Chapter 60: Invisible Wife

After a round of gossip, Isabella found nothing new and could only wait for further developments with bated breath. Returning to the Quirk manor that evening, she discovered everyone already knew about their upcoming appearance on a variety show.

"This is Bella's first live variety show! I'll watch from start to finish," Selena exclaimed excitedly.

Evian and Rosalie, hand-in-hand, enthusiastically echoed their intentions.

Christopher, feeling slightly at a loss for words, remarked, "I didn't see this much excitement when I was on a show."

Selena rolled her eyes. "You're not as pretty as Bella."

David offered reassuring advice: "Bella, don't be nervous. Christopher will handle anything. Come back anytime if you're uncomfortable."

Before Christopher could respond, David added, "Chris will cover any penalty fees."

Christopher thought, Am I not his son?

Isabella smiled at each of them. Suddenly, her thoughts flooded everyone else's minds: No matter how tough it gets, I'll stick it out!

Everyone was startled; her words felt out of character. Her thoughts continued: So much gossip awaits! Two male idols battling over the secretly married Mr. Sawyer, amidst a scandalous affair! The loving husband image versus the minx; the mother and the ex-girlfriend. The next two months will be amazing!

The Quirk family was shocked. Will there really be that much gossip? It sounds tantalizing! Why can't her thoughts be broadcast live? We're curious!

Except for Alexander, everyone focused on Christopher, surprising him.

Rosalie quickly asked, "Chris! I'm almost done painting. Can I help you?"

Christopher's mouth twitched. "Um Sure. Come whenever you're free."

"Fantastic!" Rosalie exclaimed, clearly pleased.

Selena and David eagerly added, "Can we visit the set?"

Christopher narrowed his eyes at his parents, who had never visited him on a set in all his years in the entertainment industry. "You can come, but not every day." David and Selena high-fived in celebration.

Evian, one of the few actively working family members, felt helpless, with a child to care for. She could only hold Callahan pitifully, watching Rosalie and Selena. The two women exchanged reassuring glances with Evian, promising to share the gossip.

Alexander, largely ignored and treated as a diligent money-making machine, felt like a perpetual outsider. He felt like a silent observer, forever unable to fully participate.

Christopher said, "By the way, Hayden said no brand has offered you clothes yet, so you'll need to prepare your own outfits."

After a moment, Isabella said, "I have plenty of clothes. Let's just have the stylist look at them."

Selena immediately objected, "For such a significant event, you need the latest fashion. We should have all of Quirk Group's collaborators send their clothes."

Evian suggested, "I'm taking Cal shopping tomorrow. How about we all go the next day?"

Isabella immediately looked at Christopher, grinning. "Then I won't go to class tomorrow."

Isabella's thoughts were transmitted: Yes! I can skip class openly!

Christopher, speechless, could only agree. It was a small reward for her recent efforts.

Rosalie regretted missing the shopping trip, "I need to paint."

Selena patted her daughter's hand. "We'll do it together next time." Turning to Alexander, sipping his coffee, she asked, "Alexander, could you join us tomorrow?"

Alexander was surprised. Evian added, "We're going to the mall under Quirk Group's banner—it's next to your office."

Alexander readily agreed, "Sure. I'll handle company matters."

Isabella grumbled internally: Why do they want a man on our girls' shopping spree?

Alexander, glancing at Isabella, said, "I'll pay."

Isabella's thoughts reached the others: Hmm, an irrefutable reason!

The next day, Isabella enjoyed a leisurely sleep. After a quick breakfast, she joined Selena, Evian, and Callahan at the city's most prestigious mall.

After browsing children's clothing stores, it was almost lunchtime. Entering their chosen restaurant, they brushed past a woman.

Evian stopped her, surprised. "Jessica, what a coincidence!"

Isabella noticed a woman around Evian's age, wearing a bright red knitted hat, looking embarrassed. "Evian, what a coincidence."

Evian's tone was unusually stern. "It's not, and you shouldn't be here."

Jessica Elmore smiled, "I'll leave after shopping. See you later," and hurried away.

Evian called after her, somewhat helplessly, "Don't run so fast."

Selena, curious, asked, "Who is she?"

Evian's mood was somber. "She's a patient at my hospital. We've known each other for a while. Let's not talk about it. Let's eat." Evian ran a private hospital for wealthy and influential patients. Her concern wasn't financial; it was likely due to the patient's difficult condition. The others avoided discussing it and ordered food.

Alexander arrived shortly after. After lunch, they separated. Selena accompanied Evian and Callahan, while Alexander accompanied Isabella to women's clothing stores.

Alexander immediately understood Selena's plan, his expression changing. Isabella was momentarily surprised but quickly grasped the family's intentions, pleased to have a handsome, generous escort.

Isabella began shopping with Alexander. In the first store's VIP lounge, they spotted Jessica involved in a heated argument with a distressed saleswoman and a woman in sunglasses and a fisherman's hat.

"Jessica, I need it for the show! Give it to me!"

"Jennie, what's mine is mine! I reserved it!"

Isabella was stunned. Jennie? Isn't she…?

Alexander spoke, "Jessica and Jennie? William Sawyer's wife and junior. What a coincidence."

Isabella thought, Jennie, rumored to be with William. Wait… wife? Jessica? She looked at Alexander in shock. "You… how did you know?"

Alexander looked at Isabella. "It's natural for me to oversee your show collaborators."

Isabella thought, Knowing Jennie is normal, but even Hayden might not know Jessica!

Alexander awkwardly averted his gaze. "Ah… they're arguing."

Isabella's attention snapped back to the women. Arguing? About what? Major gossip alert! The secret wife and the public lover are at odds!