Chapter 294: The Goddess of Gossip of Ancient Gregan

Following Isabella's remark, everyone burst into laughter.

"So, yours and Alexander's marriage is a happy one, huh?" Elaine teased.

Isabella was taken aback, unsure how to respond. She glanced at Alexander, noticing his usually dark eyes shimmered like crystalline lakes under the moonlight. Upon closer inspection, she saw her reflection in them, a sight that tugged at her heartstrings and made her heart pound. "Currently it's not too bad," she replied.

Instantly, Alexander's heart swelled with emotion. He took her hand, interlocking their fingers. The intimate gesture flustered Isabella.

"Why did you suddenly hold my hand?" she thought.

Ignoring her unspoken question, Alexander feigned calmness, changing the subject. "Mom, Dad, and Evie are waiting for us. Let's hurry." He quickened his pace, hand in hand with Isabella, putting distance between them and the others.

Once he was sure they weren't following, he slowed down, enjoying a leisurely stroll with his wife. After all, the others were still waiting by the car.

Meanwhile, the Quirk family wondered why the couple was taking so long.

On the way home, everyone discussed the sensational Winters family gossip, a saga spanning generations. The Quirks' admiration for Isabella grew. "Without our precious Bella," they thought, "some people's lives would have been ruined." However, they couldn't express their gratitude openly, casting a disdainful glance at Alexander. They believed he was taking credit for Isabella's work in revealing the truth. "Tsk-tsk," they thought, "he's simply taking his wife's credit!"

Upon returning home, everyone resumed their usual social activities. The Winters family scandal had already created a stir, far more sensational than previous gossip involving prominent families. This was due not only to the scandal itself but also to the Winters family's nonchalant attitude, which fueled the flames.

"Mdm. Lydia must have arranged for people to manipulate public opinion," Alexander remarked, stepping from the bathroom and overhearing Isabella's comments. He had essentially moved in with her, transferring his toiletries and clothes to her room—a testament to his dedication.

However, in the eyes of the other Quirks, their platonic relationship seemed unbelievable. When Isabella saw Alexander, she complained, "Say, why are so many netizens focusing on me when tonight's gossip is so sensational?"

Alexander looked over her shoulder at her social media activity on his work computer. Aside from the Winters family drama, her popularity was remarkably high. Comments included:

• "Isabella, why are you at the scene again?"
• "How many more surprises are there in Isabella's gossip pool?"
• "Isabella's fans certainly got to experience the world first. Her gossip pool is more dramatic than I imagined."
• "This kind of popularity is something other celebrities can't even dream of. Only Isabella's fandom is celebrating."
• "Isabella is the goddess of gossip of Ancient Gregan!"

Numerous posts listed Isabella's appearances at various scandals. It seemed some labels were impossible to remove.

"If this continues," Isabella worried, "everyone will be on guard against me, hindering my ability to enjoy the show up close. Sure, enjoying gossip through the system is fine, but it lacks the thrill of being in the thick of things."

Although Alexander had contacted Danielle to manage public opinion, it was difficult to diminish the fans' adoration. He patted Isabella's head. "Don't worry. Any show you want to watch, I'll take you there."

He was the first CEO to use his resources in this way. Isabella giggled.

The next day, the Winters family brought generous gifts to thank Alexander, but he credited Isabella. Damien smiled, saying, "Don't worry. Your affection for your wife is well-known, so the gift was intended for Isabella from the start." He had thoughtfully chosen gifts Isabella would like, mirroring Alexander's past choices.

Isabella was delighted, examining the gifts that night. Deborah also brought gifts of gratitude.

A few days later, word spread that the Winters family would press charges against Ava. Ava was headed for jail. Several significant Willis family business deals had been secured through Damien. Therefore, when Alexander made his stance clear, the Willis family's capital chain collapsed. Sergio fled, leaving nothing for Ava. He only took their psychologically damaged daughter, Ruby, with him when he fled the country. Ava's family disowned her. No one bailed her out. Rumors circulated about her erratic behavior. The Winters family ensured Ava faced justice, and with Ruby gone, the drugging charge fell solely on Oliver. Although released, the Winters family sent him abroad to protect Jared's only offspring.

Soon, the Winters family held a ceremony to formalize the adoption, inviting guests to show their continued strength. Isabella and Alexander attended without incident. However, they overheard gossip from Aiden. He revealed to friends (despite his father's embarrassment) that Mr. Ralph's health had suffered from virility medication. His new wife was pregnant, yet he still needed the medication—the residual effects had unexpectedly intensified after he stopped taking it.

Aiden sarcastically commented, "Well, his body is wrecked. He can never become a father anymore. His only descendants are me and that unborn child. It means he lost to all others forever. I wonder if it's karma."

Ines frowned, reprimanding Aiden, who quickly apologized. Others wondered if the wedding would proceed given his hospitalization. Aiden admitted uncertainty. The wedding was postponed for a week due to Yvonne's illness related to her pregnancy.