Chapter 186: That Is Disgusting

Alexander lowered his gaze, unable to bear the sight any longer. Others, however, saw things differently. They couldn't fathom the humility of Clifford's love, assuming instead that a woman who resembled Elaine had deliberately mimicked her to please Clifford. This led to Zendaya's dismissal. Furthermore, their recent conversation revealed Clifford was merely toying with her; she wasn't his girlfriend. Consequently, those at her table resented her presence.

The man seated at the center, impeccably dressed in bespoke attire and exclusive accessories, leaned back casually. His slicked-back hair and handsome features held a wildness. He habitually tilted his head back, looking down with disdain.

"Clifford, have fun, but don't get too invested," Josiah scoffed. "Most women are interested in money; they'll do anything for it. Don't be fooled by a facade!"

Isabella found this amusing. Hmm, she mused, how can one argue a salaried employee isn't working for money? I can't refute that. And Zendaya seems unconcerned; she clearly agrees with Josiah. Alexander, however, felt a wave of secondhand embarrassment.

Josiah's intent to humiliate Zendaya was clear, yet Audrey, standing beside him, was visibly upset. Her complexion darkened, and her eyes reddened. The expressions of others privy to the truth shifted accordingly. Josiah even glanced at Audrey after speaking.

Well, well, well, Isabella thought, it wasn't about Zendaya at all! It's indirect criticism. The more you try to sort things out, the messier it gets. Not bad, Josiah. Does he really not realize he's betraying his friend? Alexander nearly choked on his drink.

The last piece of Isabella's gossip puzzle fell into place. Was she referring to Josiah and Audrey—the ex-girlfriend-turned-sister-in-law and a mended relationship? Had Josiah dated Audrey and sought reconciliation?

Alexander's memories were in chaos. Isabella, meanwhile, reveled in the gossip.

Initially, they had a secret romance, she thought, revealed to few. His secrecy indicated genuine feelings. But Audrey was hesitant to marry him, fearing reputational damage. Later, her family ascended socially. Marrying Josiah, a non-heir, wouldn't elevate them, so she used his connections to get close to Caleb. By the time Josiah found out, the families were already betrothed.

Josiah confronted Audrey, who expressed her agony. Despite her love, she craved upward mobility. He saw her as selfish, sacrificing love for money. He hated yet cared for her Cough, cough, I certainly didn't want to read any literature about in-laws having affairs

I certainly don't want to hear it either, Alexander thought. No wonder he seemed tormented, cruelly playing tricks on money-seeking girls. I never expected this.

Josiah's brother, Caleb, Alexander's business partner, remained unaware. Observing their reactions, Alexander felt the situation was serious. They clearly hadn't let go of their feelings, and he worried about potential trouble.

Isabella turned to him, leaving him puzzled.

You guys are a sad bunch, Isabella sighed inwardly. Except Roland and Aiden, the rest of you helplessly watch loved ones drift away. You love them, can't have them, and can't forget. Tall, rich, and handsome, yet your love lives are terrible.

I'm not like them, Alexander thought.

He couldn't understand why Isabella, a gossip enthusiast, never looked into his heart.

Perhaps my love life is just as terrible.

This realization froze him, making him awkward. His ears burned; he instinctively wanted to take Isabella's hand.

What? Isabella's inner voice exclaimed.

His thoughts were interrupted. The conversation had moved on to Josiah's current girlfriend.

What? Josiah has a girlfriend now?

Josiah's earlier insinuations were aimed at Clifford. Despite their friendship, neither would back down. Clifford had spent money to achieve his goals but wouldn't admit it. Josiah's gloomy face made him realize the situation, and he added fuel to the fire: "Yes, yes, I know you have experience in this area. Is that why you're treading so carefully with your current girlfriend? What's the matter? Didn't bring her this time because you haven't figured out where she stands yet?"

Many were shocked. Audrey's expression froze. Josiah avoided looking at her, feigning nonchalance: "I intended to bring her, but she had to work today."

Aiden and Ines bombarded him with questions. "Is she from an ordinary family? Are you and Roland both looking outside our social circle?" Aiden exclaimed. "That's strange. Considering your character, Mr. Josiah, I'm surprised you're as accommodating as Roland. You let your girlfriend go just because she said she has to work overtime?"

Roland, having returned, put Aiden in a headlock. Roland's table largely ignored his girlfriend; finding common ground was difficult; interaction was out of respect for Roland's hero complex.

"Apparently, Josiah has become a good man, just like you," Ines laughed.

"What?" Roland asked, confused.

Damien spoke: "I bet you haven't revealed your true identity yet, have you? Be careful, you might get burned."

"Huh? You've been dating under a false identity?" Even Deborah was surprised.

Damien revealed Josiah's secret: "He's pretending to be poor to test his girlfriend's sincerity." Deborah frowned: "That's despicable."

Clifford added, "What's worse is that Mr. Josiah made her support him for two years, and he plans to continue? In my opinion, that girl is unusually naive."

Josiah's complexion changed, but his defiance prevented embarrassment.

"You don't understand. She was smitten with me at first sight. Seeing her sincerity, I gave her a chance. I don't have special demands, as long as they love me. She's been doing well So, barring unforeseen circumstances, she'll be the one I marry. Although she's supported me for two years, I'll make up for it."

His arrogance was surprising given his serious expression.

"Are you serious? Do you truly like her?" Ines asked.

Josiah nodded, a fleeting tenderness in his eyes.

Audrey lowered her gaze, pursed her lips, clutching her phone.

Roland frowned: "This is toying with someone's feelings. If she's truly as good as you say, she might not easily accept the truth. Clarify things, apologize, and seek forgiveness. Otherwise"

Josiah insisted: "She won't. You can't comprehend how much she loves me, how much she needs me."

"Oh, that sounds familiar. Mr. Clifford just said the same thing," Damien remarked.

Clifford glared.

Alexander, listening, subtly changed his expression.

Is it really a coincidence?

Isabella's disbelief was evident.

What the fck! That's disgusting! Dakota's kept man is Josiah? What a ridiculous love story! Does Josiah have any clue how hard Dakota struggles because of him? Is he out of his mind? Why, after Audrey, would he toy with others' feelings? If he had the guts, he should seek revenge on the one who tricked him Audrey Wait! What has she done? She, she, she Dmn! There's going to be some major drama today!

Meanwhile, Eleanor and her friends arrived in a private makeup room. Two makeup artists awaited.