Chapter 179 One Shot and Fame
Arabella returned to her apartment and set aside the events of the past few days, throwing herself wholeheartedly into work only.
Ella truly lived up to her reputation as a powerhouse businesswoman. With her decisive approach, the studio had secured several new partnerships within just a few days of opening, along with some fashion collaborations.
After discussing their next steps, they decided to hire additional help.
While they were both skilled at writing articles and sharing opinions, creating promotional content for premium women's clothing and shoes required a professional photographer.
They wasted no time getting started.
Within two days, the studio had recruited a photography enthusiast—a punk-styled young man named Mark.
Mark was also a photography blogger looking for part-time work to earn some extra income.
To save costs, Ella decided against hiring models for the shoots, instead setting her sights on her business partner—Arabella.
"What? Me as a model? Photographing me?" Arabella was stunned by the suggestion. "I know absolutely nothing about modeling. How would I even pose? And I could never pull off the vibe those clothes require."
"Don't worry, you just need good makeup and styling. I've seen Mark's portrait work—it's really impressive," Ella insisted, determined to push her reluctant partner into the spotlight regardless of her protests.
When Arabella emerged after getting her makeup done, Ella circled around her with obvious amazement.
"You should dress up like this more often. You're like a brilliant diamond that's been hidden away, making yourself look like a frumpy housewife," Ella praised while feeling a twinge of envy. "God, youth is wonderful."
She was several years older than Arabella, and raising a child alone while juggling work and side projects inevitably meant sleepless nights and exhaustion. Even with cosmetic treatments, traces of time were visible on her face.
Arabella, despite the challenges of carrying twins, had spent over two years as a wealthy socialite.
Even when Gabriel had shown little personal interest in her, he'd maintained the highest standards for her food, clothing, and lifestyle befitting their social status.
After giving birth, she'd had professional postpartum recovery specialists provide in-home care. Rather than aging her, childbirth combined with luxurious care had achieved the opposite effect—she looked even more beautiful than before.
Dressed in designer clothes, wearing heels, and carrying a handbag, Arabella was instantly transformed into a sophisticated, fashionable woman.
Mark studied her with obvious admiration, raising his camera to snap a quick shot before nodding appreciatively. "Arabella's perfect for modeling. I have a feeling this photo shoot is going to launch a new influencer!"
Arabella had no interest in becoming an influencer—she just wanted to earn money to support herself now and her children in the future.
After spending most of the day shooting in over ten different outfits, Arabella, unaccustomed to wearing heels, needed assistance walking by the time they finished.
That evening, when Mark transferred the photos, Ella took a quick look and was extremely satisfied, feeling like she'd struck gold!
"These aren't even edited yet—wait until we touch them up!" Mark was equally excited, eagerly anticipating the next shoot.
While Arabella showed no interest in the photography aspect, she was already busy writing the promotional copy, planning to insert the edited photos before posting to their blog.
Expecting it to be amateur work, she was surprised when Sophia called immediately after the blog post went live.
"Darling, is that you as a model ? Oh my God! Gorgeous! Intellectual, elegant, sophisticated—absolutely stunning! I placed an order for that camel coat right after reading your post. Perfect as a New Year's gift to myself!" Sophia exclaimed excitedly over the phone.
Arabella was taken aback. "Those pieces cost four or five thousand dollars each. You really splurged..."
Indeed, they'd partnered with a luxury brand where individual pieces started at over a thousand dollars, with coats reaching four to five thousand.
She was both surprised and envious that Sophia, currently unemployed, was willing to spend so much on clothing.
Sophia replied nonchalantly, "I'm buying it for New Year's celebrations—I can't look shabby! Zachary constantly brags about his successful career, so I need to dress the part when we visit family and friends."
Arabella laughed. "That's true—go for it!"
"Mainly, your modeling advertisement was so compelling. I bet if Gabriel saw these photos, he'd be even more obsessed and refuse to divorce you!"
Arabella's expression stiffened as she suddenly remembered the man who'd been absent from her world for several days.
Speaking of which, their court date was approaching again. She wondered if Gabriel would find another way to delay proceedings this time.
If this hearing wasn't successful, there probably wouldn't be time before the holidays.
She felt secretly anxious, hoping to resolve this matter before the New Year so she could welcome a fresh start and a new life.
————
On the day before Christmas, the Sterling family traditionally gathered for their annual celebration.
Joanna had called her son the day before, asking him to leave work early and bring the children to the Sterling Estate.
At 3 PM, Gabriel had finished handling urgent business and was preparing to leave early.
Evelyn knocked and entered, surprised to see him putting on his coat. "Mr. Sterling, you're leaving already?"
"Is there something else?" Gabriel's expression was neutral, his brow furrowed, his tone cold.
He'd maintained this demeanor for days, making life miserable for everyone in the executive office.
Evelyn observed carefully before asking tentatively, "Are you... going to see Mrs. Sterling?"
Gabriel looked up at her, his expression neither pleased nor angry. "Why do you ask?"
Evelyn clutched her phone, torn between speaking up or staying silent.
Seeing her hesitation, Gabriel knew there was definitely something—and it involved that woman.
His expression grew more impatient as he commanded coldly, "Say what you need to say or get out."
Evelyn steeled herself and stepped forward, holding out her phone. "Mr. Sterling, I just saw this. That model... is Mrs. Sterling, isn't it?"
Gabriel had just finished putting on his coat when his gaze fell on his secretary's phone. With just one glance, his eyes became cold and penetrating.
Evelyn explained, "I've been following this blog for a while. When I saw it updated today, I was shocked to discover Mrs. Sterling had done the brand photography..."
According to her knowledge, several people in the office followed this blog.
The author wrote about relationships, movie reviews, and lifestyle topics with sharp and interesting perspectives, occasionally featuring luxury lifestyle recommendations that were both aspirational and practical.
Colleagues would recommend posts to each other when they found something appealing, so several people were subscribers.
This meant everyone now knew Mrs. Sterling was working as a freelance model to earn money.
But she had to admit, the clothes Arabella featured looked fantastic on her, significantly elevating their appeal. After reading the post, colleagues couldn't help but order a piece or two.
Gabriel stared at the phone for five or six seconds before looking away indifferently. "Send me this blog link."
Evelyn nodded quickly. "Of course, right away!"
She retrieved her phone and immediately shared the information.
Gabriel adjusted his coat, his long legs striding purposefully toward the exit as he said, "Call me if anything urgent comes up."
Evelyn stood in place, watching her boss's determined retreating figure, muttering, "He's definitely going to find Mrs. Sterling now..."