Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind

Chapter 242: The Unexpected Pool Party

Part 1

Two hours later, Stephanie awoke. She opened her eyes to see Roland watching over her. As her memories returned, she felt embarrassed and pulled the blanket over her face.

Recalling her impulsive request to Roland, she couldn't entirely blame the drugs; she'd been somewhat rational. She would never have agreed if it had been Ethan. But it was Roland, and she'd indulged herself. "Stephanie, are you okay?" Roland's voice came awkwardly from outside.

Stephanie remained under the covers for a while before mumbling, "I'm sorry."

Roland, slightly flushed, reassured her. "It's not your fault. You don't need to apologize. Ethan drugged you."

"Thank you for saving me," Stephanie said gratefully, lowering the blanket.

But as their eyes met, they both remembered what had happened. Roland had a wound on his lip where Stephanie had bitten him.

One quickly retreated under the covers while the other turned away, hastily gathering documents and placing them on the bedside table.

Roland cleared his throat. "Regarding Ethan's crime, I have evidence of his drug purchase and can testify. But to fully convict him, we need the video footage. The decision is yours, depending on the severity of the charges you wish to pursue. If you want to destroy the video, I understand." After all, respecting the victim's wishes was paramount.

Stephanie emerged from under the covers, pale-faced, her gaze dark. "I want to sue him. I'm willing to provide any evidence. I want him to face the consequences."

Stephanie hugged herself, trembling.

Roland frowned, stepped forward, and patted her shoulder. "Don't be afraid. I'll be with you."

The two victims would unite to hold Ethan accountable.

Stephanie looked up, but as their eyes met again, they both shyly looked away.

Later, the Nox family arrived, having heard the news, and joined Roland in handling the case. A few days later, Ethan was sentenced to prison and deportation after serving his sentence. He might face further charges abroad, but one thing was certain—he wouldn't escape punishment. A week later, the storm in the Ford family gradually subsided. With no further updates from Roland and Stephanie, Isabella lost interest in the gossip.

Part 2

Isabella arrived at Quirk Group with sweets made by Selena, delivering them to Alexander. Selena and Evian had gossiped about a beautiful female business partner aggressively pursuing Alexander, but Isabella didn't care. She wasn't there to assert her position as his wife, only curious about the situation. Sure enough, the receptionists' glances were full of gossip, though they still showed respect.

Passing Alexander's office, the assistants looked awkward, repeatedly glancing at the office. Isabella thought, Oh, the home-wrecker is inside? Perfect timing.

Politely, Isabella told the assistant to inform Alexander of her arrival.

The assistant was surprised. "Mr. Alexander left instructions that you can enter anytime."

Isabella blushed slightly. Approaching the door, she heard voices.

"I've delegated hosting your team to a board member, as I dine with my wife every evening and don't have time for socializing. If you feel this is disrespectful, we can always opt not to collaborate."

"Mr. Alexander, you're so smart, surely you understand what I mean," a seductive female voice purred.

"After stepping into this office, you still haven't gotten a good look?"

"It's just for show."

Isabella was bewildered. What on earth are they talking about?

There was a pause, then the woman continued, "Mr. Alexander, I genuinely admire you and don't expect any status, I just want…"

"Then let me be clear. There is no woman in this world better than my wife. I only want my wife and have no interest in other women, so you don't need to waste your efforts."

Oh wey. What is he saying? Haha… Turns out I'm so charming that this guy is completely enchanted.

Inside, the usually icy Alexander smiled, blushing slightly. The woman was stunned.

Alexander ignored her. His wife rarely visited, and this was a good day. He stood and walked to the door.

"By the way, about your project, I will notify your company to assign a new project coordinator. Quirk Group is willing to collaborate, but you are not involved."

The woman's face changed. Even if I failed to seduce him, I surely didn't deserve his disdain. What kind of man is he?

Unbeknownst to her, Alexander was cautious about anything related to Isabella. Since Isabella had overheard them, he needed to distance himself to avoid suspicion.

Isabella sighed at the CEO's domineering behavior, but the door opened, and she stumbled forward. She would have regained her balance, but Alexander caught her, making it look like she'd fallen into his arms.

Gentle laughter filled the air. "Why are you here?" His low voice sent a jolt through Isabella's heart.

"Bringing you desserts on behalf of Mom," Isabella said.

