Chapter 278

The dying sunlight poured through the windows, painting their tangled shadows in molten gold. The air between them was thick with desire, their kiss as intoxicating as aged wine.

Isabella's cheeks burned under Alexander's relentless assault. Every nerve in her body sparked to life, her skin tingling where his hands roamed.

At first, she fought. Her fists struck his chest, his shoulders—anything to push him away. But his dominance was overwhelming. Her strength melted, her breath stolen, her knees buckling as she stumbled back.

Crash!

He pinned her against the desk, sending papers and trinkets scattering across the floor.

A soft whimper escaped her lips, a sound caught between protest and surrender. Alexander's gaze darkened, his ears flushing crimson. He was burning up, consumed by the wildfire she ignited in him.

He had only ever kissed one woman like this. Only her.

And he swore he would never touch another.

"Master!"

The door flew open. Olivia barged in, freezing mid-step at the sight of them tangled together.

"What the hell, Alexander? Get off her!"

Isabella shoved him away, her almond-shaped eyes wide with shock. Then—SMACK!

The slap echoed through the room. Alexander's cheek stung, already swelling. Olivia gaped.

Yet, despite the pain, his lips curled into a smirk.

"Get out," Isabella hissed, her voice trembling. "I don’t want to see you."

Her lips were still swollen from his kiss, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The sight only deepened his amusement.

"Fine. I’ll leave." He stepped back, his gaze lingering. "But I’ll be back when you’re done working."

Her breath hitched. Who said she wanted that?

With one last glance, he strode past Olivia, leaving behind the faint scent of winter pine.

"Master! Are you okay?" Olivia rushed to her side, fury and concern warring in her eyes.

"I’m fine." Isabella exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her racing heart. "Just consider it a dog bite."

Olivia blinked. By the time she processed the insult, Alexander was already gone.

"Master, tell me the truth—are you still hung up on him?"

"No." The answer came too fast. Isabella hugged her tightly, her voice hollow. "I divorced him. If I can’t move on now, I don’t deserve to call myself a person."

For thirteen years, she had sacrificed everything for him. No more. She wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.

"Exactly! Smart women don’t cry over men—they grill steaks!" Olivia grinned, squeezing her shoulders. "Let’s go out tonight. Drinks. Barbecue. And I want all the juicy details of your tragic love life!"

"My love life is just a pile of bad decisions." Isabella forced a laugh, then smirked. "But what about you? Any hot guys lately?"

"Please. I’m too busy designing." Olivia scoffed. "Those pretty-faced models? Useless. Last one asked me to buy him a Rolex. Like I’m his sugar mama!"

Isabella snorted. "Guess we’re both suckers. But don’t worry—I’ve got connections. Want me to set you up?"

"Wait, you? With your schedule?"

"Born with the privilege." She winked. "My brothers—Sebastian, Nathaniel, Oliver, and Lucas—all single. I’ll print their profiles. Pick your type."

Olivia burst out laughing. "This feels like ordering from a male escort catalog."

"Except my brothers are hotter." Isabella grinned. "Nathaniel’s a prosecutor. Charming. Articulate. Totally your type."

Olivia’s jaw dropped.

Meanwhile, Alexander stepped outside, still dazed. The memory of her lips haunted him.

"Mr. Kingsley!" Gordon hurried over, shivering.

Up close, Alexander looked… different. His usually sharp eyes were soft, his lips slightly swollen, his cheeks flushed.

Gordon’s face heated. "Sir, your—your face?"

"Isabella slapped me." He touched his cheek, smiling.

"What? Why?"

Alexander’s grin widened. "Because she cares."

Three days until the banquet.

Elsewhere, Elspeth’s last hope shattered.

Haron refused to design her dress.

"She won’t take the commission," Glynnis whispered. "No matter the price."

"Why?"

Glynnis hesitated. "She said… she doesn’t dress women with ‘tainted reputations.’ It’ll ruin her brand."

Elspeth’s face twisted. "That arrogant seamstress! I don’t need her! I’ll outshine Myra without her!"

Silence.

"Dad?" Glynnis stiffened.

Frederic stood in the doorway, his expression icy.

Elspeth forced a smile. "Darling, you’re back!"

"What’s this mess?" He eyed the shattered vase.

"Haron insulted me! She humiliated the Abernathy name!" Elspeth clutched his arm, tears welling. "You must boycott her! Teach her a lesson!"

Frederic scoffed. "Boycott an international designer? Grow up."

He turned to Glynnis. "Leave us."

Once alone, his voice dropped. "Why did you move your birthday to compete with Myra? Stirring up old drama?"

Elspeth’s nails dug into her palms. "That past has nothing to do with me! She was the one humiliated!"

"You’re delusional."

"Or are you still hung up on her?" Her laugh was bitter. "After all, twenty years ago, your affair with her was the scandal of the century."