Chapter 206

The lace was definitely coming undone. It might slip off entirely if she took another step. When Alexander noticed the loose lace, he instinctively dropped to one knee to secure it. Isabella glanced sideways at Victoria, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. It was a deliberate provocation.

Victoria recoiled as if struck. A wave of raw jealousy and pain washed over her, impossible to suppress. She had seen the way Alexander looked at Isabella. She had witnessed the gentleness in his touch. And now… he was kneeling to tie her shoe!

This was not the Alexander she remembered. Not the man who had once loved her and only her. He hadn't even glanced at her in her bridesmaid dress today.

Alexander remained oblivious. After tightening the lace, he stood. "Your gown is too long. It's a tripping hazard. Be careful today. There are many important guests. We can't afford any mistakes."

"Don't worry about me," Isabella said, gathering the train of her dress. She descended the stairs with an elegant grace. Even her silhouette was mesmerizingly beautiful and utterly stunning.

Alexander's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Was this incredible woman really his wife? She wasn't the disgusting creature he remembered. Against his will, he found himself accepting her presence.

What if they could become a real husband and wife…?

A cold smirk touched Isabella's lips as she felt his gaze follow her.

"Alexander, Victoria… just wait. Your reputations will be utterly destroyed today."

Down in the grand hotel ballroom, the elite guests mingled. Champagne flutes glittered in their hands. The air was thick with the scent of luxury and whispered conversations.

"The Blackwoods are here!" a voice suddenly cut through the murmur.

"What? The Blackwoods? You mean Sebastian Blackwood?"

Sebastian was known to be more sociable. He occasionally attended high-profile functions.

"Not just Sebastian!" another voice clarified, buzzing with excitement. "Sebastian is here, but he's not alone! Another Blackwood is with him!"

"Another? Don't tell me it's Nathaniel Blackwood?"

"Yes! Him! They're at the entrance right now! I saw them with my own eyes!"

"My God! Is that even possible? Nathaniel Blackwood never attends events. He barely shows his face at his own family's parties!"

"I heard he only appears at international summits. And only with other globally renowned figures! He would never come to a wedding!"

"Well, he's here! Look for yourself!"

Every head turned toward the hotel's grand entrance. Under the ornate archway, three figures strode forward on the red carpet. They exuded an aura of innate coldness and supreme nobility, especially Nathaniel. Though he walked behind Sebastian and held little Oliver's hand, he radiated a regal prominence that made the lavish hotel seem dull in comparison.

Sebastian, who usually commanded respect, seemed like a mere backdrop next to Nathaniel. The crowd was awestruck. The heiresses of every wealthy family present flushed, their hearts pounding, breath caught in their throats.

Nathaniel simply walked. His gaze swept over the surrounding people as if they were insignificant specks of dust, utterly beneath his notice. As he entered the opulent lobby, his sharp eyes immediately locked onto a figure standing near a staircase not far away.