Chapter 333: Birthday Banquet

After this, the Quirks noticed the atmosphere between Isabella and Alexander had shifted. Isabella found herself stealing glances at him, leaning into his embrace when they sat together. Their shared glances created a palpable sweetness. Even when apart—Isabella at home, Alexander at work—they often kept a video call running, exchanging occasional words.

Company rumors circulated, suggesting Alexander was controlled by his wife, among other things. However, the couple remained oblivious. The Quirks, meanwhile, were excitedly placing daily bets on the relationship's progression.

Isabella felt overwhelmed. Alexander's nightly kisses left her weak, his advances exceeding her expectations. She'd initiated their intimacy, but his rapid progress surprised her. She worried about becoming infatuated and losing herself. To distract herself, she actively sought work from Danielle.

Their agency thrived, with their two recent hires making significant strides and poised for awards. Danielle claimed the agency had been a goldmine from day one thanks to them. However, Danielle secretly wondered if Isabella, possibly blacklisted by prominent families, was merely bored and seeking the drama of the entertainment industry.

Isabella found it hard to articulate, but the prominent families had been unusually quiet lately. Was this a coincidence, or were they avoiding her? She suspected the latter, especially after noticing the Quirks, including Alexander, holding secretive, unpleasant-looking discussions behind her back. They even convinced her to take an overseas trip with Alexander, presented as a pre-wedding getaway.

Confused, Isabella realized she'd stopped prying into their secrets. They were family, and privacy was important. She decided to ask directly.

David sighed, "We should have told you sooner, Bella. There's no point hiding it anymore."

Selena agreed. "Bella, you probably didn't notice, but since you were fifteen, we've had periods each year when we weren't home." Isabella felt awkward; she'd had no memory of this.

The original owner's memories focused on pursuing Alexander; other details were hazy. Her inherited memories were strange: a clear recollection of her infatuation with Alexander contrasted sharply with blurry memories of her childhood with her parents—a vague outline veiled in obscurity. Even her biological parents' memories were unclear. She rationalized this as possible memory damage from the original owner's car accident with her parents. Composing herself, Isabella asked, "Is that why you all need to leave this time?"

David explained, "Yes, we return to Yrinas annually for my father's—your grandfather's—birthday banquet. But Alexander doesn't attend."

Isabella was surprised. "Why? Does he disagree with his grandfather?"

Evian, her eyes filled with worry, replied, "He won't go to Yrinas."

The Quirk family had been a prominent Yrinas clan. For historical and political reasons, Lionel Quirk had proactively shifted their business focus to their current location.