Chapter 193: An Opportunity (+5 Pearls)

"Eleanor had no ulterior motives; she simply wanted to clear things up with you and resolve your inner turmoil," Lily stated agitatedly.

Everyone's attention snapped to the cell phone displaying Eleanor's email inbox. A reply from Alexander's address read: "This is Isabella, Mrs. Quirk. My husband has asked me to handle this email. Ms. Smith, I would rather you not meet with my husband again. Please refrain from contacting him."

Everyone's eyes widened. This wasn't because they objected to Isabella replying as Mrs. Quirk; as Alexander's wife, her wariness of her husband's ex was justified. However, this was Alexander's personal email account. He highly valued his privacy and personal boundaries, so they doubted he would allow anyone else to use it. After all, Isabella and Alexander weren't exactly a picture-perfect, wholeheartedly trusting couple—at least, that's what everyone assumed.

Therefore, they concluded Isabella had accidentally stumbled upon the email and secretly replied, acting as a love rival. All eyes turned to Isabella, who had already risen and was staring intently at Lily's phone. A wave of embarrassment washed over the onlookers; they imagined Isabella's horror at having her actions publicly exposed by Lily, in front of Alexander.

Turning to Alexander, they saw his expression stiffen. Their speculation seemed confirmed: Alexander was unaware of Eleanor's contact.

Seeing Isabella's reaction, Lily addressed Alexander: "Is your cold, indifferent attitude toward Eleanor because Isabella spun a lie to make you misunderstand what happened, as this hidden email suggests? If you truly resent Eleanor, say so openly. Confront it face to face!"

Lily couldn't believe Alexander would treat Eleanor this way unless someone was interfering. Eleanor felt the same; Isabella had a history of using any means necessary to win Alexander's affection. Given his attitude, Eleanor was certain Isabella was at it again.

This revelation stunned everyone. Moments before, Alexander's attitude had seemed unbelievable. While they'd fantasized about a rekindled romance, based on his character, they knew he'd maintain a friendly demeanor, regardless of his feelings. Yet, he remained utterly indifferent, even after the truth about the past emerged. This suggested a misunderstanding, and Isabella was the prime suspect. Again, all eyes fell on Isabella.

Isabella was stunned; Alexander remained silent. Their reactions convinced Lily and Eleanor that their plan had succeeded: they'd exposed Isabella's conspiracy to Alexander. "We should have used this against Isabella sooner; it's so effective!" Lily thought smugly. Turning to Isabella, she declared fiercely, "Don't think you're special just because you have a marriage certificate. Everyone knows how you got the position of Mrs. Quirk. In romance, the unloved one is the mistress. Your manipulations and tricks are useless!"

Roland coughed, "Lily, you've had too much to drink! What nonsense are you spouting?"

Ines commented, "What's wrong with using tactics to protect your marriage?" This wasn't a defense of Isabella, but a critique of Lily's argument. Aiden agreed, nodding, "You're right, Honey."

Zendaya, a silent observer, felt hurt for her idol. She couldn't believe the Justice Upholder, a protector of innocent women, had such marital problems. She saw bullying, a lack of morality amongst the "high society" crowd. "A mistress is still a mistress," she muttered.

Clifford sharply rebuked her, "What are you mumbling about?" silencing her.

Damien and Deborah, initially engrossed in the unfolding drama, were surprised by its ugliness. They felt sympathy for the exposed Isabella, a woman struggling to maintain her marriage.

Josiah seized the opportunity to express his displeasure: "I thought you had changed, but it seems you haven't." He then felt a piercing gaze from the entrance. Turning, he saw only bustling servers, a sudden emptiness filling his heart. His desire to criticize Isabella vanished; he thought of Dakota and wondered if she'd eaten.

While Josiah was distracted, the drama continued.

(Continues on next page This is a cleaned-up version of the first two-thirds. The remaining text needs the same editing.)