Chapter 184

She'd reached out to every connection she had, desperate to acquire a piece designed by the legendary Alea, but all efforts had been futile.

Now, Isabella was offering her this exquisite brooch as a casual gift—Ada could barely contain her excitement!

"No, no, Ms. Sinclair, I truly appreciate your generosity, but this is far too extravagant. I can't possibly accept." Despite the thrill bubbling inside her, Ada forced herself to decline politely.

"This brooch once mended my broken heart," Isabella said softly, her gaze steady. "But now, I've moved beyond the shadows of my past. I won't repeat those mistakes."

A faint smile curved her lips. "Consider this a token of good fortune. It helped me heal. May it bring you the same."

Nathaniel's chest tightened sharply, as if pierced by an invisible arrow.

The fleeting warmth he'd felt moments ago was doused in ice-cold reality.

"Oh! In that case, I'll gladly accept your gift. Thank you so much—I adore it!"

Ada beamed as she took the brooch, her earlier hesitation forgotten.

The crowd watched in disbelief. Was this the same untouchable superstar known for her icy demeanor?

"Why is this happening?" Victoria fumed, turning to her mother. "We spent a fortune setting this up, and now Isabella is stealing the spotlight with some cheap trinket? The Prescotts could afford a hundred of those! Get her out of here!"

"Get her out?" Eleanor's eyes darkened. "Isabella is nothing but bad luck. That little stunt with Ada was a direct insult. Someone needs to put her in her place."

Victoria frowned. Before the divorce, Isabella had been terrified of Nathaniel—one glare from him would leave her trembling for days. Now? She stood fearless, unshaken.

If she'd shown this strength earlier, would things have turned out differently?

"Ms. Sinclair!"

Evelyn couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward, her smile strained. "You could've given Miss Ada this gift anytime. Why choose tonight, at the Prescott Hotel's event? Isn't this a bit... excessive?"

Nathaniel's expression darkened as Evelyn spoke.

"Excessive?" Isabella arched a brow. "Are you implying Mr. Prescott can't handle a simple gift exchange? Besides, he's the host. If he has no objections, why should a guest like you?"

Evelyn's face flushed, but she couldn't risk a scene in front of the crowd.

Isabella sighed, turning to Ada. "It seems I'm not entirely welcome here. Understandable, given our families' rivalry. Since my gift has been delivered, I'll take my leave."

She turned to go.

"Ms. Sinclair, wait!"

Ada hurried after her. "I'd love to discuss Alea's designs further. Are you free tonight?"

"Absolutely. The Sinclair Grand has prepared a private dinner. Shall we talk there?"

The room erupted in murmurs.

Had Isabella just openly poached Ada from the Prescott event?

Nathaniel's jaw clenched, fury simmering beneath his skin. He moved to intervene—

"Mr. Prescott," Ada said with an apologetic smile, "I have prior commitments. I must excuse myself early. Enjoy the evening."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

She was leaving? Just like that?

The rumors were true—Ada was as unpredictable as they came.

"Mr. Prescott," Isabella added smoothly, "you're welcome to join us. Unless, of course, you're too busy entertaining your guests."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes.

Nathaniel's pulse hammered. Before he could respond, Isabella chuckled. "Another time, perhaps."

With that, she and Ada strode out, side by side, leaving stunned silence in their wake.

Nathaniel watched her go, his chest hollow.

First, she'd stolen his project.

Now, she'd taken his guest.

Isabella Sinclair wasn't just an heiress—she was a force of nature.

Outside the Prescott Hotel, reporters lingered despite the cold.

They'd been summoned back by Daniel, promised explosive news.

"This is ridiculous," one grumbled. "What could possibly happen now?"

"Maybe the Sinclair Grand is making another move?"

"Please. The Prescotts own this city. Isabella might be clever, but she's no match for Nathaniel."

A sharp horn cut through the chatter.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up, cameras flashing instantly.

When Daniel stepped out, the excitement dimmed—handsome, but not headline-worthy.

Then—

"Ada! She's leaving!"

The crowd surged as Isabella and Ada emerged together.

The Prescott Hotel's grand entrance became a frenzy of flashing lights.

"Ada's leaving with Isabella? Nathaniel must be fuming!"

"This is gold! Prescott vs. Sinclair—front-page material!"

As Isabella moved toward the car, a reporter shouted, "Ms. Sinclair! Stealing Mr. Prescott's guest mid-event—isn't that a low blow?"

Isabella paused, her sharp gaze silencing him instantly.

"Since when is inviting someone to dinner a crime?" she countered. "Mr. Prescott is a gentleman. Your insinuations make him look petty, not me."

With that, she slid gracefully into the car. The Rolls-Royce sped away, leaving chaos in its wake.