Chapter Five: It’s Him Again

Sebastian hastened, “I didn’t mean anything bad by it.” Disregarding Sebastian’s attempt to explain, Alexander steered Isabella away, his demeanor cool and detached. Observing Sebastian’s uncharacteristic and odd behavior, Lorraine probed, “Why are you so on edge about the woman with Alexander?, This is so unlike you baby” Sebastian avoided eye contact with Lorraine walking away. “It’s nothing” he dismissed, feeling a bit uneasy himself.” You pushed too hard. Your uncle dislikes being questioned. No wonder he’s upset. You should make amends when you get the chance to,” Lorraine advised, trying to smooth things over.” Of course, I will,” Sebastian assured politely, though his intentions leaned toward a whole different direction. Internally, Sebastian plotted a way to expose what he perceived as Isabella’s “true colors” to Alexander. He wants her to loose everything she owns, squash that foolish arrogance she calls respect. He couldn’t allow Alexander to get involved with her, harboring his own ulterior, He wants to destroy Isabella Halls. Despite the familial bond they shared, Sebastian and Alexander, while close in age, maintained a relationship primarily tied to family and business, often genial. Isabella felt a wave of unease. Sebastian’s scrutinizing gaze and his comments might draw unwarranted attention to her, sparking unnecessary trouble. She was determined to keep her past with Sebastian hidden from the prying eyes of those at the event. Sebastian had never shared her pictures, leaving her appearance a mystery to most. Sebastian had spun a tale about Isabella’s alleged affair to convince Lorraine that their divorce happened before he and Lorraine started dating. He claimed they’d been separated for six months and denied any involvement with Isabella’s babies. With all the IVF documents in his possession, Isabella had no way to prove her innocence. Sebastian’s influence as a respected financial expert only made things worse. His lies had branded Isabella as unfaithful and unloyal, deeply wounding her badly. Seeing Sebastian now, Isabella struggled to comprehend how she could have ever loved such a cruel man.Beside Sebastian stood Lorraine, her face radiating innocence. Isabella couldn’t help but think Lorraine was completely unaware of Sebastian and Isabella’s past. Isabella’s past struggles intensified when her father, Bill, barred her from returning home, forcing her to raise her children alone abroad. Noticing her discomfort, Alexander asked worriedly, “Are you feeling okay?” No, I’m fine,” Isabella responded. “I’m just not used to these events and feel a bit on edge and a little moody.” Remembering Sebastian’s earlier remarks, she wished she could confront him and give him a piece of her mind , but the formality of the setting restrained her from doing so. Sebastian observed Isabella and Alexander conversing with a growing sense of suspicion, wondering about her intentions in getting close to his uncle, what were her motives. Alexander, meanwhile, continued introducing Isabella around. “Let me introduce you, this is…”Isabella maintained a courteous smile throughout the introductions. One of them said, “It’s you! Your jewelry designs created quite a buzz. I heard there were long queues, and some people couldn’t even get their hands on them despite their wealth and affluence.” ”You’re too kind. But in our world, artworks need constant innovation to stay memorable and true.” ”You’re just being modest, you’re such a great designer.” After some conversation, Alexander made toasts and conversed with the guests. Isabella quietly informed Alexander she was feeling a bit uneasy and excused herself to go to the restroom. To her surprise, she ran into Sebastian again when she came out. He seemed to be waiting for her on purpose. Sebastian’s tone was a bit hostile and bitter. “What are you doing here?” Isabella, who fixing her hair and makeup in the mirror, replied without looking at him, “I could ask you the same. Think before you act, don’t play any tricks with me, I’m not joking.” Sebastian warned. “Reputation is everything. If word gets out about your ‘affair’ and your illegitimate children, you’re finished, your career, your life and the tiny respect you love will be washed down the drain.” Isabella laughed. “Really? You’re that confident?, It’s nice to finally see “The great Sebastian Thompson” agitated to the extent he threatens an innocent woman” Sebastian lowered his voice, “Just watch your back.” Isabella met his gaze coolly. “You know the truth better than anyone. No need for your stupid threats. But what if Lorraine learns you were already with her before our divorce?, What If she finds out she was a mistress? That you were fooling around with her while being married” ”Shut up!, stop spouting baseless allegations, Lorraine is not a mistress, she’s my wife!” Sebastian quickly looked around. “Don’t even think about telling Lorraine, or you’ll regret ever knowing me, trust me Miss. Isabella Hall.” “Try me, just try me.” Isabella challenged, her eyes filled with and utter hatred for Sebastian. “A real person wouldn’t stoop to your level. You’re such a loose and horrible woman! Can you even call yourself human?, You don’t deserve that privilege, You’re a dog in human form, a fucking bitch” Sebastian’s face turned red with anger. “You have no right to insult me! Who gave you that right?, You fucking asshole. with a slow, mocking clap, Isabella said, “At last, you’ve understood. I’m not afraid of you. You are nothing but a piece of shit that keeps on smelling Mr. Sebastian Thompson, don’t think way a head of yourself. Do you really think you’re that important? You must be damn joking.” Just then, Lorraine called from the restroom, unaware of what was happening between the two. “Sebastian, honey? You there?” “yes baby, I’m here” Sebastian replied with a smug thinking it’ll affect Isabella. “Remember what I said.” He warned. Isabella stood her ground. “Same goes for you, Mr. Thompson, I hope your tongue doesn’t by mistake.” Within a provocative glance toward the restroom, she warned, “Better keep your mouth shut, or you’ll be the one regretting it. I can be very cruel, so be careful.” Then, she turned and walked away. She spotted Alexander still talking with others. Taking a moment to compose herself, she approached him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, I had some stuffs to handle.” The party from the night before had gone on until the early hours. Alexander, feeling guilty for dragging Isabella to the event on her first workday, impulsively purchased a diamond necklace valued at one million dollars. It was an extravagant gift Isabella had never received before. She contemplated declining it, but Alexander seemed to sense her hesitation. “I’ve never given something so significant to a woman with so many eyes on me. Please, don’t let me feel embarrassed,” Alexander p Isabella found herself accepting the necklace, feeling somewhat pressured. The next morning, as they both emerged from the hotel and got into the same car for work, cameras captured their every move. These incidents created a sensation worldwide Feeling overwhelmed, Isabella called Sofia from her desk. “What should I do? The necklace is worth a million dollars. I couldn’t repay that even if I worked for him for years.” But Sofia reassured her. She explained that Alexander was always generous which helped him in fostering numerous business relationships.