Chapter 192: Twisted Personality or No Morals?

An eerie silence followed. Isabella thought, "I don't know if his personality is twisted or if he has no morals. What on earth is he saying?" Alexander heard her.

With a perplexed expression, he silently asserted his innocence. Isn't this just common courtesy? he thought. Since Eleanor wants to lie about being ill, I'll just treat her as if she is sick and hope for a swift recovery. That's logical. However, his "logic" stunned the room.

Even the outraged Lily was speechless. It was unclear whether Eleanor was truly upset or simply too shocked to control her tears, which began to flow. By the time everyone recovered, they were comforting her.

Eleanor quickly composed herself, saying, "I'm fine. Some chili got in my eyes earlier." Her mind was still reeling, but years of acting instinctively led her to choose the most sympathetic response. This, predictably, fueled negative opinions about Alexander.

They wanted to speak, but reasoned that Alexander's response was flawless. How could they lecture him for hoping Eleanor would get well soon?

Alexander remained unfazed, as if he'd completed his mission. Noticing Isabella's empty plate, he peeled a crab leg for her. This derailed Isabella's thoughts. It wasn't that she found his attentiveness odd—he often did this—but the timing seemed off. Could his love have turned to resentment? Is he blaming me for not revealing the truth when I left? she wondered.

Alexander paused, sensing her thoughts. This again? Unlike last time, he didn't stop peeling the crab leg; Isabella's plate was empty. He swallowed his frustration and continued.

Something doesn't add up, Isabella thought. He seems genuinely indifferent, even evasive. Was I wrong? Was everything he said true? Has he truly moved on?

His anger dissipated, and he grimly thought, I knew it. As long as I remain steadfast and honest, the truth will inevitably come to light one day. He poured Isabella a cup of chamomile tea, whispering, "You can't have any more after this."

Isabella responded blankly. Though his voice was low, everyone heard. They still couldn't determine if he was acting or genuinely cared for Isabella, leaving them awkwardly shuffling their feet.

Eleanor's soft sobs made everyone uncomfortable, drawing concerned glances from other tables. Isabella moved closer to Alexander, who instinctively leaned toward her. Their heads nearly collided before Isabella stopped him.

In a tiny voice, she said, "She's crying. You should…" Isabella didn't want him to comfort Eleanor, knowing Eleanor's actions were largely performative. Unable to read Alexander's mind and indulge in her usual gossip, she felt lost and wanted to ask him why he reacted as he did.

With a serious expression, Alexander said, "She isn't crying."

Isabella screamed internally, Are you blind? What are you saying? Alexander was speechless. The commotion subsided. He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't she say she got chili in her eye?"

The silence intensified. Even Eleanor stopped sobbing. Isabella almost burst out laughing. What on earth is he saying? He only heard the literal meaning?

Alexander smiled, sensing her amusement. It's Eleanor's fault for saying that.

If Alexander and Eleanor had been friends before their romance, even with misunderstandings, their friendship might have endured. But after learning of her lies and her intention to break up his marriage, he only felt scorn.

"Alexander, you…" Lily finally spoke. "You've gone too far!"

Alexander's cold gaze silenced her, bringing tears to her eyes. Lily cares this much about her friend, huh? Isabella thought. So that's how it is. I see now! This piqued Alexander's curiosity.

He thought Lily was foolish. While classmates might have once hoped he'd be with Eleanor, they never mentioned it after his marriage. Meddling in someone else's marriage and supporting an affair was wrong; almost no one would do so openly.

She always had a secret crush on Alexander! Isabella thought.

Alexander internally responded, Okay, I guess I'm not that curious.

Isabella continued, So she's both his admirer and a shipper? She won't accept anyone else with him. That's an obsession. Alexander agreed.

Huh, so Eleanor knows her intentions and uses her as a pawn? Isabella thought.

Alexander frowned slightly. I despise her even more now.

Others, however, assumed Lily was simply defending Eleanor. Given Eleanor and Alexander's past, they felt his reaction was unacceptable.

"Lily, stop," Eleanor interjected, revealing a tear-streaked smile. "It was the chili. And Alexander, thank you. The treatment was tough, but I had a belief… I've said too much. I'm fine." The tremble in her voice was heartbreaking. She then turned to Isabella, saying, "Seeing how well you two are getting along, I'm relieved. I wish you both happiness."

Lily finally remembered her mission. "You shouldn't have said that, Eleanor. Alexander, do you have any idea what your wife did behind your back?"

Isabella was stunned. What did I do?

Ignoring Eleanor, Alexander looked at Lily with confusion. Lily immediately pulled out her phone, revealing Isabella's behavior to everyone. "Eleanor once messaged you, wanting to meet to clear up the misunderstanding from years ago. However, your wife not only read your emails, she even warned Eleanor…"