Chapter 21: If Only She Was Vain

Isabella's intense reaction surprised the Quirks, causing them to shudder. Noah and Lorelei, noticing the Quirks' increasingly strange behavior, asked, "Is there a problem?"

The Quirks finally broached the subject of the gossip. Selena smiled and inquired, "We saw a girl with your son Josiah earlier. Is she his girlfriend?"

Lorelei replied, "That's Audrey's cousin, Camila. She's quite fond of Josiah. We thought it would be nice to strengthen family ties, so we let them interact freely." They held Caleb to high standards, but Josiah had more leeway. Their only expectation was that he wouldn't bring home unsavory characters.

However, Lorelei's explanation only seemed to worsen the Quirks' expressions. A jolt of realization struck her, and she made a daring guess. Shifting her gaze to Rosalie, the youngest Quirk, and seeing Rosalie's stunned expression, Lorelei quickly added, "However, Josiah hasn't given it much thought. By the way, Rosie, do you have a boyfriend?" The Quirks' shock intensified. They had unwittingly invited drama into their own home.

Rosalie's face turned ashen as she grasped Lorelei's meaning. Selena hastily interjected, "Rosie is still young and plans to study abroad. I heard Josiah has had a girlfriend for a while. Perhaps good things are happening soon. I was about to ask about their wedding plans."

Realizing her mistake, Lorelei blushed deeply. Uninterested in a marriage alliance with the Quirks, she quickly changed the subject to ease the awkwardness. "Oh, you've heard about that. To be honest, we're not sure ourselves. Josiah said he'd bring her to meet us, but he didn't today. Judging by his demeanor, they must have broken up. His relationship isn't as stable as Alexander's," she said with a smile.

Isabella was speechless. More people were learning about Audrey's past relationship with Josiah. While Clifford's revelation of the girl's identity had surprised them earlier, they knew less than Isabella and Alexander, particularly about Audrey's role in the situation.

Audrey… She really needs a psychologist. What is she up to? Is she trying to set up her cousin, Camila, with Josiah? Ah, I see. It’s because she knows Josiah despises Camila's type. A marriage between them wouldn't be loving, allowing Audrey to continue controlling Josiah's affections without fear of competition.

Alexander, unable to decipher Audrey's intentions, wanted to ask her about her grudge against Camila. Roland, sensing something was amiss, asked, "You and Audrey have no objections? What about your girlfriend?"

Josiah snapped, "What nonsense? That girl is the only one obsessed. My family won't force a marriage alliance, so leave me alone!" He slammed his phone on the table, glared at everyone, grabbed a bottle of alcohol, and began to drink.

Damien remarked, "Your mood seems unusually bad today."

Aiden speculated, recalling the earlier rumors, "Could it be related to your girlfriend not showing up?"

Josiah scoffed, sounding deeply wronged. Isabella felt like smacking him.

Clifford, Josiah's close friend and confidant, teased, "He's waiting for her to apologize. He found out she knew his identity all along and has been playing him. And you're still not breaking up with her? Josiah, you're done for!"

Ines exclaimed, "What? Really? They were playing each other?"

Deborah remained speechless and indifferent.

Zendaya, who had been watching Isabella, sarcastically muttered, As if everyone isn't acting! Only my idol's on-screen pairing is real!

Roland suggested, "Maybe she's waiting for your confession?"

Josiah snorted. "She asked me for money."

Everyone's expressions changed.

Damien, while avoiding direct comment, sensed something was wrong. "Could it be a misunderstanding?"

Josiah said angrily, "She lied and asked me for half a million. If she didn't know who I was, how could she ask for money from a penniless me? She must have just found out and got greedy. She's always asking for money. And to think I even…" He slammed his wine glass down, his eyes reddening.

Isabella's disdainful snort cut through the air. Josiah looked up to see her.

"What are you laughing at?" He sensed mockery.

Isabella said nonchalantly, "People laugh uncontrollably when they're speechless. That's what just happened to me."

The table erupted in silent observation. Why are these two at it again?

"So you're speechless because of me? She deceived me for money…"

Isabella retorted, "Aren't you deceiving her for money? Why act like the victim?"

Josiah paused, then said, "I did it for a purer love, unlike her…"

Isabella countered, "Lies are lies, regardless of the reason. You're good at spinning things. You dated for two years. How much money did she take, and how much did you take from her?" Josiah choked, "She… she hasn't started yet…"

Isabella was speechless at his stubbornness. "If you wronged her, if she needs money, and you refuse to help her, then…"

Her gaze swept over Josiah, causing him to break into a cold sweat. Panic set in.

"You're done for," Isabella gloated, eager to see Dakota dump him.

Josiah's face darkened. "No, it's impossible. Once she found out about my identity, she became vain and superficial…"

"What's wrong with being vain?" Isabella asked.

Josiah exclaimed incredulously, "What did you say?"

Everyone was taken aback. "Vain" wasn't a pleasant word.

Isabella continued, "If she's vain, at least she's smart and ambitious. Otherwise, I don't understand what she sees in you. Your biggest asset is your wealth. If she doesn't love you for that, does she love your terrible personality, lack of gentleness, dependency, or deceitful games? She must be a masochist!" The table erupted in laughter.

Josiah stared, dumbfounded.

Isabella continued sincerely, "Oh, I might have been hasty. Perhaps you have other lovable qualities besides your wealth. Tell me about them."

The laughter continued. Josiah had merits, but his wealth was his most notable advantage. If someone loved him for that, it was reasonable.

Josiah remained silent, shocked to his core.

Isabella pressed on, "Can't find the words? If she isn't vain, you're in trouble. Your looks, age, physical and mental energy are declining. What will you use to keep her love? What kind of nonsense are you spouting? This is supposed to be good?"

Josiah disagreed vehemently. His relationship with Dakota began with a lie, a result of a previous vanity-fueled failed relationship. Just as Isabella was about to retort, Alexander said earnestly, "Your brother wouldn't think Audrey married him out of vanity for his money."

Silence fell over the table. Josiah's face paled. Alexander had hit a nerve.

For men, success is often measured by earnings. The more their women spend, the greater their sense of accomplishment. They don't perceive their women as materialistic or vain. Only when overwhelmed do they see the other party as vain. A capable man provides for his woman. Why overthink it? Why not focus on staying rich to keep her love? This seemingly sincere inquiry has a hint of sleazy probing.

Haha! Alexander is so spot on! How does he articulate so well? I'm absolutely smitten.

Alexander, surprised by Isabella's sparkling eyes and quickened heartbeat, coughed lightly, feeling good about the situation. As for his buddy's fate…

Josiah was unlucky. Audrey swindled him, leaving him in a sorry state. Even Clifford didn't share Josiah's views on vanity. They were all wealthy and didn't care. However, Josiah had experienced abandonment due to his lesser wealth compared to Caleb, and Audrey's preference for his brother. This created his sensitivity and suspicion, leading to this distorted situation. He sought proof of someone who would choose him even knowing Caleb. He found her, but lost her.

"You!" Josiah was angry, though unaware of his mistakes.

His eyes widened as he looked into the distance. Everyone looked, but only Isabella and Alexander reacted.

This is odd. Why is Dakota down here? Moments ago, she seemed unwilling to come down. Is a showdown about to happen?