Chapter 179: A Gossip Pool
Even though Isabella had changed significantly, Christopher vividly remembered the disastrous last get-together she attended with Alexander. This was their first social event after receiving their marriage certificate. As a married couple, even nominally, Alexander always respected Isabella's decisions regarding social gatherings where partners were generally expected.
Back then, Isabella's extreme neurosis stemmed from the disapproval of their marriage. She fiercely guarded against Alexander's social interactions, especially events prone to gossip. That time, Isabella attempted to assert her authority, with predictable results.
Many of Alexander's friends had recently returned from abroad. Hearing about the chaotic wedding, they disliked Isabella, whom they blamed for the situation involving their friend. While respectful of Alexander, they remained distant, offering only polite civility.
Alexander, as usual, maintained his aloof demeanor. Isabella, unsure if she was overly sensitive, felt stifled and out of place. Then, someone inadvertently mentioned a humorous university incident, beginning, "Back then, Eleanor—" Immediately realizing their mistake, the person apologized. However, Isabella erupted in rage, splashing wine on a girl's face and slapping a boy who intervened. She then overturned a table, using profanity. Alexander was powerless to stop her.
The get-together was ruined. Everyone was embarrassed and angry. Despite the Quirk family's protectiveness of Alexander, he could only apologize and leave with Isabella. Upset and feeling judged by Alexander's friends, Isabella had a tantrum at home, causing further distress. Subsequently, Alexander refused all invitations to similar events.
This time, Roland invited Isabella to the Quirk manor. Perhaps a changed perspective prompted this sincere invitation. The last get-together was so awkward. Christopher wondered what Isabella planned: an apology, an attempt at reconciliation with Alexander's former classmates? He wasn't concerned about the classmates themselves, but Alexander's friends worried him. Some were short-tempered, and he anticipated potential conflict. Isabella's family was extremely worried about her attending, even discussing it in their group chat. Christopher felt Isabella would rather die than face those people again; the get-together amplified his anxiety. The mere thought made him cringe.
As Alexander finished packing and left with his assistant, he told Isabella, "We need to get ready to leave." Isabella, contemplating hiring more agency staff, was reminded of the day's event. Her excitement was immediate and palpable.
Christopher, skeptical, asked, "You're really looking forward to Alex's get-together?" He wondered if she'd forgotten her past behavior. Isabella subtly nodded. Privately, she gleefully anticipated the gossip and drama, particularly involving Alexander's friends. Her excitement was evident.
Alexander noticed her enthusiasm. He wondered if her interest was solely in gossip, questioning whether his friends were involved in so much drama. Christopher's curiosity was piqued. Isabella thought of various dramatic situations involving Alexander's friends: one whose ex-girlfriend became his sister-in-law; another spending money on a stand-in for an unrequited love; one watching his affection marry his cousin; and one whose father was marrying a woman his age. Only Roland seemed relatively normal, though he and his girlfriend were expecting a baby before marriage. Alexander was completely bewildered.
While Alexander rarely interfered in others' affairs, he'd heard little of this gossip, except for the friend's father marrying a young woman. He doubted this was the same get-together he was attending. Christopher was shocked by the revelations about Alexander's friends. Unable to attend, he shared the gossip in the group chat. The Quirk family, bombarded with unexpected news, questioned whether this was truly a happy occasion for everyone.
Alexander and Isabella arrived late; most of his friends were already present. Roland's arrival with his girlfriend drew attention, especially from a prominent group. Though called a get-together, cliques had formed, with one table considered the most prestigious.
Josiah Hampton, irritated, exclaimed, "Did you seriously invite that psychopath from the Quirk family?" Audrey Shepard, Josiah's sister-in-law, politely reminded him of Isabella's status as Alexander's wife. Josiah impatiently retorted, questioning Audrey's role as ex-classmate or sister-in-law.
Those present observed the subtle dynamics. Others found amusement in Josiah's predicament. Aiden Burke teased Josiah about his discomfort with Audrey as his sister-in-law. Ines Deleon, equally carefree, reminded him of defending Audrey when Isabella had splashed her with wine. The onlookers were speechless.
Clifford Decker, casually mentioning Roland's past actions, stated, "He turned traitor when he borrowed the police dog." Deborah Carney, having just ended a call, commented on Isabella's positive public image and speculated on her potential change. Josiah dismissed it as a fabricated persona. Deborah offered minimal response. Damien Winters, observing Deborah, asked Roland about his past negative feelings toward Isabella. Despite outward appearances, Roland harbored significant initial resentment toward Isabella.