Chapter 198: The Truth Is Revealed

Eleanor stared at Alexander in disbelief. Everyone else was stunned. Even though Alexander was the CEO of Quirk Group, his influence abroad seemed impossibly vast. "Alexander, you're really investigating this?" Even the usually composed Damien was shocked. Surely, he wouldn't pursue this relentlessly? It seemed…inconceivable.

Based on the current trend, Eleanor was certain that Alexander could only discover she had stayed at the nursing home—a fact she wouldn't lie about. This risky test was uncharacteristic of Alexander; it was impulsive. What if he got no answer, or worse, what if the answer confirmed her statement? He would have made a fool of himself. Did he even care about maintaining his dignity?

Isabella watched Alexander, confusion evident in her gaze. She, too, found his approach impulsive. Wasn't this indirectly confirming Eleanor's claims? Her mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts: Could he believe she was lying, hence his attitude? Now, he seems desperate to verify the truth…

Alexander immediately shot her an annoyed glance. "Let's wait for the call before saying more," he said, clearly dissatisfied. Isabella ceased her internal monologue. He shouldn't have used such a confrontational approach. He never engaged in matters he wasn't certain about.

However, Eleanor had attempted to ensnare him with her professed affection, and subtly tried to involve Isabella as a point of comparison. If Eleanor had her way, rumors of her profound feelings for Alexander and Isabella's supposed opportunistic rise to the position of his wife would be circulating by the end of the evening. How could he stand by and let Eleanor manipulate Isabella?

The atmosphere was awkward. Eleanor, utterly heartbroken, hadn't expected Alexander to doubt her so completely. She finally snapped out of her fantasies. Alexander had never loved her; he wasn't even showing her basic courtesy. Resentment consumed her as she bit her lip. Let him ask. If he inquires about my stay, it will only confirm my story.

Tonight, she aimed to secure her position as the object of sympathy. The Smith family had returned home dejected and defeated. Maintaining a good image was crucial for the family. A woman full of deep affection was always preferable to a deceitful one. This wasn't just about her reputation; it concerned her family's image. When the time came, Alexander would feel guilty. Perhaps, even without past love, guilt might give her a chance! She refused to lose to Isabella, a woman with virtually no family background.

Alexander's phone rang. Although they doubted the call's impact, everyone waited, curiosity piqued. Alexander switched to speakerphone. A customer service agent spoke in a foreign language. While not Uprian, many present understood.

Isabella, initially frustrated at her inability to understand, surprisingly comprehended the conversation. The thrill almost eclipsed the gossip. For someone terrible at Uprian, fluent comprehension of another language felt miraculous. Yet, it was peculiar. Inheriting memories was one thing, inheriting skills? Unheard of. Gossip, however, was the priority. Thanks to the original body, she'd acquired a foreign language skill.

"Hello, Mr. Quirk," the voice said. "This is Astoria's Grace Nursing Home. How may we assist you?"

"I have a friend…" Alexander began smoothly, his fluent foreign language elegant and composed.

Eleanor held her breath, ensuring no slip-ups, and waited.

"Who has contracted a rare disease and hopes to be admitted."

Everyone was dumbfounded. Weren't you going to ask if Eleanor lived there? What kind of questioning is this?

The staff member politely inquired about the patient's details. Alexander fabricated a story about a friend. They listened, stunned by his convincing performance.

Then, the staff member apologized: "I'm sorry, Mr. Quirk, but we only cater to Astorians. We are unable to accommodate other patients." Alexander's intense gaze softened.

Roland, a police officer, immediately looked at Eleanor. Eleanor's eyes widened; her pupils contracted, her lips trembled. It was too late to stop Alexander.

Alexander's voice dropped, displeased. "A Ms. Smith was a patient there for years. I heard it from her, and she's still a citizen of our country. Now you're telling me it's not possible? I believe your director should provide a satisfactory response."

The nursing home wouldn't offend someone of Alexander's international standing. The staff, aware of his identity, began to explain. While patient medical details were confidential, other information wasn't. Their fame made it common knowledge who stayed there.

"Mr. Quirk, Ms. Smith did stay with us, but she wasn't a patient; she was accompanying someone. We've never hosted patients from your country."

The truth was out. She wasn't a patient; she was a caretaker.

"Damn! She lied!"

"How could she be so full of lies!"

"The patients are all aristocrats. The Smith family has no connections to foreign nobility. Why would she do this?"

"It's like that scandal abroad… caring for her fiancé's mother…"

"They planned a marriage alliance, and she visited to win over the patient?"

"She must have failed, and that's why she's clinging to Alexander!"

The sensational news created a frenzy. Isabella overheard. Eleanor's face drained of color. There was no chance for explanation. Criticism erupted, the scandalous news spreading like wildfire.

So she was using Alexander as a rebound? Has she lost her mind?

If not for Alexander's intelligence, he would have been unfairly vilified. Her scheming is intense!

What a show! She really knows how to perform!

She was always the instigator. If she'd paused, her true nature wouldn't have been exposed.

Before Eleanor could react, a sharp slap echoed, silencing everyone.