Chapter 159

No.1

Meanwhile...

Just as Isabella stepped out of The Ivy, she collided with the last two people she expected to see.

Alexander and Victoria.

As always, Alexander was dressed in a sharp suit, radiating the aura of a successful CEO. Victoria wore a soft, pale green maxi dress. Her hair fell over her shoulders, making her look fragile, like a gentle breeze could carry her away.

Alexander frowned. He instinctively dropped Victoria's hand the moment he saw Isabella.

"Isabella, what are you doing here?"

Since Isabella had rejected his confession, Victoria offered to help him win her back. That's why they met at the café. He never imagined they'd run into Isabella of all people...

Victoria noticed Alexander's reaction. A flash of pure hatred flickered in her clear eyes. She quickly masked it, stepping closer to Isabella. "Isabella, I finally found you. You haven't returned to the Montgomery manor, and you're no longer at Rosewood. I've been wanting to apologize. I just never got the chance."

"It was all my fault. I never meant to ruin your wedding. Alexander and I are truly over. What happened that day... it was just closure..."

Victoria lowered her head, feigning pain. A faint blush even colored her cheeks. Underneath her meek words, her real message was clear: So what if Alexander wanted Isabella? He still couldn't resist her body.

No.2

Isabella scoffed, adjusting her black sunglasses. "Well, look who it is. Dressed like a common streetwalker. The fake Ms. Montgomery, I presume?"

Her tone was slow and dripping with mockery.

Victoria's face flushed. Did she just call her a prostitute?

She even said 'fake'!

Victoria hadn't slept properly since Isabella's return. She lived in constant fear that the Montgomery family would discover her true identity and throw her out.

And now Isabella just said it out loud!

Victoria wanted to rip her mouth shut. To end her once and for all, so the fear would finally stop.

But she couldn't. Not with Alexander watching. She had to swallow her rage.

Victoria's eyes glistened with fake tears. She reached for Isabella's hand, sobbing. "Isabella, I know you're angry. It was all my fault...! I'm so sorry for ruining your wedding with Alexander... If you want to yell at me, or hit me, you can—"

Isabella's hand shot out.

No.3

She slapped Victoria hard across the face.

The sharp crack echoed through the air.

Victoria stumbled backward at least two meters.

She crashed into a nearby hedge, tearing her skirt.

Alexander rushed to her side immediately.

He helped her to her feet.

"What was that for, Isabella?!"

"She asked me to hit her. I simply obliged."

Isabella's voice was icy and detached.

Victoria touched her swollen cheek gently.

No.4

She clung to Alexander's arm.

"Don't worry, Alexander... I actually feel better now. I don't blame her."

She looked toward Isabella with pleading eyes.

"Sister, I made a terrible mistake this time. But I promise it won't happen again."

"I'm leaving the entertainment industry. All my resources and connections will be yours..."

"Do I look like I need them?"

Isabella brushed past her without a second glance.

Her shoulder bumped Victoria's forcefully.

She walked away without looking back.

Alexander caught Victoria as she stumbled again.

No.5

His eyes followed Isabella's retreating figure.

She wore a white suit that accentuated her striking beauty.

Her lips were their usual fiery red.

This version of Isabella was new to him.

He realized only a woman like her deserved to stand by his side.

Her resources could secure his status.

Her demeanor ignited a fierce desire within him.

He wanted to claim her, to make her his.

Victoria seethed with silent rage.

She saw the raw desire in Alexander's eyes.

No.6

Isabella had destroyed her career and now stole his heart.

How could she be so vicious?

But with Alexander present, Victoria had to maintain her facade.

She sobbed pitifully into his chest.

"It's all my fault, Alexander! I'm so sorry... I ruined everything..."

Her crying snapped Alexander out of his trance.

He looked down at the useless woman in his arms.

Annoyance flashed across his face.

"Stop crying. Just fix your mistake. Let's go."

He turned and walked into the café.

No.7

Victoria froze in shock.

He didn't comfort her. He told her to make it up to him.

Even he thought this was entirely her fault?

Rage burned through her veins.