Chapter 154: Stepping Into Such an Obvious Trap

Since Isabella had never met Linda's target, she couldn't offer an opinion. The Quirks expressed similar reservations. Linda, however, remained insistent.

"I won't let that woman continue to charm Javier! She must be ruined! I can't dig up dirt on her, but a woman of her character surely has secrets. Investigate, expose her on stage—like others before her. And let Freya see what kind of person she's supporting!" Linda's self-satisfaction silenced the Quirks.

Evian quietly questioned, "Perhaps she has no dirt because she's innocent? Her continued presence on stage suggests as much."

Rosalie retorted, "Milm Pearson, haven't you seen the previous episodes? Your godson is trying to win Scarlett back! Shouldn't you be discouraging him? Why blame the women reacting to his actions?" Rosalie, clearly exasperated, couldn't tolerate their logic. Evian and Rosalie's agreement brought smug smiles, leaving Linda frustrated.

"I'm wasting my breath on you clueless children! Selena, will you help me?" Linda demanded.

Selena's expression turned cold. "My child is far more sensible than you are."

Insulted, Linda abruptly stood, her pearl necklace swaying and drawing attention. She was about to lash out when she saw Selena's focused gaze on the necklace. Linda laughed coldly. "Oh, I understand. You're bitter because you can't compete with me. So you refuse to help. Petty, isn't it?" Linda ostentatiously displayed her necklace. Few in high society could rival her jewelry collection.

The Quirks desperately wished she would stop. The sight was unsettling.

Christopher, genuinely worried, said, "Madam Pearson, is this necklace your only boast?" He feared prolonged observation might conjure inappropriate images.

Linda, embarrassed and angry, retorted, "What manners are these? How were you raised?"

Before Christopher could respond, Isabella interjected, "Exactly, Chris, you lack manners." Christopher glared, and the Quirks followed suit.

Linda was about to speak, but Isabella cut her off. "We're in public. Isn't this insulting Madam Pearson? It's presumptuous to point out others' flaws!"

Christopher chuckled, then composed himself, apologizing. The Quirks couldn't hide their smiles. Linda realized she'd been treated like a fool. Enraged, she glared at Isabella.

"Don't think you're the lady of the house just because you've married into the family. You're a penniless nobody! Just wait until—"

Many criticized her, but she only dared to attack Isabella, whom she perceived as vulnerable and reliant on the Quirks. Linda didn't notice the Quirks' expressions change.

Alexander interrupted, his voice cold and laced with anger, "Madam Pearson."

Linda was startled by the heir's icy tone and daunting gaze.

"Madam Pearson, you were rude and offended my wife. Apologize," Alexander stated calmly.

Linda was dumbfounded. She was an elder, a long-time acquaintance of his mother! She turned to Selena for support, only to be met with cold stares. They presented a united front.

"I merely reprimanded a disrespectful junior. Given our families' relationship, don't I have the right?" Linda asked.

David countered, "Bella is our cherished daughter-in-law. What right do you have to reprimand her?"

Selena scoffed, "What's so exceptional about the Pearson family? Return home if you want to assert your dominance. Bella is the future matriarch of our family!"

Christopher sneered, "Madam Pearson, you misunderstand your position. In our family, Bella's status surpasses my siblings." Evian and Rosalie's angry nods confirmed this.

Isabella, stunned by the escalation, felt a wave of unfamiliar warmth—a comforting sensation unlike anything in her past life. Alexander's face remained impassive as he asked, "Do you not intend to apologize, Madam Pearson?"

Alexander continued, "It seems the Pearson family no longer desires that piece of land they've coveted." This shocked Linda. Her post-divorce lifestyle depended on the Pearsons, and she knew the Quirk family's influence over the land deal. Losing it would be disastrous.

Linda stammered, "What are you implying? Our families have a long-standing bond! Your grandparents wouldn't approve!"

Alexander cut her short, "So, you're not interested in the hotel chain project anymore?"

Overwhelmed, Linda trembled. Alexander's stern expression suggested drastic action.

"I apologize! I apologize!" Linda cried. She had no other choice.

Alexander's piercing gaze met her humbled, tearful face. She realized her previous disagreements with Selena were trivial compared to this.

The Pearsons, she realized, were no match for the subtle power of the Quirks.

"I'm sorry! I misspoke," she said through gritted teeth, apologizing before leaving. "Selena, we're not friends anymore!"

Selena shrugged, "As if I considered her a friend." She turned to Isabella, concerned, only to see Isabella admiring Alexander.

Isabella's thoughts: Wow, he's so dashing! I almost wanted to kiss him!

Alexander stiffened, his face flushed. She wants to kiss me? My family's here!

The Quirks watched in anticipation.

Isabella approached Alexander with a captivating smile. "Thanks!" she said.

Alexander was puzzled. Isabella then thanked the family for supporting her.

Isabella mused, "Since she hit a wall with us, will she target Scarlett?" Silence followed; Isabella's words held little weight.

Days later, during a production announcement, Taylor and Riley grinned. "There'll be excitement. We'll draw lots afterward."

Riley chuckled, "Madam Pearson's son is proposing to Scarlett."

Isabella and the others were speechless. The last guy who proposed without considering the girl's wishes…This is a perfectly set trap!