Chapter 271: Secret Affair—Finished

"That's Lydia," Alexander whispered, his head bowed as Isabella clung to his arm. Only after Isabella saw Lydia and learned her name did she feel comfortable observing her. This led Alexander to develop a habit of introducing important figures to Isabella whenever they met, ensuring his wife enjoyed the social dynamics.

Lydia was a formidable businesswoman. During David's tenure, he'd collaborated extensively with her. Now, thanks to Alexander's competence, David had retired early. Alexander was now Lydia's collaborator, making them both quite familiar with each other.

Besides Howard, who was practically invisible, several Carney family members stood nearby. They were all business partners and greeted each other warmly.

Damien stood by Lydia's side, assisting her, while Deborah had discreetly retreated, avoiding the spotlight before the engagement party began.

Oliver's absence was noted. Everyone knew he was a notorious troublemaker, so no one questioned it.

With limited information, Isabella could only observe.

Isabella thought, "It's funny. Anyone who didn't know better would think Damien was the star today. Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick."

Although making small talk, the Quirk family members silently eavesdropped, anticipating juicy gossip.

Isabella wondered, "What's wrong? Is he planning something at this important event? Is he late? Not coming? Or something else?"

Isabella mused, "Even after being threatened, Oliver and Ruby continue their secret affair, blatantly disregarding the consequences. Is this defiance against Damien, or an attempt to embarrass Deborah?"

The Quirks were disgusted. Dad looked at Lydia with pity; Selena sympathized with Damien; Evian sighed, pulled out her phone, and shared the news with her siblings.

Isabella considered, "Maybe I should catch them in the act? Hmm Never mind. Deborah knows but pretends otherwise. She wants the engagement party to go smoothly. Oliver, though harsh, plans to handle things discreetly. I should avoid meddling."

Alexander agreed. Given the circumstances, intervention was inappropriate.

Upon entering, the Quirk family dispersed into smaller groups. Regardless of the group, conversation centered on Oliver's absence, Deborah's plight, and the possibility of Damien's imminent announcement as heir—the reason most Winters relatives attended. Aidan's group discussed this as well.

"I suppose Damien will be next in line after Mr. Alexander," Aiden teased.

"It seems only those two will inherit," Ines added. "What about you, Elaine?"

Elaine Graham was present.

"I've been pushing for a successor," Elaine said. "I trust my parents' abilities; there will be an heir. Like Deborah, I'm focusing on my career and my younger sister."

Her unconventional approach to having a successor amused everyone.

"Where's Zeya?" Isabella asked.

"Exams," Elaine replied. "She's smarter than me academically."

"You talk about your sister constantly," Roland chuckled.

Elaine bragged, "I have a sister, and you don't! Jealous?"

Roland laughed. "Not me. Damien is."

"Don't even mention that ingrate," Elaine complained.

Isabella pressed, "What's up? They don't know about that ungrateful wretch messing around in some lounge, right?"

Ines explained, mimicking Ruby, "You think you're head of the Winters, ordering me around before it's even announced?""

Elaine gestured, indicating Ruby's foolishness.

Aiden added, "Though unnecessary to caution an eighteen-year-old, Damien showed concern. Ruby's an ungrateful, reckless girl; she hasn't changed."

They all disliked Ruby for her past unreasonable behavior.

Isabella and Alexander exchanged a knowing glance. Damien wanted Ruby away from Oliver, but his advice was ignored. Their mother was also at fault, dismissing his warnings and allowing Ruby to sneak away. Damien likely couldn't handle them anymore.

Unaware of Ruby's further antics, the group continued gossiping.

Alexander poured Isabella tea and asked, "What are you looking for?"

"That eccentric mother."

Alexander pointed.

Isabella saw a harsh, unsympathetic face among a group of women.

Isabella thought, "Appearances reflect the heart. She looks like a villain. She'd react badly knowing her daughter's with such a notorious man, or blame Damien. She's a weirdo."

Isabella concluded Damien was a victim of injustice.

The chatter intensified.

"Wow! I thought he wouldn't show," Aiden commented.

"Seeking his mother's attention," Roland suggested. "Still on the bottle?" Elaine exclaimed.

Ines laughed.

Isabella and Alexander didn't see Ruby. Oliver then arrived and was escorted to greet guests.

Half an hour later, the ceremony began. Deborah, beautifully dressed, appeared. Elaine and Ines cheered and took photos.

Isabella whispered to Alexander, "Oliver might be blind."

Alexander agreed.

The "blind man," surprisingly presentable, stood beside Deborah. Damien stood at the edge of the stage, expressionless, seemingly detached.