Chapter 267: Supporter of Our Relationship

"Do you think I'm unattractive, Alex?" Ruby asked, her composure finally breaking.

Isabella snorted inwardly. Damien was cunning, but Ruby's self-humiliation was astounding. She was glad Deborah and Damien weren't together; such a sister-in-law would be unbearable.

Alexander's response, though carefully chosen, was icy. "You look mass-produced, lacking uniqueness. As an artist, that's your greatest flaw. Your mannerisms are unnatural. Don't bother with this project; naturalness is essential for actors."

Isabella chuckled. Alexander certainly knew how to upset women.

Ruby ran out, tears streaming down her face.

Alexander was taken aback; he'd only stated facts.

"Ruby!" Oliver exclaimed, his gaze hardening. "Alexander, you disrespect our Winters family, don't you?"

"Is she even a Winters?" Isabella asked, surprised. "Isn't her last name Willis?"

Oliver, flustered, blustered, "Are you trying to get uninvited from my engagement party?"

Isabella thought, Spoiled brat. Threats won't work. Alexander's expression darkened.

"My invitation came from Madam Lydia," Alexander said. "Since you're so unenthusiastic, Mr. Oliver, I'll call her."

The invitation hadn't come from Damien or Deborah, but directly from Lydia—a gesture of respect between corporate entities. Had Lydia known about Oliver's outburst, she would have apologized personally. Clearly, some people weren't fit to inherit the family business.

Oliver's face flushed. He mumbled, "Attend if you wish," then fled. The couple ignored him and continued their gift shopping.

Chapter 267: Supporter of Our Relationship

"All right," Alexander replied, driving.

"I'm repulsed by Deborah's fiancé," Isabella complained. "If he doesn't care about her, why did he agree? I thought he'd be rebellious."

"He's rebellious toward others, but not Madam Lydia," Alexander explained. "And Madam Lydia likes Deborah."

Isabella looked at Alexander curiously. "Go on."

"Deborah is steady and not a troublemaker. Marrying her might help Oliver mature, or at worst, she won't cause scenes. Madam Lydia knows it's a mutually beneficial alliance, not a waste of Deborah's time. It's the best partnership; Lydia won't interfere with Deborah's freedom. As long as they live peacefully and continue the family line, that's enough," Alexander explained.

"They'll have a harmonious mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship," Isabella remarked.

"Madam Lydia is sensible, like Deborah," Alexander agreed. "The negotiations went smoothly. As long as Madam Lydia is in charge, Deborah's future looks secure."

Isabella thought, Even if Damien takes over, Deborah will be protected. But Oliver and Ruby's relationship was more interesting.

Alexander was surprised. He hadn't expected Oliver to be there for Ruby's career, especially given Damien and Oliver's feud. He found it odd that Oliver skipped the family gathering.

Alexander's phone rang. He asked Isabella to answer it.

Isabella felt awkward. "Could it be Damien, confronting you about bullying his sister?"

Alexander chuckled. "Don't worry, it won't be."

Skeptically, Isabella answered. Damien's voice was exasperated. "Ruby called, crying. Why did you call her ugly? Plastic surgery isn't ideal, but she did it to be more attractive. You treat your wife well, why are you so cold to other women? Where's your gentlemanly demeanor?"

Damien, unlike Ruby, had inherited the Winters' good looks. Her family wouldn't object to her surgery. "It's me, Isabella," she said.

Damien chuckled. "How could I forget? My apologies. Did you run into my sister? Did she offend you?"

Chapter 267: Supporter of Our Relationship

The awkwardness from their last encounter was gone.

"You guessed it," Isabella said.

"It's not hard to guess," Damien replied. "My sister had a secret crush on your husband. He rejected her, but she's persistent. I suspect her surgeries are related. But I won't try to bring them together."

Isabella was puzzled. "When you two met, I wasn't his wife yet. Why didn't you try to keep it in the family?"

"I'm not blind or stupid," Damien said. "Unless she's reborn, she's no match for Alexander." He'd never consider matchmaking for his sister, even if it meant enduring her complaints.

Isabella thought, He used to ship Alexander and Eleanor, and now he only supports Alexander and me.

Alexander chuckled. Perhaps he's now a supporter of our relationship.

Isabella told Damien everything.

He was silent for a long time. Ruby's offense was no longer a major issue.

When he spoke, his anger was gone. "Ruby auditioned for the female lead without telling us. And Oliver skipped our family gathering to take her there."

Isabella stirred the pot. "Something's going on with them. I saw Oliver with his arm around her waist, even touching her thigh."

Oliver and Ruby, and Deborah in the middle, plus Damien's sister… exciting! Isabella thought. Is this wrecking the engagement party?