Chapter 331

The tension between Blackwood Hotel and Monarch Grand Hotels remained palpable beneath their surface calm.

As an A-list celebrity, Isabella Laurent commanded immense influence in the entertainment world. Her extravagant lifestyle meant no expense would be spared for her upcoming nuptials.

The diva had made one non-negotiable demand - only master-crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces would grace her wedding ensemble.

"Each piece must be an exclusive creation from legendary artisans," Oliver Sinclair relayed the star's requirements to Nathan Blackwood and his executive team. "Ms. Laurent insists this is non-negotiable for someone of her stature."

Nathan's fountain pen tapped rhythmically against the conference table as his stormy gaze darkened.

The boardroom erupted in murmurs.

"Does she think our hotels are her personal jewelry box?" one executive scoffed.

"Back in the day, they called people like her traveling performers," another muttered. "Now she acts like royalty."

Nathan's commanding voice cut through the chatter. "This is a strategy meeting, not a gossip circle. Either contribute solutions or remain silent."

The chastened team scrambled to propose alternatives.

The design director presented a meticulously prepared dossier of renowned jewelers. "Each of these artisans has won multiple international awards," she emphasized, projecting their masterpieces onto the screen.

Nathan studied the presentation with detached interest before asking, "Why isn't Alexa included?"

The room plunged into stunned silence.

"Did she pass away?" Nathan asked bluntly, genuinely perplexed by their reaction.

The design director nearly choked on her mineral water. "No, Mr. Blackwood. Alexa is... well, she's practically a deity in jewelry design circles. The artisans I just mentioned all consider her work inspirational. Her pieces become family heirlooms. Convincing her to design for a celebrity wedding would be... unprecedented."

Nathan's lips curved into a determined smile. "Every legend has a price. We're securing Alexa for Isabella's wedding jewelry."

The executives exchanged horrified glances.

"But Mr. Blackwood," the design director protested, "the designers I've proposed are exceptionally—"

"It's not about their qualifications," Nathan interrupted. "It's about our competition." He leaned forward, his piercing gaze sweeping the room. "Monarch Grand Hotels won't settle for second best. Knowing Evelyn Carter, she'll pursue Alexa with everything Monarch Group can offer."

A heavy silence descended as the team absorbed this reality. The battle lines had been drawn - this wedding contract would be won by whoever could secure the impossible: a custom collection from the legendary Alexa.