Chapter 204: The Entire Family Absorbed in Gossip (+5 Pearls)

Isabella began, "Dakota's family faced a crisis and desperately needed money. She borrowed from everyone she could, but hit a dead end. As a last resort, she asked Josiah for help, hoping it might repair their relationship and reveal the truth. But his response was shocking. He accused her of lying and demanded she confess, leaving Dakota hurt and bewildered. Despite her insistence on the truth, he stormed off."

The Quirks were dumbfounded. "He didn't believe her? What was there not to believe? The audacity! Accusing her of lying when he was the deceiver! Was he deflecting guilt?" Isabella interjected, "Josiah's an idiot. But that's not all; there's Audrey!"

The Quirk family asked, "What did she do?"

Isabella continued, "Audrey expected Dakota to confront Josiah immediately. Instead, Dakota remained silent and then disappeared. Even more surprisingly, Josiah announced he'd bring his girlfriend to the family gathering. Audrey was unsettled. She investigated and discovered Dakota had been borrowing money from various sources. So, she decided to talk to Josiah."

The Quirks, on edge, urged, "Spill the tea!"

Isabella revealed, "Audrey told Josiah his efforts were pointless because his true identity wasn't a secret. She suggested Dakota might discover his background if she investigated. Audrey hinted Dakota might have known all along but pretended not to mind his financial situation—perhaps to marry him."

The Quirks exclaimed, "Argh, she knew exactly how to sow discord!"

Isabella nodded. "At first, Josiah was skeptical, but Audrey persisted, urging him to uncover Dakota's true intentions himself. She warned him Dakota might feign dependence to get more money. She's a master manipulator!"

The Quirk family was astonished. Who would have thought such cunning lay beneath the socialite's glamorous facade? Alexander, having been Audrey's classmate, was particularly shocked by this revelation. He couldn't understand how Josiah could so easily fall for Audrey's manipulations, especially considering his professed feelings for Dakota. The rest of the Quirks eagerly awaited more.

Isabella added, "Here's the crucial part. Dakota initially borrowed money. When Josiah learned this, he remembered Audrey's warning. He didn't believe her immediately, but he discreetly investigated. However, they found no evidence of the Meadows family borrowing money."

The Quirks were stunned. "Was it all a sham? Did Dakota's family deceive her?"

Isabella explained, "The Meadows family had encountered a serious problem they dared not confide in anyone about. That's why they relied on Dakota for funds. Reporting it to the authorities would have been disastrous. Josiah, however, remained oblivious, relying on hearsay. Alexander commented, 'If I were in his shoes, I would have thoroughly investigated! He deserves to be single!'" The Quirk family murmured, "I see." Alexander mused, "Did she just compliment me?"

Isabella continued, "Josiah's cursory investigation revealed no evidence, so he concluded Dakota was lying and deceiving him for money. Devastated, he wanted to break up with her."

Isabella, having caught up on a week's worth of gossip, exclaimed, "Josiah! How dare you give Dakota the cold shoulder? You even want to break up? Although it seems like a series of misunderstandings, his actions are appalling!"

The Quirks were aghast at the blow Dakota endured. Even if Dakota confessed, Isabella believed Josiah would still suspect her of being after his money. "But it's his fault! He started their relationship with deception!" Dakota, due to Josiah's rejection, accepted Audrey's offer for money, becoming a makeup artist for Josiah's mother and sister-in-law.

The Quirks were indignant. "Audrey is out to destroy lives! Wasn't the breakup drama enough? Now she's exposing Dakota like this!"

Isabella concluded, "I'm curious to see Josiah's reaction to Dakota." Turning to the invitation in Alexander's hand, she asked, "So… are you going?" Knowing Alexander usually declined such events, she worried about attending alone. "It's your friend's place. You'll be there, right?" Alexander's heart fluttered at her hopeful expression.

He smiled gently. "So, the two of us…"

Selena interrupted, "It's a family invitation, isn't it?"

David added, "It's been a while since we've been to a wine-tasting party. Noah would welcome us."

Evian chimed in, "I can make it too."

Christopher stated, "I've been thinking of buying gifts abroad, and the Hampton Manor wine seems good."

Rosalie added, "I've been thinking of learning about wine tasting."

Everyone agreed, "Let's all go together!"

Isabella cheered, "Great! I don't have to face Alexander alone! Hooray!"

Alexander was speechless, glaring at his family as they sheepishly lowered their heads. "We want to give you space, but your relationship isn't moving forward. We can't miss the drama!"

Reluctantly, Alexander attended the Hampton family's wine-tasting event with his family, hoping to witness any drama firsthand, especially since the makeup artist usually arrived early. The Quirks' presence, given their stature, surprised the Hamptons. Their warm welcome might suggest a potential collaboration. However, the Quirks subtly focused their attention on Josiah, Audrey, and Alexander. 1.7K