Chapter 185: Every Man Has His Own Kryptonite

"Nice to meet you," Zendaya greeted, her eyes brightening as they met Isabella's. Her tone rose momentarily, but, as if suddenly remembering something, she quickly composed herself, adopting a calm, obedient demeanor. She possessed exceptionally captivating eyes; anyone meeting her gaze would be easily mesmerized. Clifford's first crush and ex-girlfriend, Elaine, had an identical pair.

Having just met Zendaya, Isabella began considering the gossip about Clifford hiring a stand-in for his ex-girlfriend. However, a minor detail caught her attention.

Oh, this university student is even a fan of mine. Not bad. She has good taste. No wonder she looked at me with such excitement. If she weren't working, she'd probably have rushed over for an autograph and a photo. Alexander mentally facepalmed.

He'd initially found Isabella's earlier revelations about Damien too vague, leaving him confused. Now, however, he felt he'd heard far too much. Even he found Clifford's actions mortifying.

Is hiring a young girl as Elaine's stand-in something a sane person would do? I can't comprehend his thought process. But then, I remember their breakup

Isabella's thoughts continued. Haha It turns out the reason his first crush broke up with him was simple. A long-distance relationship proved impossible to maintain, her feelings had faded, and she wanted to explore new horizons and date foreign guys. She decisively announced their breakup publicly, avoiding being labeled a cheater. How decisive!

Alexander's mouth twitched. Elaine is carefree. And as she said, she dated several foreign boyfriends. She seems to be living a vibrant life abroad. Even I, who rarely use Instagram, see her updates.

Isabella mused inwardly, I wonder how interesting Clifford's expression must have been then.

Alexander recalled it. Hmm, it seemed extremely interesting.

Isabella continued her internal monologue. Even though he was smitten with Elaine, his pride compelled him to act tough. He declared he'd never take her back, warning her not to regret it. But she left without a backward glance, ignoring his threat.

Alexander added internally, Before leaving, she even blew him a kiss and told him to forget her.

Isabella carried on. Heh! At first, Clifford held his ground. When Elaine found a new boyfriend, he got a girlfriend, as if in a contest of wills. But does he really think Elaine cares?

For some reason, I feel a bit sorry for him

Alexander was surprised. Clifford had been quite the playboy, constantly changing girlfriends, each infatuated with him. Even after Elaine, he'd dated others. Yet, unexpectedly, he couldn't forget her.

Sure enough, every man has his own kryptonite, Isabella silently concluded.

Alexander silently agreed, You got that right…

Isabella's thoughts continued. At a chance encounter, Clifford hired Zendaya as a stand-in for Elaine. He loves Elaine but can't stand her temperament. He asked Zendaya to mimic Elaine's behavior and speech but insisted on a quiet, compliant demeanor.

Alexander's brows furrowed slightly, casting a disdainful look at his friend. It's hard to comment on such behavior.

Isabella scoffed inwardly. This dude lives in denial. Since he can't have the ideal person, he reshapes someone to his liking?

Alexander sighed in relief. Thankfully, Zendaya seems to have no ulterior motives; it's mutually beneficial. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster.

Suddenly, Isabella understood. Ah, I get it! He doesn't regard Zendaya as a girlfriend yet brought her to this event. He wants Elaine, who's overseas, to find out. Does he think using Zendaya will provoke Elaine into returning? And then the two girls would fight over him?

Alexander was stunned. Huh?

How childish! It depends on whether they'll play along. I'm not sure about Elaine, but Zendaya is about to resign. Haha… He's arrogant and overly confident. I'd love to see his face after Zendaya quits and Elaine doesn't come back.

Isabella mentally gossiped, barely suppressing her laughter. Seeing Clifford act so arrogantly, as if Zendaya were his possession, she could barely contain herself. Alexander felt her body quivering beside him. He wanted to cover his face, embarrassed on Clifford's behalf as Isabella saw through his scheme.

Because Isabella kept glancing back and forth at them with an uncontrollably excited expression, even after Zendaya's greeting, Clifford had goosebumps.

"Why exactly are you staring?" he asked, genuinely unnerved.

Smiling, Isabella replied, "I've never seen such a beautiful young lady and couldn't help but take a few extra glances."

When Zendaya heard her idol's praise, her eyes lit up. "Ms. Jeannet, you're the one who—"

Before she could finish, Clifford, noticing the joy in her tone—contrary to his instructions—promptly pulled her into his arms, glaring. Couldn't she see he disliked Isabella? Why was she so friendly?

Zendaya stiffened momentarily, then quickly cooperated, nestling docilely in his arms.

Clifford sneered. "Isabella, your taste has always been questionable. What's so beautiful about her? If she hadn't relentlessly pestered me, I'd never have given her the chance to be my date. Isn't that so?" He raised an eyebrow at Zendaya, signaling for her agreement.

Zendaya nodded shyly and awkwardly, appearing as a woman unabashedly pursuing a man.

However, she muttered inwardly, Hang in there. Stay strong for the sake of five hundred thousand. I'm not myself anymore. I'm Elaine 2.0. Even if my boss is a pain, it's my job.

Clifford was pleased with Zendaya's performance, even sensing sincerity. His words might have hurt her, but he believed the pain would remind her of her identity.

Isabella pinched her thigh to stop herself from laughing.

I must hold my laughter! Clifford, is this how you imagine Elaine? Desperately clinging to you, yet you have no interest in her… Pfft! The more you act this way, the more pitiful you appear… Oh well, in a way, you're a champion of pure love.