Chapter 194: Struggling to Understand My Mother Tongue

Isabella's grand, ambitious plan was abruptly interrupted by Alexander's sudden hug. Before she could react, he said in a deep voice, "Sorry, this is my fault."

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Alexander's action—pulling Isabella into his arms—puzzled everyone, but his apology was even more astonishing. Lily spoke: "Alexander, you don't need to apologize for her. She should be responsible for her own actions." Two years ago, Alexander had apologized on Isabella's behalf, so everyone assumed he was doing so again.

Before Lily finished, Alexander lowered his head toward Isabella, who stared at him with wide eyes, and said, "I'm sorry I caused you to be misunderstood."

Huh? Is he saying that to me? Why does it feel like I don't understand my mother tongue anymore? Isabella thought, amusing Alexander.

He turned to the crowd and said, "That email was sent under the guise of my wife's name."

Everyone was utterly baffled. Eleanor was the first to lose her composure. "Alexander, even if it's to protect her, you can't—"

Alexander, feeling awkward, seized the opportunity to explain. "The day you emailed me, my wife saw it first and told me. However, I felt it inappropriate to respond; any reply would imply contact with an ex. I believe that after a relationship ends, to respect the current one, there should be no private contact. Thus, I asked my wife to reply, but"

Alexander glanced down at Isabella, raising an eyebrow in resignation. "Since my wife didn't want to help, I had no choice but to do it myself."

Isabella was stunned. Everyone else was dumbfounded, but those who knew Alexander understood he wasn't a liar. Still, it was hard to believe; his actions were childish, uncouth, and completely out of character. Their image of Alexander had crumbled, especially for his fans.

Again, the stares embarrassed him. He was sweating profusely and wished he could disappear. However, he had to face the consequences. He instinctively tightened his hold on Isabella.

Chapter 193: An Opportunity

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"Isabella, how could you do such a thing? Ah, Alexander, don't be mad at Isabella. Still, this is unfair to Eleanor. Maybe you should apologize?" Audrey suggested insincerely.

"No need. It's my fault. I shouldn't have contacted Alexander. Isabella, you did the right thing," Eleanor said, her voice hoarse with a hint of sobbing. "I haven't contacted Alexander again. This is a get-together; I didn't want to come, but I missed everyone. You don't have to worry about what Lily said. It's all in the past."

"Eleanor, you're too kindhearted! I don't know what this woman has been doing to deepen the misunderstanding between you two!" Lily seemed convinced.

My mother tongue is silence, but isn't their acting excessive? As much as I enjoy gossip, it's no longer fun when I'm the main subject! Isabella thought.

Snapping back to reality, Alexander found himself in an embarrassing situation. He felt his body ablaze. He realized he couldn't understand women's minds; he hadn't anticipated the email would target Isabella. He understood embarrassment.

Just as he was about to clarify, he heard Isabella's inner voice: I don't even need to investigate to know they fabricated this to set me up. They're really determined to win over Alexander.

Alexander thought, Um, actually, it's not.

Isabella continued, I'll make sure they regret slandering me! Now, let me think about how I should teach them a lesson!

Alexander mentally commented, No need. I'll do it.

Isabella's lips curved upward slightly. Wait a minute! I'm at a disadvantage if I strike back! If I retaliate without Alexander's support, I'll be the laughingstock! That's it! Isn't this an opportunity? I can feebly deny my involvement later, and Alexander won't easily believe me. Then, I can argue with Alexander and the others, blowing a small issue out of proportion! It'll spiral out of control, and then I can Hehehe

Alexander resisted rolling his eyes. Yes, I suppose it is indeed an opportunity!

Isabella rose with determination. Before she could speak, Alexander stood, pulled her into his embrace.

Chapter 194: Struggling to Understand My Mother Tongue (Continued)

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Lying? Did he really do that? Why on earth did he use my name? Others echoed Isabella's question.

Unfazed, Alexander boldly met Eleanor's gaze. It was as though his eyes saw through everything, sending a shiver down her spine and making her feel guilty.

"Although I did it out of spite, I thought if I responded in my wife's name, anyone reasonable would understand we, as a couple, are united and would respect our lives. Unexpectedly" Alexander's intense gaze shamed Eleanor.

Even Lily felt humiliated; her lips trembled, unable to defend herself. Alexander's words were polite, but their true meaning was conveyed silently. Anyone with decency would have behaved after a warning from another man's wife; they shouldn't undermine the relationship or engage in immoral actions. Alexander assumed Eleanor had shame. He knew her as excellent and well-mannered. He never imagined she would team up with Lily.

Alexander nonchalantly explained everything, then turned to Isabella with genuine remorse, "I'm sorry." His lack of foresight caused Isabella's suffering. He only looked at Isabella, ignoring others' reactions.

Isabella stared blankly at Alexander. When their eyes met, confusion flashed across her gaze. Then, she demanded, "I'm applying for compensation for defamation damages. Don't think I'll drop this."

Alexander coaxed, "Hmm, that's reasonable. Is ten million enough?"

Isabella's eyes lit up. "I suppose that's enough." To think such a trivial matter is worth ten million! Please continue to push me into situations like this!

Alexander was speechless.

Honestly, I could claim compensation for emotional damages from Eleanor. Alexander could really use that money! It was so awkward; I felt embarrassed for him. How could he remain so composed? Does he think others will be embarrassed instead? Hahaha!

Should I comfort him later? Or would he think I'm mocking him? Isabella wondered.

Alexander thought, Thanks, but there's no need for consolation. If you try to console me, I might just feel compelled to leave this heartless world.

Others were preoccupied with the revelation. Gossip-loving classmates swore they'd never witnessed such a shocking spectacle. The plot twists were explosive.

The truth revealed changed everyone's look towards Eleanor and Lily. Moments ago, they speculated about Isabella's schemes. Now, their image crumbled, making Eleanor's misery appear insincere.

Whispers filled the room. Eleanor couldn't bear it, clinging to her self-image. Her cries were louder, a desperate bid for sympathy. Lily was driven to despair. She was smitten with Alexander but insecure; seeing Eleanor with him, she believed only such a woman was worthy, not Isabella, who allegedly used underhanded tactics. She couldn't accept Alexander protecting Isabella.

"Alexander, have you forgotten Eleanor was your first crush? The love you shared? How can you say you feel nothing for her? Oh, I got it. You're too responsible, unable to let go. You're fulfilling your duties as a husband, but I know, deep down, Eleanor still has a place in your heart." Lily desperately tried to pull Eleanor up. "Eleanor, you have to ask him!"

Eleanor knew the situation was unfavorable but didn't want to lose dignity. The others remained silent. Alexander's treatment of Isabella differed from how he treated Eleanor. Alexander calmly swept his gaze to Lily, "Have you been watching too much TV? I never had a first crush." He was weary of that phrase, implying lingering feelings.

Eleanor was stunned. "Alexander, you're so heartless. How could you speak of our past like this?"

"I've never claimed you were my first crush, nor felt that way," Alexander said coldly. "You were simply my ex-girlfriend. We parted on good terms. That's our past. As for our previous relationship" His gaze turned cold. "I owe you an apology. I realized I never truly loved you. Starting a relationship without being certain was wrong. Since it was a mistake, there should be no continuation. Therefore, you and your friends, please stop these meaningless actions. You've already caused trouble for me and my wife."