Chapter 244: Another Victim

A woman asked, "Hey, handsome, can I get your number?"

Alexander pretended not to hear and sidestepped her. Another woman approached. "Hey, handsome, are you here for the party too? Let's hang out."

Alexander frowned and bypassed her. A third woman said, "Hey, handsome, you look familiar. Have we met before?"

Growing impatient, Alexander sidestepped her.

"He's way too difficult," one woman commented. "A cool guy, maybe?" another suggested. "He didn't even spare me a glance. Is he perhaps into men?" a third mused.

The women who approached attractive men like Alexander were naturally confident and beautiful. However, since Alexander rarely attended such events, these women, even those with average backgrounds, failed to recognize him.

Disheartened by his rejections, the women engaged in animated discussion. They noticed another woman approaching Alexander—someone vaguely familiar. Isabelle, who usually didn't wear makeup, looked strikingly different with it on. Those unfamiliar with the entertainment industry didn't recognize her, assuming she was just another beautiful woman.

However, the onlookers all agreed a fourth rejection was imminent. They anticipated Isabelle's inevitable failure.

Isabelle, however, felt mischievous. As Alexander approached, before he could speak, she said, "Hey, handsome, are you alone tonight? Would you like to keep me company?"

Alexander paused, listening to Isabelle's thoughts. "Okay, sure."

The onlookers were astonished. Isabelle proudly linked her arm through Alexander's, stifling a laugh as she led him toward the backyard pool party. Their departure attracted envious stares. Lost in the fun, she didn't notice Alexander's stiffness. She was wearing a swimsuit, and the contact made his muscles tense, leaving him uncomfortable.

Isabelle's gaze swept across the venue. Besides the vibrantly dressed guests, about a dozen young staff in black and white uniforms were present. She didn't see Zendaya among them, though all their friends had arrived early. Aiden and Ines were enjoying the pool. Deborah, Damien, and Roland were relaxing poolside. Seeing them approach, each greeted Isabelle.

"Isabelle, you're amazing! He never comes to these things," Damien chuckled.

Roland also chuckled, agreeing it was refreshing. Deborah raised her eyebrows, smiling playfully. Usually, Alexander would ignore their teasing.

Isabelle curiously asked, "Where's Clifford?"

"He went to pick up his new date," Ines replied from her floatie, Aiden playfully pushing her from behind. "Clifford changed partners again. I thought the last one was pretty unique."

"I heard she broke up with him after catching him watching a video of Elaine in an overseas fashion design competition," Damien chuckled. "She knew she was a rebound, but I guess it got too much."

"I don't approve of Clifford's actions," Deborah stated.

"Hurting someone's feelings brings bad luck," Roland added sagely.

Isabelle complained, "You all think Zendaya likes Clifford?"

They looked at her, surprised. Isabelle wondered if they'd been brainwashed by Clifford or deceived by Zendaya's acting. Surprisingly, they all assumed the rebound had fallen for Clifford. "Too much TV?" she mused.

Damien said, "Honestly, I think he has feelings for her. He's just stubborn. Maybe she's ceased being a rebound."

As they spoke, they saw Clifford approach, arm around a stunning woman.

"What are you guys saying about me?" Clifford asked loftily.

You may be stubborn now, but soon you'll be begging, Isabelle thought sarcastically as Alexander led her to sit.

They casually mentioned, "We ran into a friend while swimsuit shopping. She's joining us."

Clifford remained unconcerned. He was focused on a certain "disobedient young woman." Since he didn't ask, Alexander felt no pressure.

The others were curious but were interrupted by Clifford introducing his date. Only Isabelle didn't recognize the beauty; everyone else had a peculiar expression.

The new date was Millie Hayes, a woman of significant background. She smiled, but her demeanor suggested she wasn't to be trifled with.

Once settled, Alexander whispered gossip to Isabelle. Millie had once admired Clifford; her personality was similar to Elaine's. Having dated Elaine, Clifford had repeatedly rejected Millie.

Tsk, tsk! Clifford, you deserve bad luck. You hurt one woman to win back another—karma! Isabelle thought. I can't wait to see what happens!

Clifford seated Millie, ordering drinks. He acted intimately with her, their closeness irritating the others.

Damien, having heard about Roland and Stephanie, asked, "I heard you played the knight in shining armor, then?" Roland rubbed his temples. "It's nothing. After she resolved things with Ethan, she returned home with her father."

"Impossible? You two seemed compatible," Deborah chimed in.

"Don't worry about me. It wasn't serious," Roland laughed. It was a brief, unexpected encounter, like a strange dream. Stephanie had left a mark, but dating was unlikely, especially after Sasha. He needed to focus on his mother. Future reconnection was possible, but they lived separate lives.

After confirming there was no progress between Roland and Stephanie, Isabelle, using the Gossip System, dropped the topic.

Several staff approached with cocktails.

"Ms. Jeannet—" A scream of excitement cut through the air.

Isabelle saw Zendaya, pleasantly surprised. Since they'd approached from a different direction, Zendaya hadn't noticed Clifford.

"What a coincidence! Are you working here?" Isabelle laughed.

Zendaya's face flushed. "Ms. Jeannet, it's a pleasure! I'm filling in tonight—what a coincidence! I'm so lucky to see you again."

The others noticed Zendaya, their expressions changing.

A coincidence? She's here for Clifford! Playing hard to get. Will she fight with Millie? they thought excitedly. Clifford watched intensely, but Zendaya ignored him.

Zendaya and Isabelle were about to talk when Clifford coughed pointedly. Turning, Zendaya saw his face, speechless.

"Are the staff properly trained? Who allowed you to chat with guests?" He looked aloof, pulling Millie closer. Let's see how long you can keep this up, he thought coldly.

Elaine entered the club. Many recognized her, shocked by her presence after the breakup.