Chapter 343
No.1
He answered on the third ring, his voice flat. "I'm in a meeting. What is it?"
Ever since that disastrous day, the day of her punishment, Alexander had been giving her the cold shoulder. Victoria felt a pang of heartache, but she masked it with a sweet, gentle tone. "Alexander, darling, I called to say goodbye. I've done so many terrible things lately. I don't even recognize myself anymore. I've decided to go to the countryside to reflect and find myself again."
"The countryside?" Alexander frowned. "You've never lived outside the city. What could you possibly do in a place like that?"
“Since everyone despises me now, I need time alone for self-reflection. While I’m away, Alexander darling, you must do everything to win Isabella over.”
Victoria paused briefly, then continued in an even sweeter tone. “Even though my sister lost her purity, had a child, and recently became Nathaniel’s mistress… she’s still remarkable. If you can be with her—even if not for her fortune—it’s far better than being with someone like me.”
“What nonsense are you saying? How could I ever fall for a promiscuous, morally bankrupt woman like her?”
Alexander thought of Isabella’s actions and felt a wave of disgust. “When are you leaving? I’ll take you to the airport.”
“No need, my love. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself. Don’t overwork. Even if you don’t like Isabella, you must pursue her. Her assets will secure your position in the Whitmore family. Call me anytime—I’ll always support you.”
Victoria hung up, her voice dripping with false sweetness. A smug, satisfied smile spread across her face.
No.2
‘No man can resist a woman who knows how to play sweet and vulnerable. Did Alexander really think he could forget me? Impossible!’
She began packing immediately. Her new plan was to retreat to the countryside temporarily. She would return in glory one month later.
Meanwhile, Alexander was troubled by Victoria’s words. Despite his coldness, she still supported him selflessly. Yes, Victoria had made mistakes, but her intentions were always to help him. Unlike Isabella…
His eyes fell on a report from Harrison: Last night, Isabella checked into The Ritz-Carlton. Nathaniel arrived just before midnight.
They spent the night together.
Disgraceful! She was still technically his fiancée, yet she spent the night with another man! What did her beauty matter? She was nothing like Victoria! Still… given his current situation, he needed Isabella’s shares and her diamond connections. She held twenty-five percent of the Montgomery Group stock.
Suppressing his revulsion, he ordered Harrison, “Prepare a gift basket. I’m going to The Ritz-Carlton.”
“Right away, sir.”
At The Ritz-Carlton.
No.3
Nathaniel had already left when Isabella returned from her morning shoot. Exhausted, she headed straight to bed. Less than an hour later, an insistent doorbell jerked her awake.
She dragged herself to the door and checked the peephole. Alexander stood outside, looking arrogantly impatient.
Him again? He actually showed up?
Isabella had no intention of opening the door. But she knew Alexander—he would keep ringing until she gave in.
She yanked the door open. “What do you want?”
Hearing her annoyed tone, Alexander felt another surge of disgust. How could she ever compare to Victoria?
He forced a pleasant expression. “I heard you’re here for a shoot. I brought lunch—your favorite.”
He tried to step inside, but Isabella blocked the doorway. “No stray animals allowed. If you’re just delivering food, you can leave now.” Her voice was ice.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Isabella, you let another man into your room, but you refuse me? Have you forgotten we’re still engaged?”
No.4
“Engaged?” Isabella let out a cold, mocking laugh. Her gaze was sharp and dismissive. “Did that thought ever cross your mind while you were wrapped up with Victoria? What gives you the right to question me now?”
“So you are jealous after all,” Alexander said, a smug, arrogant smirk spreading across his face. He was convinced she was still hung up on him—this was all just an act, a game to get back at him.
The sheer audacity made her stomach turn. How could one man be so utterly delusional? It was nauseating.
Before she could even form a retort, he pressed on. “Isabella, I’m here to make things right. I’ve ended it with Victoria. She’s gone to the countryside to reflect. Nothing stands between us anymore.”
He took a step closer, his tone dripping with false sincerity. “I’m even willing to overlook what happened five years ago. That’s more than any other man would offer. Think carefully—no one else would marry a woman with your… history.”
Isabella’s mind raced. Victoria, in the countryside? That didn’t sound like her. Something was off.
When she stayed silent, Alexander mistook it for consideration. “You always accused me of wanting your fortune. That was five years ago. I’ve built my own empire since then. Why would I need yours now?”
He leaned in, voice softening manipulatively. “And think about Nathaniel Blackwood. Do you really believe he’d accept your past? He’s toying with you. A woman needs stability—a family. I can give you that.”
Isabella’s expression darkened. “You truly want to get back together? You’re sure you want to marry me?”
No.5
Victoria would understand. She’d help him secure everything.
Isabella saw right through him. But she had her own game to play. “Prove your sincerity. Pursue me properly for one month. Then I’ll marry you.”
“Pursue you?” His face tightened with irritation.
“Yes. Or did you expect me to say yes immediately? Do I need to teach you how to court a woman?” Her tone was ice.
“Of course not,” he replied quickly. One month was nothing. After that, she’d be his—assets and all.
“I’ll do it. Will you at least accept lunch with me today?”
She took the lunch bag and feigned a yawn. “I’m tired. I need to rest. You should go—start planning. And don’t forget to tweet about courting me. Publicly.”
She shut the door before he could protest.
Alexander stood there, seething. A public tweet? She wanted the whole world to know? Humiliating. But he had no choice now.
No.6
He pulled out his phone, found her profile, and sent a direct message: [You promise to marry me after one month?]
[Yes.]
One word. Clear and final.
He screenshotted it, swallowing his pride, and left the hotel. As he walked, he texted his assistant: [Draft a romantic tweet. Mention Isabella Montgomery.]
No way was he wasting time crafting some lovesick post. Let his staff handle the embarrassing details.
Later that day, Alexander’s Twitter updated: [After all this time, it’s always been you. Isabella Montgomery.]
A vintage photo accompanied the tweet, capturing Alexander and Isabella's hands intertwined. Though only their clasped hands were visible, everyone instantly recognized them.
(That's definitely Isabella's hand! I'd know it anywhere! No one else has hands that exquisite!)
(Didn't Alexander and Isabella just have that massive century bet recently? How are they a couple now?)
No.7
(Wait, what? This doesn't add up. Isn't Alexander with Victoria? Why is he chasing after Isabella now?)
(Rumor has it Alexander and Isabella were together five years ago. They were even engaged!)
(Seriously? A long-lost reunion then?)
(Probably!! Looks like they're going public!)
Netizens exploded with theories and speculation. Both Alexander and Isabella's names shot to the top of Twitter's trending list.
Inside The Palace Heart.
The living room air was thick with tension. Nathaniel sat rigidly on the ornate European sofa, his expression dark and unreadable. Oliver was pouting beside him, his small face a mask of clear unhappiness.
After a long silence, the boy finally looked up. "Daddy," he asked, his voice small, "do you think Mommy is falling for that bad man? She always replies or says something clever before."
In the past, Isabella would have immediately tweeted something sharp, like 'Reunite? Never in a million years!'