Chapter 396: The Replacement
"Daniel, you're here." Emily extended her hand with a smile.
Daniel clasped it, looking her up and down before a playful smirk curved his lips. "Emily in work mode is absolutely stunning."
Emily felt slightly embarrassed. "Stop teasing. Come on, the crew's waiting."
As they walked side by side toward the studio, employees couldn't help but stare.
"Who's that? He's gorgeous!"
"No idea, but if Ms. Johnson's personally escorting him, he must be someone important."
"Is that a violin case? Could he be a musician?"
Inside the studio, everyone was waiting. The moment Daniel stepped through the door, the entire space fell silent.
Lighting technicians, photographers, makeup artists—every pair of eyes locked onto this unexpected arrival.
He was extraordinary.
Not in the manufactured, polished way common in entertainment circles, but with a unique elegance and untamed artistic air. Standing there, he resembled a living oil painting—every angle telling a story.
"Everyone, this is Mr. Daniel Scott, our new spokesperson for the season," Emily announced.
Daniel offered a slight nod in acknowledgment. His gaze swept the studio before settling on the prepared wardrobe pieces.
"Nice pieces. Let's begin."
The shoot progressed remarkably smoothly.
Though not a professional model, Daniel possessed an innate camera sense. He understood how to showcase his strengths, how to become one with the clothing.
He slipped into one of Obscura Fashion's latest designs—a black suit—and positioned himself beside a vintage piano, violin in hand, eyes gazing deeply into the lens.
In that moment, the entire studio held its breath.
Light sculpted his tall frame and elegant silhouette. He tilted his head slightly, fingers grazing the strings as though exquisite music might flow forth at any second.
Classical and modern, artistry and fashion—perfectly fused in his presence.
The photographer's hands trembled with excitement. "Perfect! Absolutely perfect! Mr. Scott, please hold that pose!"
Daniel flowed through various positions with natural grace, each movement fluid, each glance laden with narrative.
Behind the monitor, Emily watched the screen, an indescribable emotion welling up inside her.
She'd gambled right.
Daniel was exactly what Obscura Fashion needed.
During a break, Daniel approached Emily and accepted the water she offered.
"How am I doing? Satisfied?" he asked.
"More than satisfied. Daniel, thank you."
Daniel studied her, something searching in his expression. "Emily, lately… has something happened?"
Emily froze, then shook her head. "No, why do you ask?"
Daniel gestured toward her eyes. "Your eyes. Despite the makeup, if you look closely, you can still see you've been crying. And earlier… you said Obscura Fashion is the only thing you have left to hold onto. That doesn't sound like happiness talking."
Emily lowered her gaze, silent for a moment.
"Charles and I… we're probably getting divorced," she said quietly.
Daniel's brow furrowed. "Charles? Why? Did he hurt you?"
Emily shook her head. "No. It's just… the feelings faded."
Her tone was light, but Daniel caught the bitterness beneath. He gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Emily, if you need help, I'm here. I may not run in business circles, but I've got connections."
Emily looked up, managing a weak smile. "Thanks, Daniel. But this is my problem. I'll handle it."
Daniel saw the stubborn determination in her eyes and sighed inwardly.
Emily—always so strong.
"Alright. But remember, no matter what happens, family has your back. The Campbells and the Scotts both do."
Emily nodded, warmth flooding her chest.
The shoot continued until evening. When the final set wrapped, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The photographer rushed to Emily, practically vibrating with excitement. "Ms. Johnson, this shoot was incredible! Mr. Scott's presence is absolutely perfect! I have a feeling this campaign is going to blow up!"
Emily smiled and nodded. "Thank you all for your hard work. Dinner's on me tonight."
"Yeah!" Cheers erupted throughout the studio.
Daniel changed back into his own clothes and approached Emily. "I'll pass on dinner—still have rehearsal tonight."
Emily walked him downstairs. "Thank you again for today."
"Don't mention it." Daniel smiled, then seemed to remember something. "Actually, Emily, there's something I want to mention."
"What is it?"
"Charles…" Daniel paused. "He's not a simple man. And he loved you so deeply before. Maybe there's more to this divorce than you know."
Emily's heart sank. "I know."
Daniel squeezed her shoulder. "Good. I'll be going then. Call if you need anything. But fair warning—for shoots, this is a one-time deal."
He climbed into his car, and the black Bentley pulled smoothly into traffic.
Emily stood outside the building entrance, watching until the vehicle disappeared, complex emotions churning inside her.
She knew Daniel meant well.
But did Charles really have other reasons?
She turned and headed back inside, ready to join the celebration dinner.
Meanwhile, at the Windsor Group CEO's office.
Nathan stood before Charles, delivering the latest intelligence.
"Mr. Windsor, Obscura Fashion… they've replaced their spokesperson."
Charles looked up. "With whom?"
"Daniel."
Charles's brow furrowed. "Daniel? How did he…"
"Apparently Mrs. Windsor personally called to request his participation. The shoot went extremely well. Everyone at Obscura Fashion is thrilled."
Charles fell silent for a moment, then a barely perceptible smile touched his lips.
"She always finds a way," he murmured, his tone carrying equal parts pride and bitterness.
Evelyn reclined in the massage chair of her luxury apartment, enjoying a beautician's treatment while scrolling through her phone.
When she spotted the official Obscura Fashion account's latest post—a mysterious silhouette with the caption "The perfect fusion of classical and modern. Reveal tomorrow"—a contemptuous smirk curved her lips.
"Interesting. Found a replacement that quickly? Find out who Obscura Fashion hired," she said lazily to her assistant.
The assistant scurried off to make calls, returning minutes later with an odd expression. "Evelyn, I found out… it's Daniel."
Evelyn froze. "Daniel? The violin guy?"
"Yes, the world-renowned violinist. He has significant international influence."
Evelyn's expression instantly darkened.