Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind: Chapter 146 – For the Livelihood of Uncle Gordon

An overwhelming presence enveloped Isabella. The intense rush of masculine pheromones nearly caused her to recoil. Her eyes widened in disbelief as Alexander approached, her breath catching in her throat.

His eyes softened, his voice deep and sensually cool. "Isabella"

"What?" she asked, instinctively raising a hand in surprise. Her hand landed on his still-damp chest, the bathrobe having fallen open.

A wave of sweetness washed over Alexander. Isabella talked a big game, he thought, but she'd probably retreat at the first sign of action. He didn't want to do anything; it was a sudden urge, perhaps a lingering effect of the drug… to kiss her… those panicked eyes and trembling lashes.

Wait. Hadn't he seen that the coffee wasn't drugged? Then he shouldn't be affected. What was he doing? Alexander was utterly confused.

Isabella's expression changed. "Alexander, you…" she exclaimed.

A sense of urgency seized Alexander. "Y-You're sitting on my clothes," he stammered.

Both were speechless. Isabella glanced down; she'd inadvertently sat on a corner of his newly delivered shirt. With an awkward smile, she moved aside. Alexander stood, feigning composure, quickly picking up his clothes once she was clear. Phew, he thought, that was close. I thought… cough, cough… what a shame I was hoping to take advantage of him. "How stubborn," he mused.

Isabella, clutching her racing heart, watched him retreat to the bathroom. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. Then, remembering the gossip she'd just overheard, her attention shifted.

What's going on? she thought. Why wasn't Rebecca's coffee drugged? Someone switched it—and now it's Mrs. Gonzales who's affected! Such a twist… So the one with Ruth right now is… No way! No way! No way! Ugh!

Hold on, this isn't right… They aren't related by blood… But still, it's unacceptable! How could they?

Even Alexander, dressing in the bathroom, sensed her distress. What on earth is she talking about? he wondered.

Chapter 146 – For the Livelihood of Uncle Gordon (continued)

Gordon was alone in his room.

When Alexander emerged, he found Isabella crouching by the slightly ajar door, peeking out. Footsteps sounded outside. Alexander positioned himself behind her.

Isabella quickly gestured for silence. Alexander saw someone carrying photographic equipment, searching for a room. They chose a room and began acting out a scene of catching adulterers, creating a commotion that roused several guests.

"Huh? Why are Mom and Dad here?" Isabella exclaimed, starting to step out, but Alexander restrained her. "Didn't you notice Christopher didn't show up? Now that you're a celebrity, a mistakenly taken photo could be trouble."

Isabella felt wronged. I could have been the first to know! Oh dear lord, why must this happen to me?

Seeing her distress, Alexander’s lips twitched. He picked up his black shirt and draped it over her head. "Cover your face. I'll take you out."

"Wouldn't that make me stand out more?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter if you stand out, as long as your face isn't captured. My photos generally aren't shared."

Her eyes lit up. She draped herself in the shirt, its scent clinging to her, revealing only her eyes. She looked at Alexander with eager anticipation. He casually draped his arm around her shoulder, protectively positioning her in front of him. He walked out with confidence. The Quirk family members almost laughed; Alexander would never have engaged in such tomfoolery before. He felt uncomfortable under their scrutiny. Meanwhile, Christopher watched resentfully from behind the door, realizing adding another person would make him even more conspicuous.

The other guests largely ignored them; a scandal was unfolding, and everyone wanted a closer look. Before they could fully gather, the paparazzi burst in, and the sounds of a pornographic film echoed from within.

Before Isabella could react, Alexander covered her ears. The other Quirk family members did the same, their faces a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Had Gordon, drugged, sought his wife for an antidote? they wondered. The commotion from the two middle-aged individuals was… energetic.

Then, they heard Isabella's thoughts: "Simon must have been truly desperate to stomach anything! Not only is there a twenty-year age gap, but she is his aunt, too!"

The Quirk family was bewildered. Who is Simon? And who is his aunt? Isn't this where Gordon and his wife are? No, that's not quite right. Ruth is under the influence of a drug; she isn't necessarily willing. Simon isn't affected… No, no, no! We just let you have a private date with Alexander; how did we miss so much?

When was Ruth drugged? Wasn't it she who drugged Rebecca? They were desperate to grab Isabella and interrogate her. The situation had escalated into a matter of family morals.

The door burst open, cries of surprise echoing from within. They heard Ruth's voice and a younger man's.

Then, someone exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! It's not Rebecca and Gordon, but Ruth and Simon, Gordon's nephew!"

Isabella's thoughts were confirmed. The Quirk family felt uneasy. They all wanted to shout, "What the hell?!"

The other guests, hearing the titles, sensed the taboo nature of the situation. Such a forbidden affair was something to be witnessed. Many followed the paparazzi inside. Isabella was tempted but feared it would be too overwhelming.

She remained by the door. Simon's furious roar followed: "Who are you people? You're invading my privacy! Get out!"

You're quite the actor, Isabella thought. Isn't this all your doing? You've been using your acting skills for this!

The Quirk family remained nearby, listening to Isabella's commentary. Was this all planned by Simon? What was he trying to achieve? My worldview is shattered! The one who switched the coffee was him! Ruth was oblivious to being drugged. She initially went to the adjacent room to find Simon, asking him to help cancel the plan and prevent the paparazzi.

A sharp slap echoed from within.

"Have you lost your mind? How could you…"

"You were the one… No, Ruth, you were the one who held me first! I wanted to help you, I-I like you… sob, sob, sob…"

"Simon, you…"

They actually cried! the Quirk family thought. Ruth actually believed him?

Such acting skills! Even your uncle would kneel before you. To snatch your uncle's livelihood, to save twenty years of struggle… your acting skills have truly reached their peak.

The next door swung open. Gordon, pale as a sheet, stumbled through the crowd and rushed inside. "What are you guys doing?"

This cleaned-up version improves grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for better readability. It also addresses some inconsistencies and clarifies ambiguous phrasing. The repeated "Chapter 146" headers have been consolidated.