Chapter 16: They Are Twins

On the day of the party, Alexander returned early to make preparations.

In the room designated for styling, Alexander found Isabella, already made up and dressed. Isabella looked remarkably different. Previously, she favored heavy makeup and lavish accessories, always striking, like the most eye-catching rose in a garden, seemingly determined to captivate his attention. However, that day, she was simple and elegant in a light, graceful pale yellow gown, complemented by a pearl necklace. Her long hair was styled in simple curls. Her appearance exuded liveliness.

Seeing him, she curtsied and approached with light, quick steps.

"Mom instructed us to greet the guests together," Isabella said.

Alexander nodded. He noticed Isabella scrutinizing him. He was about to ask what she was thinking when she mused to herself, “Hell, you look handsome enough. There shouldn’t be a need for any seducing, right?”

Alexander felt slightly uneasy. Unlike Christopher, he was never one to fuss over appearances. Hiding his awkwardness, he said, "Let's go."

They encountered Eyjan, bringing Callahan for a makeover. Eyjan and Callahan were captivated by Isabella's appearance.

Eyjan chuckled. "Just look at how beautiful your Aunt Isabella is."

Callahan nodded. "Yes, she's beautiful."

Feeling shy, Isabella diverted the attention. She lowered her gaze to Callahan and asked, "Who's prettier, me or your mom?"

Callahan's face flushed. "Mom is the prettiest," he replied.

Eyjan gently caressed his son's head, visibly moved. Their close bond belied their nine-year separation. Jasper and Sienna's lack of love made it easy for Callahan to accept the change. He only occasionally thought of them now.

"By the way, Rosie's on a rare excursion and won't be back. She apologized via video call and sent Cal a gift," Eyjan sighed. Rosalie, the youngest Quirk daughter, was on an art excursion overseas.

Alexander nodded understandingly. Later, he led Isabella to the front door to await guests.

As guests arrived, Isabella noticed many lingered their gazes on her, few friendly. Most were scrutinizing, judgmental, even hostile. The recent Quirk Group incident had caused a stir; a major press conference, employee dismissals, and Isabella's manager being blacklisted and facing compensation demands. This was seen as Alexander supporting his estranged wife. Many had anticipated their divorce, with numerous young ladies vying to become his second wife. Various marriage alliance plans likely filled the guests' minds.

“Too bad for them. I’m still married to Alexander,” Isabella thought with a silent laugh.

Alexander's eyebrows twitched slightly as he listened to her inner thoughts, maintaining a neutral expression as he greeted guests.

Soon, the Cowells arrived—three instead of four. Behind the middle-aged couple stood a woman with an indifferent expression, unlike the other happy guests. Dressed in a predominantly black dress with no accessories and her long black hair unstyled, she didn't look like a typical wealthy heiress.

"Alexander, it's been a while. You've become even more outstanding," Henry greeted warmly, shaking Alexander's hand enthusiastically.

Marjorie, smiling broadly, chimed in, her enthusiasm directed solely at Alexander, ignoring Isabella. Isabella didn't mind; she observed them, finding it easier to gather gossip by remembering faces. Her gaze fell on the woman at the back. Their eyes met; the woman nodded politely.

"Are you Luna or Bianca?" Isabella asked bluntly. She vaguely remembered the face but wasn't sure.

Luna was taken aback by the bluntness. Henry and Marjorie also looked surprised.

"I'm Luna."

"I see, Ms. Luna. Where's Ms. Bianca? Didn't she come with you?" Isabella asked.

A glimmer of sadness crossed Luna's eyes. "She's coming with someone else."

Henry and Marjorie exchanged displeased glances before quickly smiling again. "Our Bianca is busy filming," they said.

Before they finished, a sports car arrived. Only the Quirk family's cars were allowed inside. A fashionably dressed man, looking like a runway model, emerged. He removed his sunglasses, revealing a face strikingly similar to Alexander's, lacking his solemnity but exuding rebellious charm. Leaner than Alexander, perhaps for the camera, he still possessed the stature of a model, thanks to the Quirk family genes. His A-lister status excited many young guests.

"Wow! It's Christopher! I just watched his latest show. He's so handsome!"

"I'm a fan! I'll ask him for a photo later!"

"What a pity. He's already taken. Otherwise…"

"I overheard the woman with her parents is Luna, Christopher's fiancée. So, who's in the passenger seat?"

Christopher opened the passenger door and helped a woman out. She had long dark hair, a mirror image of Luna's, but wore a white gown, her eyes exuding a gentle charm.

"Thank you, Chris," the woman said.

"Be careful, I've got you," Christopher replied.

Guests whispered, anticipating the drama. Henry and Marjorie noticed their daughter seemed unwell.

(The remaining text is heavily corrupted and unintelligible. It cannot be cleaned up.)