Chapter 120: The Gossip Backfires

Upon hearing the gossip, Ruth stiffened, her face paling. Alexander sharply looked at them and said, "Ms. Jeannet is free to live as she chooses. It's not for outsiders to judge her."

The directors felt a chill. Alexander's fury was evident. "Accusing Ms. Jeannet of defending the mistress could severely damage her reputation. We need legal counsel and a serious discussion with you, Mrs. Gonzales. We require solid evidence to support your claim." Ruth nearly stumbled, steadied only by a director.

This wasn't her plan. She'd hoped revealing Isabella's defense of the other woman would prompt Alexander to question Isabella and reprimand her. She hadn't expected this reaction. Moreover, their responses mirrored each other; Isabella had also recently requested evidence of Rebecca's affair.

From a distance, Rosalie exclaimed, "Wow, I've never heard Alex so confrontational!"

Selena was startled, then laughed.

"What's wrong?" Rosalie asked, confused.

Selena said, "Alex seems different. Bella could have easily counterattacked, but Alex, who usually avoids such situations, lost his cool."

After a moment, Rosalie asked, "Didn't Alex always defend Bella?"

Selena chuckled, remaining silent. Alexander protectively defended his wife out of duty, but this reaction was different. He'd struck a fatal blow, leaving no room for retaliation. This was instinct, not just responsibility. Even Alexander's assistant was surprised.

After Alexander's statement, further objection would be foolish. Despite her resentment, Ruth conceded. The director formally apologized on her behalf, but Alexander remained curt: "If such comments continue and affect Ms. Jeannet, we will pursue it to the fullest extent."

Further conversation was unnecessary. Alexander turned to Isabella, her striking black-and-white eyes reflecting him. Confused, he sensed her internal turmoil.

Darn it, he got me! she thought. His words were so impressive!

The icy expression on Alexander's face melted, replaced by warmth. The awkwardness of Isabella's silent amusement was palpable. She was a master at deflating tense situations.

Alexander patted Isabella's shoulder, prompting her to stand. He had his assistant accept the compensation. The others, intimidated, remained frozen.

Approaching the entrance, Alexander turned to the VIP area. "Mother, Rosalie."

Selena and Rosalie, believing themselves unnoticed, awkwardly removed their sunglasses and greeted them. Isabella was surprised by their arrival.

Everyone else was shocked. The wives hadn't realized Selena and Rosalie were present and had overheard their comments. This was far worse than a formal complaint. Their lack of support hinted at strained in-law relationships. Perhaps past unkindness would be forgotten.

Their unease was short-lived. Selena and Rosalie rushed over enthusiastically, Alexander making room for them as they affectionately embraced Isabella.

"When did you arrive? Why didn't you call?"

"Quite the spectacle! I'm curious who dares boss my Bella around."

"Bella, we were planning a grand entrance, but Alex interrupted."

"What? You were trying to steal the show?"

The three women laughed, Alexander dutifully assisting them.

The remaining women were ashen-faced, hoping their gifts would appease Alexander. The director dismissed Ruth without ceremony. The other wives followed, complaining to Ruth.

"This is an accident. Even if they retaliate, they'll deal with me. Let's suppress this. Don't you want to stop Rebecca?"

"What do you suggest? Our plan is ruined. We can't risk another confrontation."

Ruth's eyes gleamed. "I don't need them. I can destroy that minx online myself."

Meanwhile, Danielle, handling Isabella's files, received a surprising call.

"Ms. Yancey, you're asking for my help? To join our studio? These terms seem disadvantageous to you."

Isabella and the others returned to Alexander's office, planning to leave together. They sat on the couch, discussing the gossip and unwrapping the gifts. Despite their wealth, they enjoyed the situation immensely.

Alexander sat at his desk, accidentally activating his computer. He glanced at Isabella, engrossed in a game with Selena and Rosalie.

"Isabella, come here," he said casually.

Isabella, assuming she was needed, approached.

"What's up?"

Alexander pointed at the screen. Isabella's smile faltered.

Darn, I forgot!

Alexander's mouth twitched. "Reply to this," he said.

"Huh?" Isabella asked. His ex? That's an email from his ex!

Selena and Rosalie paused their gift-opening. An ex? An email?

The Quirks knew little of Eleanor, Alexander's university girlfriend, whom he'd never brought home. They'd rarely heard her name and were surprised to learn of the breakup, which Alexander seemed to have handled calmly. Recent news of Eleanor was connected to Hannah.

Regardless, the sender should have known Alexander was married. The email was a recipe for disaster. Their carefully built relationship couldn't be sabotaged.

They listened intently, Isabella feeling as if she were on a battlefield. She didn't know how to react.

"All right, tell me what to say, and I'll relay it," she said cautiously.

Alexander looked at her. "It's not about my message, it's your reply."

Isabella's eyes widened. The gossip is backfiring? This is insane! She wants to meet in two weeks. How do I respond?

Alexander's gaze was sharp. "Didn't you guess who sent it? As my wife, you should know how to respond."