Chapter 270: Endure It

"Does the gossip really exist?"

Alexander was lost in thought when Isabella spoke. Before he could react, she grabbed him, and they were running. They'd planned to leave the underground garage after dinner, but Isabella pulled him behind a column. The sound of a man and woman conversing drifted to them.

Alexander remembered: the Winters and Carney families were having a dinner gathering that night, likely in this mall, owned by the Quirk Group. Most high-end restaurants were located there. While Damien shouldn't have attended, he'd likely known about it, perfectly positioned to intercept people as the gathering dispersed. Their encounter was remarkably convenient. Isabella, if a gossip deity existed, was certainly its favorite.

Brimming with excitement, like a paparazzi with a juicy scoop, Isabella peeked around a car. Even Alexander had to hide; security seeing their boss engaged in such activities would be astonishing.

"What on earth is going on?" Deborah asked, looking at Damien, who seemed about to speak but hesitated, looking puzzled. This was seemingly their first alone meeting, despite their long acquaintance and impending in-laws status. Deborah was skeptical about their compatibility; she was slow to warm up to people, while Damien, though outgoing, hadn't made an effort with her. Their friendship felt superficial, sustained only by time. His warmth towards others contrasted with his indifference towards her.

Being asked out alone, and told there was something important to discuss, surprised her.

The two hiding behind the car felt their hearts leap. Was he about to confess? At this moment? Annoyed with his sister and Oliver? A fight over the bride? Isabella grew more excited. Even Alexander was uncertain.

Finally, Damien spoke. Disappointment clouded Isabella's face, while Alexander's demeanor turned indifferent. He wasn't confessing; he was revealing Oliver and Ruby's affair.

"Sorry," Damien said, looking at Deborah with a complex expression.

Deborah was startled. "He's audacious! Messing with other women is one thing, but daring to touch your sister? He's courting a family scandal!"

"That's it. Whatever you decide, I'll support you," Damien declared.

Deborah was momentarily taken aback. "What do I want to do? I don't care. It's the Winters and Willis families who should worry, not me."

Damien froze, then laughed, almost mocking himself. "Right," he said. "I shouldn't have thought you fragile."

Deborah was surprised by his expression, as if his eyes held a secret. She shrugged. "It doesn't matter if my husband's a saint or a sinner, as long as my mother-in-law is decent."

Damien smiled faintly, bitterness in his expression. "Aunt Lydia is wonderful," he said, "She'll treat you well."

Deborah smiled faintly. "Thank you. If there's nothing else, I'll go." She felt incredibly uncomfortable alone with him.

Damien nodded. Isabella and Alexander watched as Damien's desolate gaze followed Deborah's departing car.

Once in their car, Isabella scoffed, "What a waste of my emotions!" Alexander wasn't surprised.

Isabella turned to Alexander. "Do you think he came to complain, worried about Deborah not knowing about Oliver, hoping she'd call off the marriage?"

Alexander said, "Both. The former was primary, but he truly wanted the latter. He's fond of Deborah; how could he not want to change the alliance?"

Isabella was surprised. "You you knew?"

Alexander said confidently, "I figured it out long ago."

"You let me down! You didn't tell me!" Isabella retorted. She knew from the system it was sensitive; how could he keep such a secret?

Isabella, having the same information, joined him in gossiping. "If that's the case, Damien's despicable! He didn't fight for her, hoping she'd take the initiative. His secret crush, though touching, was self-indulgent. He's a coward, unworthy of Deborah."

Alexander understood Damien's gratitude to Lydia, but admitted his handling was poor. "He'd already taken away the possibility of Lydia's son inheriting the business. He couldn't bear to also take away her chance to arrange a suitable bride. That's why"

"But shouldn't the Winters fortune go to the most capable?" Isabella countered.

"He felt without Lydia, he'd be dead, lacking his skills. He believed his inheritance was thanks to her. If she'd been selfish, everything would've belonged to Oliver. He felt Oliver's current state was a result of his own actions and their comparisons."

Isabella was speechless. It was a mess. Deborah was an outsider; Isabella was just venting about Damien's romantic failures.

The engagement party arrived. The Quirk family, eager for drama, attended. Many shared their mindset.

Arriving at the venue, Isabella felt intense gazes. She felt pressure, despite the gossip being insignificant. She observed the undercurrents, noticing a man's dark circles. "Tough it out, coward! This is your path!"

The Quirks followed her gaze, seeing Damien with a dignified lady, welcoming guests.