Chapter 209: A Marriage Alliance

Audrey, feigning innocence, interrupted Dakota, "Ms. Meadows, what's wrong with you? Please don't be so worked up." Her guilty expression, however, betrayed her.

Isabella, watching on screen, was flabbergasted. "What could possibly be wrong with Dakota? She's hurt by bitches like you!" she thought.

Audrey’s plan was to have the Hamptons overhear her conversation with Dakota, subtly revealing Josiah's past heartbreak. Without seeing their faces, only Josiah's past would be apparent; they wouldn't guess Audrey was the ex-girlfriend.

Alexander scoffed. "Flawless. But a truly smart person wouldn't reveal anything about their ex to Dakota in the first place. Alexander's jealousy clearly clouded her judgment."

Dakota, furious, retorted, "You you guys are shameless!"

Audrey, threateningly, replied, "Ms. Meadows, it's not right to insult your employer. I helped you; you should be thanking me."

Dakota, trembling with anger, snapped, "Since you asked me here for makeup, don't bother me with this disgusting affair!" She turned her back and began packing, refusing further engagement. Tears welled in her eyes, though she suppressed them.

Audrey, condescendingly, continued, "It doesn't matter if you're with Josiah for money. He's using the relationship to heal. But don't meddle in what doesn't concern you. Any promises he made were out of spite. I invited you here to show you the disparity between you and this family."

How could she say that? Isabella thought. Is she deluded, believing Josiah's affections are solely hers? Why is she causing trouble? Dakota is caught between two lunatics. Alexander also seemed displeased. Audrey's actions stemmed from Josiah's growing affection for Dakota. She doesn't want what she can't have, Isabella concluded, or believes Josiah belongs only to her.

Dakota remained silent, ignoring them. Audrey, satisfied, announced, "Oh, right, I'm done. My cousin is next. I hope you're ready."

Isabella and Alexander exchanged furtive glances, wary of being observed. Alexander suggested they leave. Isabella hesitated, then heard Audrey's footsteps. They quickly departed.

Back in the lobby, Alexander pulled Isabella into a corner. He awkwardly tapped his lips. Isabella was startled.

He can't possibly want me to kiss him, she thought. Alexander froze.

The Quirks, having witnessed Dakota's ordeal, were shocked by Isabella's inner monologue. Since when did Alex come to his senses? they thought. Such rapid progress! But no buildup? Should we peek? They debated the ethics of eavesdropping.

Isabella’s inner voice interrupted: Oh, it's my lipstick. He's reminding me about my excuse for coming upstairs. What was I thinking? Why did I think of kissing? Alexander's face flushed. She's jumpy since my confession, he thought.

The Quirks sighed; their wish wouldn't be fulfilled so easily. Isabella touched up her lipstick and rejoined Alexander.

Alexander and Isabella's entrance drew immediate attention. Alexander's status and Isabella's recent fame made them instantly recognizable. The realization that she was Alexander's sister-in-law spread through the crowd.

So that's why she was protected, people whispered. No wonder no one could compete with her. And those rumors about them fending off a homewrecker…

I admit defeat, another guest mused. But I heard this "Justice Upholder" is quite eccentric. Is her metaphysics real, or fabricated?

Isabella and Alexander, accustomed to such attention, rejoined the Quirks. Noah and Lorelei were still there, showing excessive hospitality the Quirks found stifling. They were hoping to gossip privately about the host.

As they were about to sit, Alexander's friends waved them over. Josiah wasn't there. Isabella was curious about his whereabouts. She spotted him approaching, head down, a persistent young woman clinging to his arm. A phone call interrupted, and the woman left.

Before Isabella could satisfy her curiosity, Josiah sat down. Clifford chuckled, "Why do you both brothers intend to marry into the same family? Isn't she Audrey's cousin?"

A marriage alliance? Between Josiah and Audrey's cousin?