Alexander released her, pulling her into the office. Isabella saw the other woman, sexy and gorgeous, but didn't greet her. The woman already knew what Isabella looked like, but seeing her in person, she was struck by Isabella's beauty. Previously confident, she was now taken aback. With Alexander's dismissal, she left crestfallen.

Isabella was taken aback by the office. The walls, usually displaying famous paintings, were now covered with her glamour shots. She understood their earlier conversation. The office was filled with her posters. She was embarrassed. What if other staff come in and see these… Ah, I can't even think about it.

Alexander knew what she was looking at but pretended to be calm. He took the dessert and led Isabella to the sofa, though his ears were turning red. This wasn't for show; he wanted to see Isabella anytime. Quirk Group's artist management department and Isabella's studio were filled with her posters, so why not his office? He wanted her to work with him, but she'd refuse, so this was the next best thing. This would also make everyone understand Isabella's status.

Part 3

Isabella pretended not to notice the posters. "Try some of Mom's cooking," she said.

Alexander opened the box and looked at the golden-yellow pastries. He was speechless.

"My mom is a kitchen killer. Do you remember that?"

Isabella smiled. "Rest assured, others have tried it. It's rare for her to succeed, so she asked me to bring it to you." Dad and Callahan were fine after eating it. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel safe giving it to Alexander. Imagine if the CEO got food poisoning and had to be rushed to the hospital; it would be hilarious.

Alexander felt satisfied. His wife did care about him. Despite the food being terrible, he ate it. They finished the meal together and took photos to send to Selena. Selena already knew the saboteur had been dealt with through David's informant.

After eating, Isabella didn't leave, and Alexander didn't suggest it. He wanted her to stay. Isabella played on her phone while Alexander worked. His phone rang; it was Clifford.

"Hey Christopher, free tonight? I'm hosting a pool party, and I'd like you and Isabella to come. It's at XX Club."

Alexander was surprised. He rarely attended such events, and Clifford never invited him. Why is Clifford acting strange today?

"Are you coming? Everyone else is. Ah, forget it. It's fine if you don't come, just Isabella is enough." Clifford sounded impatient.

Alexander suspected an ulterior motive but rarely got time alone with Isabella. Maybe they could have a private date. "I'll ask Isabella."

Alexander turned to her.

Isabella blinked. She'd never attended such an event. A pool party where everyone wears swimsuits? Isn't it a visual feast of handsome men and beautiful women?

Hearing her enthusiastic tone, Alexander's eyebrows twitched. Indeed. Isabella was smiling mischievously. At this moment, he really wanted to decline.

Alexander in a swimsuit. Ooh, I'd like to see that. Maybe I can touch those abs! Such a handsome man in the water.

Alexander's face flushed. Clifford urged on the phone. "Are we… going?" Alexander's gaze wavered.

"Yes!" Isabella immediately answered.

Alexander coughed and replied to Clifford.

After the call, Isabella dragged Alexander to the mall to buy swimsuits.

Clifford urgently notified others, hastily organizing the party. His friends were puzzled, but he was too busy to notice. Some tagged Alexander and Isabella, wondering if they were going.

Isabella investigated Clifford's sudden decision. It turned out to be a revelation. Unbelievable! Just because Zendaya has been ignoring him, he thinks she's playing hard to get. So, he plans to give her a chance. When he found out she'd be working at this club all day today, he immediately arranged this party to casually show up in front of her. He'll hug another woman to make her sad then give her a chance to come back to him… Quite a drama. The reason he wants me to go is because he knows if Zendaya sees me, she'll definitely come over and greet me. He's using me as a tool, huh?

Alexander realized this was ridiculous. Does Clifford need to be embarrassed before he wakes up?

But it'll be interesting. Isabella giggled.

She picked up a swimsuit. Alexander coughed. "Are you choosing this one?"

In Isabella's hands was a bikini. She blinked. "Do you have any recommendations?"

She'd never attended such a gathering and didn't know what was appropriate. Alexander's eyes went to a childish style.

"I say, Alexander, your taste is too poor. Don't tell me you're recommending that style to your wife."

A strikingly dressed woman stood at the door, smiling.

This cleaned-up version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow, making the story easier to read and understand. It also addresses inconsistencies and corrects minor spelling errors.