Chapter 17: Pretentious Woman

Upon hearing Isabella's complaints, Alexander noticed Christopher had frozen, looking like he'd seen a ghost. Alexander instantly understood.

Before Christopher could speak, Alexander intervened, "Chris, stay here and help me entertain the guests." His tone, though not a command, subtly shifted the focus.

"Let me help Bianca inside; she's struggling," Christopher began, but Isabella's voice cut through again.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Is he stupid? Her parents and sister are right there! It's not his turn. Even if he's her boyfriend, he shouldn't insist. Their relationship is awkward, and Alexander is clearly signaling his actions are inappropriate. Is he so in love he doesn't understand? It must be. Otherwise, he wouldn't have blindly defended Luna earlier.

Christopher, stunned by the insults, felt embarrassment and anger surge. He turned to Isabella and yelled, "You"

"Huh?" Isabella asked, puzzled, thinking his unpleasant tone was a greeting. However, she remembered not getting along with the hot-tempered Christopher. Since childhood, he'd admired Alexander, but resented Isabella due to Alexander's marriage. Despite both working in entertainment, Christopher refused to acknowledge her as his sister-in-law, publicly or privately. He'd avoided direct confrontation out of respect for his brother. He hadn't expected Isabella to think of him so poorly.

"Chris?" Bianca whispered, confused by his sudden stop. Unable to see him glaring at Isabella, she assumed he was looking at Luna, who stood beside Isabella. Feeling aggrieved, Bianca gently pushed Christopher away. "Chris, you should be with Luna. I'll be fine."

Luna, who'd remained silent, spoke up, "Mr. Alexander asked Mr. Christopher to stay and help him. Why am I involved?"

Bianca was stunned. Her eyes widened in shock, then welled with tears.

"What kind of attitude is this? You enjoy picking on your sister, don't you? We shouldn't have brought you!" Henry and Marjorie instantly defended Bianca.

Meanwhile, oblivious to Bianca's tears, Christopher turned to Luna's cold demeanor. Christopher's inner thoughts: Did she just call me "Mr. Christopher"? She always calls me Christopher. A peculiar discomfort arose, interrupted by

Isabella's inner thoughts: I can't stand this anymore. I may not know Luna well, but this isn't right.

"Earlier, my husband only asked Christopher to stay. He didn't mention Luna. Why did you bring that up?" Isabella asked, her tone genuinely curious, a tactic that proved effective.

Silence fell. A strange atmosphere settled over the party, and many re-evaluated the situation.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Yeah, where did that come from? It's one thing for Christopher to stay, but not Luna. Yet, in Bianca's version, it became Christopher keeping Luna company. How?

Henry and Marjorie were ready to defend Bianca, sensing Isabella's ill will. But Alexander interjected, "Perhaps a misunderstanding. I only mentioned my brother." He glanced at Isabella, pleased she'd used "husband" instead of "ex-husband." Their unspoken understanding left Bianca flustered and speechless.

Christopher was dumbfounded.

"Moreover, your sister corrected your statement. Why are you acting as if you've been wronged? Publicly scolding your sister puts her in a difficult position. As hosts, is there any conflict we can help resolve?" Isabella asked, her gaze fixed on the Cowells.

Bianca, usually quick-witted, froze, speechless. The Cowells were dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the turn of events.

"Perhaps we weren't hospitable enough," Alexander said, his face expressionless. The Cowells, unable to voice their frustration, left.

Immediately, Isabella smiled warmly at Bianca. "By the way, something was off about what you said. What do you mean by letting Christopher accompany Luna and saying you can handle it? You shouldn't say such things."

The onlookers were taken aback. Did Isabella acknowledge Christopher and Bianca as a couple on behalf of the Quirk family? Was she advising Bianca to stop belittling herself? Bianca, forgetting their conflict, looked at Isabella with anticipation.

Isabella earnestly advised, "Your parents are here. How can you overlook them? Your sister is here too! They won't leave you alone!"

"Alone… That's not what I meant."

Expressions shifted again. Someone muttered, "Isn't she just being pretentious?"

Bianca, tears brimming, lost her composure. Isabella patted her shoulder, stopping her tears. "It's good you realized you're not completely alone."

Bianca's face flushed red.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Haha! This pretentious woman is too naive. Her words lack logic. Maybe she's spoiled. But sorry, darling, I'm an expert at dealing with pretentious people!

Christopher was shocked. Isabella acted as she pleased, knowing Alexander would handle the aftermath. Just as Bianca prepared a tearful performance, Alexander politely ended the confrontation. Confused and angry, the Cowells reluctantly led Bianca away. Luna, trailing behind, glanced back with bewildered emotion. It seemed a novel situation for her.

Once they left, Christopher asked, "What was that? Bianca is innocent. She misspoke. Why embarrass her?" He saw them as star-crossed lovers, hindered by his engagement to Luna; Bianca's insecurities were understandable.

"Are you saying Luna deserves humiliation for doing nothing?" Isabella asked curiously.

Christopher stammered, "Luna makes Bianca cry. One moment of embarrassment is nothing!"

Isabella looked at Christopher, then at Alexander, surprised.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Is he really Alexander's brother?

Alexander felt annoyed; Christopher was his brother. He looked at Christopher with dissatisfaction. "Our parents taught us to focus on the issue, not be biased. You may have biases, but objectivity is important."

Christopher, in his twenties, flinched under Alexander's reprimand, though his eyes showed indignation.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Is he clueless, or do the Quirks have a thing for pretentious women? Did he get his awards because the Quirks paid for them? How can he not see the acting? Hey, you…

Christopher could no longer hold back.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Oh no, he's smitten! He'll marry her! The Quirks will be a constant drama. It'll be incredibly annoying! I'd rather not be his sister-in-law. Maybe I should get Alexander to divorce me sooner.

Christopher was speechless, staring at his brother in astonishment.

Christopher's inner thoughts: This woman, who insisted on marrying my brother, is thinking of divorce?

Alexander cleared his throat. "Leave the guests to me and Chris. You can go in."

Isabella readily agreed.

Isabella's inner thoughts: Awesome! Time for the show!

Watching Isabella leave, Christopher pressed his temples, looking questioningly at Alexander. Alexander, seizing the moment, explained Isabella's situation.

Christopher froze. "Should we get a psychologist for the whole family? No, a priest!"

Alexander dismissed the idea.

Christopher, pouting, asked, "So, she really knows everything?"

Alexander replied, "She can find out everything she wants, for now."

"Ha. Is she the most formidable paparazzo in the entertainment industry?" Christopher remained skeptical.

Alexander shifted the topic. "Are you planning to end your betrothal today?"

Christopher hesitated. "Yes, but I won't ruin my nephew's party. I've spoken to the Cowells; they'll stay after to discuss it privately."

Alexander nodded.

"No one will object, right?" Christopher asked cautiously.

"Are you sure it's Bianca, not Luna?" Alexander asked.

Luna's gaze flashed in Christopher's mind, causing discomfort. "Of course, Bianca is delicate. She needs my protection. Luna is jealous and treats her poorly. I dislike her behavior." Despite his words, an uneasy feeling remained. "You have no idea how much Bianca has suffered because of their identical faces."

Alexander interrupted, "You're responsible for your own life. The decision is yours."

Christopher grunted defiantly and turned away. Through the glass, he saw Luna, alone in a corner, lost in thought. She looked up and stared out the window. Christopher instinctively averted his gaze.

Even with the annulment imminent, why was his heart pounding?