Chapter 265: Always the Ultimate Coward

This was Isabella's first encounter with Oliver. Though he resembled Damien, his demeanor revealed him as a spoiled, useless rich kid. She had previously heard about the Winters family from Alexander.

The Winters family thrived in business, their success built on a strong family ethos prioritizing collective benefit. Internal conflict was rare; power resided with the most competent members. The current head was Oliver's mother, Lydia Sanders. His father, Howard Winters, the family's second son, was an unremarkable man overshadowed by his successful wife. He happily indulged in his hobbies, leaving household matters to Lydia.

Their marriage was arranged. The family recognized Lydia's potential for success while she worked for the company and orchestrated the union, hoping she would manage the family business. Over time, Lydia proved her worth, becoming an authoritative figure within the family.

Isabella considered the situation. Lydia's only failing seemed to be her son. No wonder she relegated him to the entertainment industry, leaving the core business to Damien, Oliver's first cousin and son of the eldest Winters son. Damien's father, Jared Winters, died young, leaving Damien somewhat orphaned within the family. However, his increasing involvement in various businesses indicated the family's high regard for him and their intention to groom him as the future head.

From a distance, Isabella watched Oliver place his hand on Ruby's thigh. She felt pity for Deborah, wondering how she tolerated such a husband, even in a loveless marriage.

Isabella then reflected on Damien's decade-long unrequited love for Deborah. His upbringing by Lydia, and her trust in him regarding the family business, made him believe competing with his cousin for Deborah (Lydia's desired daughter-in-law) would be a betrayal. He didn't want to disappoint Lydia, suppressing his feelings and watching helplessly as Deborah married his cousin.

Isabella disapproved of Damien's actions. The marriage was an alliance, and Damien might have succeeded had he fought for Deborah, who had stated her marriage was merely for maintaining the family collaboration, not for love. Yet, out of gratitude to Lydia, Damien relinquished his love. Isabella questioned the strength of his feelings.

Fortunately, Deborah wasn't forced into the marriage and had no feelings for Damien, so it wasn't a classic case of star-crossed lovers. Isabella was unaware that after her outburst at home, the Quirk family urged Alexander to speak with Damien, hoping to unite him with Deborah. They were friends with Alexander, and they believed that Deborah would prefer a loving husband to Oliver, whose reputation was tarnished by his pursuit of female celebrities. Even though Deborah only desired a marriage in name, marrying someone with Oliver's reputation would cause endless problems. They felt the Winters family's customs would prevent a disastrous outcome. It was Damien's "favor" that bound him.

Alexander, like Isabella, generally avoided interfering in others' affairs. However, unlike Oliver's situation, he would help a friend if they were deceived, as he had with Roland. This was a conscious choice by Damien and Deborah, and they would bear the consequences. Isabella remained a detached observer.

Meanwhile, Oliver continued to harass the staff. Isabella recognized their placating excuses. Quirk Group companies had strict project requirements; no one, not even Isabella, was permitted to cut corners. She found the woman beside Oliver, whose face showed signs of extensive cosmetic surgery, unsuitable for a leading role.

Oliver attempted to feign familiarity with Alexander. Isabella thought, Your cousin and fiancée are friends with Alexander, but he’s never even met you! You have some nerve.

Isabella chuckled. Alexander wasn't a networker; he only befriended those who could be business partners or competitors. The staff faced a difficult situation. Oliver, though spoiled, was a Winters family member with a connection to Alexander. The staff feared offending him and taking the blame. They could only offer vague responses.

Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they struggled to respond to Oliver. Isabella approached. "This must be Mr. Oliver, yes?"

Oliver, captivated by Isabella's beauty, froze his hand on Ruby's thigh. If she’s this pretty and calling me Mr. Oliver, she must be a celebrity hoping to network, he thought. "Oh, and who might this lovely lady be?" he asked, standing to shake her hand.

The staff instantly recognized Isabella, unlike Oliver. He found her familiar but assumed she was a new university graduate. He adopted a successful persona.

Isabella feigned surprise. "You don't recognize me? You claimed acquaintance with my husband. How could you not know me?"

Oliver was stunned. A staff member greeted Isabella, "Good day, Madam."

"Madam? Which madam?" Ruby interjected.

The staff's morale soared. "This is Mrs. Quirk, our CEO's wife," they announced. "Don't you recognize her, Mr. Oliver?"

"You're Isabella!" Oliver exclaimed, shocked by her natural beauty compared to her public image.

Ruby eyed Isabella with disdain. Isabella, initially uninterested in Ruby, noticed her obvious eye-rolling. Investigation revealed Ruby was an unwanted admirer of Alexander.

Alexander, upon hearing his wife was there, rushed over, only to be met with her accusatory thoughts. He was baffled.