Chapter 198

The backstage lounge buzzed with quiet energy as Alexander led Isabella and Olivia inside. Crystal champagne flutes clinked softly as they exchanged lighthearted banter.

Moments later, Olivia's agent appeared, whispering about an urgent press interview she couldn't miss.

Once she left, only Isabella and Alexander remained.

"Three years, Isabella." His gaze softened, warm but devoid of playful teasing. "How have you been?"

"Nothing much has changed." She tilted her glass with a faint smile.

"You're different now. There's steel in your eyes." He studied her carefully. "Where did you go? Traveling for inspiration?"

"Not quite. I spent three years gutting fish at a wet market." A dry laugh escaped her, her expression unreadable.

"Still sharp as ever." He chuckled.

Their glasses met with a delicate chime. "When will you reveal you're Isabella Sinclair? Keeping such a talent hidden is criminal."

"Let fate decide. I have bigger battles to fight right now." She smirked. "No need for unnecessary chaos."

"Always calculating. You'd never put yourself at a disadvantage." His grin widened. "We've been friends too long. If you need anything—"

"We're not in Aetheria, Alexander. Your influence doesn't stretch here." Her tone was cool, but he caught the warning.

"Ms. Evelyn has been begging to join Aurora Adornments. The review board is considering her—though she's not quite senior material yet." His eyes glinted with mischief. "And Mrs. Nathaniel and Margaret have been hounding me for their charity galas. I was on the fence, but now? I've made my choice."

Isabella shrugged. "Do what you want. I couldn't care less."

Her indifference was permission.

Anyone who crossed her—man or woman, young or old—would regret it.

As the show's opening loomed, Alexander guided her toward the runway.

They barely took three steps before a voice, cold and commanding, cut through the air.

"Isabella."

Her pulse stuttered. She turned slowly, lips pressed into a thin line.

Nathaniel approached, his expression unreadable under the harsh lights.

Alexander stiffened, sensing the tension. "A friend of yours?"

"Friend?" She scoffed. "Hardly."

Nathaniel wasn't one for social events—unlike his charming brother, Daniel. So why was he here?

Undoubtedly because of his clingy, meddlesome sister.

Nathaniel stopped before them, his gaze locked onto Isabella.

"Aren’t you going to introduce us?"

"Is there a point? The Abernathy Group has no stake in jewelry. You’ll never cross paths." Her voice was ice.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened.

Ignoring her dismissal, he extended a hand to Alexander. "Mr. Kingsley. A pleasure."

"Mr. Abernathy." Alexander shook his hand firmly. "I had no idea you knew Isabella. Quite the surprise."

"If you were close," Nathaniel’s grip tightened imperceptibly, "you’d know exactly what she is to me."

Alexander frowned, feeling the pressure. This wasn’t a handshake—it was a challenge.

Nathaniel didn’t know what had come over him. He wasn’t petty. But seeing Isabella beside another man sent irrational fury through his veins. He wanted to rip every man away from her.

He was acting like a scorned lover.

And he hated it.

Isabella’s laugh was sharp. "Oh, we have history, all right."

"Nathaniel—" His voice roughened.

"Since when do ex-husbands brag? A decent ex disappears quietly. Or did you forget basic decency?"

Alexander froze.

Ex-husband?

He knew nothing about this. How? Why? She could have had anyone.

"Mr. Abernathy, I tolerate you ruining my mood. But Alexander is important to me." Her glare was lethal. "Don’t test me."

Nathaniel’s chest ached as if stabbed.

She always protected those she cared about—even against him.

Once, he had been her world. Now? He was nothing.

"The show’s starting. Shouldn’t you be babysitting your sister?" She turned to leave.

Nathaniel snapped. His hand shot out, fingers digging into her wrist.

"You’re divorced. Back off." Alexander moved to intervene, but Isabella stopped him.

"Go. You have a speech."

"But—"

"I divorced him. What’s the worst he can do?"

Nathaniel’s grip tightened.

Alexander hesitated but left. This wasn’t his fight.

The hallway was silent except for Nathaniel’s ragged breathing.

"Let go." She twisted free, her eyes glacial.

"I know who you meant. Evelyn, right?"

He yanked her close.

Her body collided with his, warmth searing through fabric.

"I never said her name. Interesting that she’s the first person you thought of." Her smirk was cruel. "Not Glynnis. Not Mari. Just Evelyn."

She was mocking him, throwing Evelyn’s words back in his face.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply.

Women never forgot. And when they were right? They were merciless.

But one question burned in his mind.

"Isabella," his voice dropped, rough. "Are you jealous?"

She laughed outright. "Nathaniel, what delusion are you living in? When I was your wife, you were wrapped around Acacia’s finger. You took her abroad for Christmas. Designed jewelry just for her. You broke me, and I never once cared. Now you dare ask if I’m jealous?" Her smile turned lethal. "Have you no shame?"