Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind: Chapter 266 - A Public Insult

Alexander rushed toward his wife, Bella (Isabella), his gaze fixed intently on her. "Bella," he said, taking her hand, "Sorry to keep you waiting." Isabella was surprised.

Speak of the devil, she thought. With such a captivating appearance, no wonder he has admirers everywhere.

Alexander was momentarily speechless. I guess my wife's praising me? he mused.

Oliver arrived, looking uneasy. "Alexander, what a coincidence," he said. "What are you doing here?"

Alexander's response was less a greeting and more an interrogation. This was because he knew the Winters and Carney families were having a small gathering; Oliver should have been there with Deborah.

Offended by Alexander's tone, Oliver, who considered himself Alexander's equal, retorted, "We came to discuss a collaboration, but your staff is too slow. Their efficiency is appalling. They seem to need me to consult you for minor issues. We go way back, don't we? We can't let small issues bother our relationship. Perhaps you should educate your employees better, Mr. Quirk."

The staff member working on the wallpaper stiffened, feeling unjustly blamed.

Isabella thought, Oh, so he thinks because they're from the same social circle, he doesn't need specifics? Does he think Alexander will favor him out of respect for the Winters family? And he's using this to punish an employee he dislikes? A diligent employee doesn't deserve to be a sacrificial pawn! I hate these privileged elites.

Alexander, reading her thoughts, silently agreed: If my wife hates it, then I hate it too.

"What exactly is this minor issue?" Alexander asked the employee.

The employee was nervous.

"Go ahead, it's okay," Isabella reassured him with a smile.

The staff member, relieved, explained the situation. [The text cuts off here; the remainder needs to be provided to continue the cleanup.]

Corrected portions from the later sections:

Upon hearing this, Oliver's face soured. He realized he'd been patronized by a junior employee. Even more irritating was that, as a member of the Winters family and CEO of an entertainment company, he expected more deference. Yet, Alexander and Isabella questioned him.

After hearing everything, Alexander told the employee, "At Quirk Group, we don't prioritize personal connections. Everything is handled professionally and fairly." This had always been Alexander's approach. He wouldn't tolerate shortcuts based on personal relationships. This impartiality had propelled Quirk Group to success. However, such incidents were inevitable. Only crucial internal matters or those under Alexander's close supervision were handled impartially. This project was under a subsidiary, hence the attempt to placate Oliver; otherwise, they would have rejected him outright.

The employee, understanding Alexander's approval, felt secure. "Yes, Mr. Quirk," he said admiringly.

Oliver's face darkened. "What about my reputation?" he demanded. He was incredulous; these were people attending his engagement party in a few days.

Isabella responded sarcastically, "Oh dear, weren't you aware? I used to be signed with Quirk Group, but no matter how much I pleaded with my husband, he was never willing to help. It was only after I left and worked independently that I succeeded. If I couldn't convince him, how can you?" Alexander felt awkward. Now, Isabella could have any resources she desired; he would readily provide them. He wasn't inflexible; if it was something Isabella wanted, he would do anything.

Oliver, however, couldn't lose his temper. He could only watch the couple with displeasure.

Ruby then spoke, pleading pretentiously, "Alex, can you help me? This is my first time on the big screen!"

Isabella was appalled. A nickname? I'm getting goosebumps! I just said he wouldn't help his wife, and she's asking for an exception? She's challenging me!

Alexander shuddered, reading his wife's thoughts. Did she call Ruby an unwanted admirer?

He looked at Ruby, frowning. "Who are you? Please show some respect. Don't address me like that; it makes me uncomfortable."

Isabella and the junior employee both chuckled.

Ruby's face paled. Alexander's reply crushed her. She stammered, "Alex, you—"

"Please stop using that inappropriate nickname," Alexander warned seriously.

Oliver, though suspecting Ruby's motives toward Alexander, felt indignant on her behalf. "Alexander, are you joking?"

Isabella found Alexander's reaction peculiar. How weird. Even if they aren't close, he should recognize her. He doesn't have prosopagnosia. Doesn't he recognize Ruby as Damien's sister from his mother's second marriage? Another half-sibling? The relationships in wealthy circles are messy.

Alexander was stunned by Isabella's thoughts.

"You're Damien's sister?" he asked incredulously. They had met before, but he hadn't remembered her name.

Ruby felt euphoria, but then Alexander said, "Your face seems different."

Isabella burst into laughter; the junior employee stifled his own laughter.

Ruby's face flushed. She'd had extensive plastic surgery. "It's the trend now. Don't you think I've become more attractive, Alex?" she asked, twirling. Alexander shook his head. Out of respect for Damien, he tactfully said, "Your taste could use some refinement."

This revised text improves grammar, punctuation, and flow. The remaining sections need to be supplied to be fully cleaned up.