&quot;Alexander, you're gripping my hand too tightly,&quot; Isabella said.

 Alexander didn’t respond, but his gaze remained fixed on the corner.

 The others around them mistook their exchange for flirtation. Flirting while dancing had a certain thrill to it.

 I still remember the day Alexander and I danced together. His teasing made my cheeks flush, and in an instant, the distance between us seemed to disappear, as if we'd crossed an unspoken line.

 If it hadn’t been for Isabella's phone call that night, we might have ended up in perfect harmony.

 But unfortunately, there are no “what ifs.”

 Isabella was the insurmountable barrier between us.

 As the first song ended, guests began pairing off to dance.

 Alexander seemed distracted, releasing Isabella's hand. Isabella, however, quickly grabbed his arm again.

 &quot;Alexander, aren’t we going to continue?&quot; she asked.

 &quot;

Vivienne’s words were deliberately vague.

 Alexander must have promised her he wouldn’t divorce her!

 That’s why Vivienne was so smug and flaunting herself at her birthday party today!

 Isabella’s face twisted with fury. &quot;Vivienne, how low can you sink? Alexander doesn’t even like you. You’d better divorce him while you still can!&quot;

 &quot;I won’t divorce him. Are you upset? What are you going to do about it?&quot;

 &quot;You—&quot;

 &quot;If you came here to say that, I’ll leave now.&quot;

 &quot;How about a bet? Let’s see who Alexander will choose in the end.&quot;

 &quot;You're just trying to get attention with this. I’m not interested in playing your game.&quot;

 I turned and walked away.

 Suddenly, Isabella lunged at me from behind.

 I stayed calm and dodged her.

 Isabella missed and stumbled down the stairs.

 &quot;Ah—!&quot;

 A heart-wrenching scream filled 

&quot;Wasn’t Isabella burned?&quot;

 &quot;I went to visit her the day it happened. It’s not serious.&quot;

 &quot;Oh.&quot;

 Then why did Victor Sinclair look like Isabella was on the brink of death at the time?

 &quot;I see you’re fine now. How about coming with me?&quot;

 &quot;Is that a good idea?&quot;

 Alexander will definitely be there for Isabella's birthday party. I don’t want to see him right now.

 &quot;What’s wrong with that? The invitation says you can bring a plus-one. CEO Hawthorne is your second brother, and she might be your future sister-in-law. Isn’t it only natural for you to go? It’s just like that press conference. The more you avoid them, the more the media will stir things up. If you’re bolder, they might think twice before making things up.&quot;

 I lowered my gaze and pursed my lips.

 Julian gave me a glance before continuing, &quot;I heard that for Isa

&quot;Alexander, you're gripping my hand too tightly,&quot; Isabella said.

 Alexander didn’t respond, but his gaze remained fixed on the corner.

 The others around them mistook their exchange for flirtation. Flirting while dancing had a certain thrill to it.

 I still remember the day Alexander and I danced together. His teasing made my cheeks flush, and in an instant, the distance between us seemed to disappear, as if we'd crossed an unspoken line.

 If it hadn’t been for Isabella's phone call that night, we might have ended up in perfect harmony.

 But unfortunately, there are no “what ifs.”

 Isabella was the insurmountable barrier between us.

 As the first song ended, guests began pairing off to dance.

 Alexander seemed distracted, releasing Isabella's hand. Isabella, however, quickly grabbed his arm again.

 &quot;Alexander, aren’t we going to continue?&quot; she asked.

 &quot;I’ve done what I promised you,&quot; he replied flatly.

 Isabella bit her lip in frustration, unwil

Chapter 83