I feel like there’s something off about her personality," said Zach.

"Of course, there’s something off. She’s a Moresi, they all have twisted personalities," said Liam, rolling his eyes.

Zach laughed while patting my shoulder, "Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good look at the younger sister. She was hiding behind the older one, so I couldn’t even see her face."

"Yeah, all I managed to notice was that she wasn’t a blonde. I guess she’s as shy as they say," said Liam.

My lips curved up into a big smile. I couldn’t wait to see their jaws drop once they saw her on stage.

"You’ll get to see her soon. They’re all participating in the show. I’m curious to hear your opinions then," I said with a knowing smile.

"You say that like you think we’ll be surprised," teased Zach, "I think I’ve already made my choice. The Lombardi girl is prettier."

Liam didn’t say anything, but nodded, agreeing with Zach.

"Oh, but I think you’ll be surprised. Want to take a bet?" I looked over with a smirk.

"Sure thing! Loser pays for drinks on our next hangout," said Zach immediately, holding his hand out for a handshake.

"Deal," I said and shook his hand.

Liam looked at both of us and shook his head. "I’m not sure what Christian has planned, but you’re about to lose Zach."

"What do you mean? It’s a fair bet!" he looked over at Liam.

"Whenever Christian has something planned, he has a certain look. I can’t explain it, but I just saw it. I know you’re going to lose the bet," Liam explained, shrugging his shoulders.

Zach looked at me, closely inspecting my face, "I don’t see it. Nah, I’m confident that Lombardi girl will win. I’m pretty certain she’s been in training for modeling for a while now. She knows how to carry herself."

I didn’t say anything and continued to sip on my drink.

-

The lights dimmed, and the music started, signaling the start of the event. Everyone in the hall turned their attention to the stage where Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi were standing.

"Thank you all for coming out tonight. We have prepared a special event tonight in support of our daughter, Eve’s, debut in the modeling world," said Mrs. Lombardi with a big smile.

Everyone in the crowd clapped excitedly. Servers walked around the hall with refreshments and small finger foods.

"And without further ado, I present the newest season launch from the designer KASS!" exclaimed Mr. Lombardi.

They both walked off stage holding hands while everyone in the audience cheered and clapped. Excitement and surprise filled the hall as everyone chatted about the surprise of today’s event.

"I’ve always wanted to attend a KASS event. Her designs are top notch!" said one of the guests close by.

Similar remarks could be heard throughout the entire hall until the music changed into something atmospheric and ethereal.

The dim lights caused the many crystaline decorations to glow in contrast, transforming the scenery into a starry night scene.

They really did an amazing job with the decor.

It felt like the hotel was teleported into outer space and surrounded by thousands of stars. Many of the guests in the audience gasped at how beautiful it was.

The next moment, everyone’s attention was on the runway where the first model made her appearance.

Smart of him to send his daughter out first to maximize the ’wow’ factor.

Eve walked out on the runway wearing a shimmery gold dress. It was floor-length and made from various contrasting materials that made the dress look like an ethereal armor.

The hanging gold accents glimmered in the light, making her seem like a walking star in the cosmos.

Many people quietly discussed the beauty of the dress along with the gracefulness of the model.

"I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel very confident I’m my decision. Look at her, she’s absolutely stunning," whispered Zach.

His eyes were glued to her, refusing to miss a single second of her walk.

Eve certainly did look beautiful. She’s been known to be one of the beauties in our city, and it wasn’t for nothing.

I shook my head with a smile. Unfortunately for Eve, her beauty was still leagues away from Leslie’s.

"Just wait and see," I replied with a big smile.

-

As soon as Eve disappeared off stage, Morgan came out, wearing a similarly shimmery dress.

The biggest difference with this one was that it was shorter and wider, allowing Morgan to show off her slender legs.

She walked powerfully down the runway, reminding me of a comet flying through the sky.

The visuals and theme of this event are very well executed.

Zach turned to look at me and shook his head. I already knew what he was thinking before he had to say it.

If the competition were between only Eve and Morgan, Eve would have been the winner. Morgan couldn’t hide her haughty attitude, and it took away from her gracefulness.

I smiled at him in return, "The show has only just begun. Just wait."

"Just remember to honor our bet when you lose," he teased and turned his attention back to the stage.

Oh, but I never lose.