Chapter 206: Various Means to Keep Them Apart

The moment Alexander spoke, Isabella felt a jolt. A quick calculation flashed through her mind: +5 Pearls. "Hit it a second time," she thought, "this is a great opportunity! It's such a coincidence—even my lipstick seems to know I need to use the makeup room. You, Alexander, you really are my lucky star!" She looked at Josiah expectantly.

Josiah, had he been paying attention, would have had a perfect view of Alexander's maneuvering. However, he missed it. Realizing the situation, he started to stand, intending to guide them. Isabella immediately said, "It's fine; just give me directions. I can find it myself."

"I can't let Josiah accompany me," she thought. "Regardless of whether Dakota is here to confront Josiah, I can't interfere with others' fates, but I can gossip. I just can't start one. That's the professional integrity of a gossiper."

"Huh?" Josiah was taken aback.

Caleb arrived, apparently overhearing. "No worries," he said cheerfully to Isabella. "Audrey's still in the makeup room; she'll help if you need anything. It's the first room on the second floor—easy to find. There are no off-limits areas in our house; feel free to explore if you're interested. The backyard garden and rooftop terrace offer quite a view." He likely sensed their boredom; after all, other guests hadn't arrived, and the party hadn't begun. Indeed, the younger members of their family were dreadfully boring.

Isabella's impression of Caleb improved again. People from prominent families often treated her differently, but Caleb had always been generous, cordial, warm, and friendly. His respect for Alexander extended to Alexander's wife—far more considerate than his own wife and younger brother. She cast a sympathetic glance at him. Why did such an exceptional person have to face such a predicament? He deserved better!

Isabella quickly stood, eager to gossip, not noticing Alexander also rise and follow her. Before leaving, Alexander felt the palpable resentment from his family. He had no choice; it was reasonable to accompany his wife, but he couldn't bring the whole family. Even though they knew it was impossible, they could only endure, hoping Isabella's thoughts would reach them, providing a live feed of the gossip.

Seeing Alexander follow Isabella without hesitation, Josiah was momentarily stunned. "I haven't really gotten used to this since the reunion," he thought. "What kind of charm does Isabella possess that made Alexander become… so different in just six months?"

Christopher glanced at Josiah. "The power of love, of course. They're married; it's perfectly normal for them to be inseparable. What about you? Don't you and your girlfriend cling to each other? Are you guys independent?"

Josiah felt a pang of pain; his complexion soured. He assumed Christopher had unintentionally touched a sore spot and remained silent.

Rosalie interjected, "Josiah, where's your girlfriend? Didn't she come?"

Another blow. Josiah could only say, "She's not free."

Evian said casually, "So, you have a girlfriend. I haven't heard that before."

Josiah was struck again. Do these people really have to talk about this? Only his friends and family knew he had a girlfriend; he'd never publicly flaunted her. Given his reputation as a spoiled rich kid, most people quickly forgot, even if they heard. Even his family didn't care much about the girlfriend he'd never officially introduced, assuming he wasn't serious. They'd heard he had a girlfriend, but before they could meet her, he'd broken up with her. The Hamptons were used to it.

Guests began arriving. Caleb led Josiah to greet them. Meanwhile, Isabella reached the edge of the "battlefield," encountering a slight hiccup—unrelated to Alexander following her.

Initially perplexed by Alexander's presence, she overheard a conversation from the makeup room:

"I refuse to believe hiring me twice is a coincidence, at such an outrageous price. What's your game? I'm no fool. I knew from the start that my so-called boyfriend is the second son of the Hampton family." (The door wasn't even closed!)

Alexander gently tugged her wrist. He indicated they should lean against the wall to listen. Well, turns out Alexander is quite the gossip too.

Isabella, generous with information, texted Alexander that the person inside was Dakota. Alexander cooperated, feigning surprise.

Isabella texted, "So, your buddy pretended to be poor to woo Dakota!" Alexander frowned, displeased with Josiah's actions. Isabella was relieved; their perceptions aligned. If typing weren't so inconvenient, she would have discussed it with Alexander then and there.

The conversation continued:

"So, you knew all along and kept the relationship going? How could you let go of such a wealthy man? But Josiah is also at fault for deceiving you. I apologize on his behalf." (Damn, even an actress can't act that well!)

Isabella silently complained when Alexander snatched her phone, opened an app, turned the camera, adjusted the angle, and zoomed in. Isabella saw the scene inside. Audrey faced Dakota.

Isabella was astonished. This guy is seriously impressive! He even mastered paparazzi skills! Alexander's hand trembled slightly. "This is just basic math and physics," he mumbled.

Isabella had both audio and video. "Heh, don't blame us for peeking since you didn't close the door… Huh? Wait a minute, why didn't they close the door? Aren't they afraid of getting caught?"

The Quirks eavesdropped from below, but saw the other Hampton women whispering to Lorelei:

"Have you fixed your hair? Do you want to head upstairs?" "No, this is fine." "Then I won't touch up my makeup and attend to the guests first."

(Is she…? Damn, she really is!) Audrey was waiting for the Hampton women to come upstairs for makeup, setting the stage for their breakup, cutting off any reconciliation. She was Josiah's sister-in-law and ex-girlfriend. She was using various means to keep them apart.

"I hope you don't blame him. He didn't mean to act this way. He has… reasons."

(1.7K words. Finished)