Chapter 46: She Is Just Easily Manipulated

Despite pampering their daughter, David and Selena remained firm on crucial matters.

“Rosie,” David said seriously, “Quirk Group’s hiring standards can’t be compromised for anyone’s status. Alex has already made enough concessions for this young man. When Bella joined Quirk Group, she started a small studio under a subsidiary company, responsible for her own profits and losses. No one pulled strings for her, giving her access to major entertainment industry investments. Otherwise, being the CEO's wife, why would she only do photoshoots and remain a D-list model?”

Isabella thought, I suppose I should take that as a compliment? He’s right. I rely entirely on my looks to make a living. Without professional skills, I can't participate in serious projects. Even so, I’ve remained professional during photoshoots and never tarnished the company’s reputation.

“Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” Selena said solemnly. “What’s wrong with being a driver? He knows nothing, yet he dreams of instant success? Why can’t he understand that things need to be done step by step?”

Isabella thought, If Dominic had taken things step by step, he’d have work experience by now. His desire for instant success landed him in this situation. She couldn’t help but disparage him mentally. She felt Dominic was incompetent, and breaking up was the best outcome.

Listening to their comments, Rosalie seemed to have lost all hope. Unable to bear it, she ran out in tears and locked herself in her bedroom.

After learning Dominic didn't take the job, Alexander contacted Isabella to inquire about Rosalie's situation. Isabella reported what happened honestly. Alexander simply said, “I understand.”

Isabella felt sorry for him. He'd only tried to help his sister, yet ended up in trouble.

“Mom and Dad think it’s Dominic’s fault,” Isabella said. “Just focus on your work. Don’t worry about it.”

There was a pause. “I’m not bothered. That outcome was expected.” Isabella thought she detected amusement in his tone.

Could it be a deliberate plan to intimidate him? I never expected Alexander to be so cunning.

That night, Rosalie remained locked in her room.

Everyone eventually learned what had happened. Christopher snorted derisively.

“Breaking up without explanations proves he’s stubborn,” he said. “Rosie’s been so protected she’s easily influenced. If he hadn’t looked down on the driver’s job, she wouldn’t have seen a problem. Their breakup is good. We’ll give her time. Later, I’ll introduce her to some handsome guys from the entertainment industry—bad boys, sweet guys… all better than that punk.”

Isabella’s eyes lit up. “Can I choose?” she asked, fantasizing about different types of men.

Christopher thought, What? I’m choosing for my sister, not her. Why is she so excited? He felt a chill and saw Alexander’s face darken.

“What are you doing?” Christopher asked on Alexander’s behalf.

“I’ve been following their dramas; they’re quite handsome,” Isabella said, laughing.

Evian, having also watched the dramas, nodded.

Christopher retorted, “Given Alex and my looks, do you really need to feast your eyes on others?”

“It’s a matter of novelty,” Isabella said seriously. No matter how handsome you two are, it’s pointless. The fun’s in teasing shy guys until they blush. These guys have shown off their bodies on TV; their physiques are clearly well-toned. Who knows, there might even be a chance to feel those abs! She smiled ecstatically.

Evian said, “Ahem! I’m going upstairs to check on Rosalie.”

Christopher added, “Me too! How can that naughty girl skip dinner?” They left quickly.

Isabella was bewildered. Wait, we haven’t decided which guys to bring in yet!

She turned and saw Alexander looking at her with a hostile expression. Without thinking, she hurried after the others to check on Rosalie.

Alexander sighed. He was about to leave when he heard his parents approach.

David patted Alexander’s shoulder. “Ahem, everyone loves good-looking people, and young girls chase celebrities. It’s normal for Bella to do that, but she might lose interest in you if you keep your distance. You might lose your wife!” He whispered, “You might end up losing your wife!”

Selena added, “Even if we take a step back, are you blameless? You can’t blame Bella. What kind of husband doesn’t let his wife touch him? She had no choice but to find a substitute.”

Alexander thought, What did I say? She’s never even tried! How does she know I wouldn’t let her touch me? He felt his mind reeling.

Upstairs, Isabella found Christopher fuming outside Rosalie’s door. “I simply don’t like that punk. I’m utterly against you two being together.”

A muffled, desperate voice responded from inside, “Just because your relationship didn’t work out, you can’t stand to see others happy! I think you’re not worthy of Luna!”

“You!”

Isabella thought, Rosalie, one; Christopher, zero.

Evian stepped in front of the furious Christopher, who was about to kick down the door. “Rosie, it’s Evie.”

Rosalie assumed her sister would take her side.

But Evian said, “Actually, I wasn’t in favor of you and that guy. It’s not about being materialistic or elitist, but in a chauvinistic society, it’s hard to find a man who can tolerate a woman who is better than he is. If you two stay together, he’ll undoubtedly face criticism and injustice. He might try to salvage his pride by belittling and mistreating you.”

Rosalie cried, “Evie, you can’t assume everyone is like that!”

Evian replied, “But judging by his behavior, he’s not the type who can control his emotions. He isn’t willing to set aside his pride for you.”

“You were too harsh! You can’t hold him to such high standards. I’m the one dating him, not you! Didn’t you give your all? Why isn’t it acceptable when it’s my turn?”

Evian was speechless.

Isabella thought, Evian versus Rosalie. Rosalie wins.

Evian and Christopher looked at Isabella, silently inviting her to intervene.

Isabella thought, I don’t want to get involved. It’s easy to get caught up in first love, and no amount of talking will change that. Besides, Dominic initiated the breakup. What’s the point in offering comfort?

Rosalie began wailing.

Evian and Christopher thought, Rosalie versus Isabella. Isabella wins!

The following week, Rosalie stayed home, nursing her heartbreak. She’d reconciled with her family but not Dominic. When school started, she returned to her dorm.

A month later, Selena received a call.

“Hey, it’s me… Professor Wilcox. What happened?” Selena’s cheerful expression turned grim. “You’re saying Rosie gave up on the international exchange program? We didn’t hear anything about it?”

“Alright, I understand,” Selena said. “I’ll ask her. Thank you, Professor Wilcox.” She immediately called Rosalie.

Evian waited anxiously. The program was why Rosalie chose that school. How could she give it up?

She answered to a man’s voice. “What kind of caller ID is this? Who are you?”

“Wait… isn’t this my daughter Rosalie’s number?” Rosalie used famous paintings for family members’ caller IDs.

The other party hung up. Selena became anxious.

Isabella thought, What the fck? I missed a ton of information! This is outrageous!* She didn’t notice the others looking at her.

Could Rosalie be keeping secrets? She reconciled with Dominic three weeks ago. She gave up the study abroad opportunity because Dominic was against long-distance relationships. He said they’d break up if she went abroad.

This cleaned-up version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow. It also removes inconsistencies and unnecessary repetitions. The italicized thoughts are retained to preserve the narrative voice. The final sentence is incomplete in the original; I've left it as is to reflect that.