Chapter 207: The Voice of an Incubus

Upon hearing Audrey's words, Isabella and Alexander, who were eavesdropping, were startled. They knew why Audrey spoke; logically, she should have been the most afraid to mention it, especially at the Hampton manor. What was Audrey's game?

Dakota, listening, was equally shocked. Initially, she assumed Audrey was trying to dissuade her on behalf of the Hampton family—a common occurrence in wealthy families. But Audrey's words were confusing. "What?" Dakota, overwhelmed by Audrey's audacity, barely registered the reason.

A glint flashed in Audrey's eyes. She said resignedly, "It's because of his ex-girlfriend. She chose a more advantageous marriage, abandoning their relationship for her family's future. She wronged him, yet still loved him. His heartbreak stemmed from his deep love for her and his inability to accept the end. This led to his overreactions and constant suspicion of any woman near him, fearing they were after his money. That's why he deceived you for so long"

Dakota froze, her expression thunderous. She couldn't believe Audrey's brazenness. Was she insane? Didn't she fear being overheard? Then, a thought struck her: Josiah and Audrey's relationship had been secret. If other Hamptons heard this, they wouldn't connect Audrey to the "ex-girlfriend." Audrey clearly wasn't afraid to hurt Dakota with this truth, but how did she know it would work?

Alexander and Isabella, thinking similarly, furrowed their brows. Dakota had initially dismissed Josiah's behavior as a rich kid's prank. Now, she understood it stemmed from another woman's actions. The devastation was overwhelming.

Was Audrey subtly showing off? Isabella wondered. She suspected Audrey believed Dakota was a hopeless romantic who would stay with Josiah despite the deception. The best way to handle that, Audrey seemed to think, was to strike at her heart.

As Isabella suspected, Dakota's distress was evident, even through the phone screen. This was far more insulting than mere deception; it mocked her love.

Josiah was beyond redemption. Despite agreeing to meet, Dakota had already decided to break up. Now, knowing the truth, she would definitely end it. Even though Josiah was his close friend, Alexander could only silently mourn.

Dakota's disgust would likely be even greater if she discovered Audrey was Josiah's ex-girlfriend. Alexander considered this Audrey's worst possible action—a secret she shouldn't have revealed, as the fallout was unpredictable.

(Second Section)

Her tone, ostensibly concerned, held a hint of sadness, suggesting direct involvement. Isabella and Alexander, knowing the truth, felt only disgust. Dakota, sensitive to nuances, immediately noticed Audrey's unusual tone, particularly concerning Josiah. She looked up, confusion etched on her face. Audrey's eyes reflected sorrow; her hand unconsciously touched the necklace around her neck—a recent acquisition Dakota hadn't noticed until now. Dakota’s face turned deathly pale upon examining the necklace's materials and design.

"This necklace" Dakota's voice was hoarse, filled with disbelief.

Audrey's expression flustered; she avoided Dakota's gaze. "It's a family gift. A problem? Do you like it, Ms. Meadows? It's unique—only one necklace could be made. The leftover materials only yielded a small bracelet. I'd offer it to you as compensation for Josiah's deception, if I knew where it was."

Isabella found this gossip perplexing. Why did Dakota mention the necklace? Audrey's reaction, however, suggested it was from Josiah. But how would Dakota know?

Alexander suddenly stirred, jostling Isabella. He pointed at Isabella's bracelet, then gestured towards Dakota on the screen. Isabella didn't understand. Elegant music began playing from below.

Leaning in, Alexander whispered, "Dakota's bracelet."

Isabella’s mind momentarily faltered—not due to her own inattention, but because Alexander’s breath on her ear, coupled with his deep, magnetic voice, sent shivers down her spine. Isabella, who appreciated a beautiful voice, was momentarily captivated. Usually, Alexander's voice was cool and composed; now, however, it held a different quality.

Holy crap! I nearly got pregnant from his voice! Isabella thought. How can Alexander produce such a voice? It's like he's purposely seducing me! I never thought he'd have the potential to be an incubus!

Alexander, merely trying to help his wife, felt his ears flush even redder than Isabella's. Annoyed and uneasy, he could only remain silent.

The Quirks downstairs enjoyed the gossip, though Isabella's fragmented thoughts made piecing together the truth difficult. Alexander's revelation shocked them—they were unprepared for this side of him. To what lengths would he go for his wife? they wondered.

They almost lost track of the gossip. But Isabella, a seasoned gossiper, quickly recovered from Alexander's effect. "Dakota's bracelet… from when we helped her collect her belongings? Wait! Audrey mentioned the bracelet too. Something isn't right. Is it what I'm thinking?"