Chapter 85

A waitress in an emerald qipao escorted Isabella Thornton into the Swan Hall.

"There you are, Ethan. You can't dodge me forever."

She marched straight to Ethan Blackwood's left side. The man seated there immediately surrendered his seat without hesitation.

All of Newport City knew Isabella Thornton—heiress to Kingsley Holdings, Leonard Kingsley's spoiled only daughter—was utterly obsessed with Ethan Blackwood.

Blackwood Group and Kingsley Holdings had been strategic partners for years.

Their ages and social status matched perfectly. A union between them seemed inevitable.

Until Vivian Lockhart appeared out of nowhere...

"Ethan, you're even more striking than I remembered. Do you have any idea how much I've missed you? Every night, I dream of—"

From the moment she entered, Isabella's gaze never left Ethan. She clung to his arm, pouting. "How could you be so cruel? We grew up together, yet the moment you married, you cut me off completely. Unbelievable!"

Ethan's expression darkened. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he demanded coldly, "This was a private gathering. Who invited her?"

Silence fell over the guests.

Isabella's face burned with humiliation. "Really, Ethan? Am I some kind of monster you need to avoid at all costs?"

A spiteful smirk twisted her lips. "You act like a devoted husband, but your wife? Not so much. She puts on a virtuous act, but today, she proved what kind of woman she really is. If she hadn't confessed herself, I'd never have believed it. You deserve better, Ethan!"

Ethan's voice turned icy. "Confessed what?"

"Well..."

Isabella glanced around, feigning hesitation.

The guests took the hint and excused themselves swiftly.

Soon, only Ethan and Isabella remained in the vast hall.

Her pulse raced. This was the moment she'd waited for. She longed to throw herself into his arms. "Ethan, finally, we're alone. I—"

"Five minutes."

His tone was frigid, impatient.

It wasn't personal. He simply disliked excessive physical contact, especially from clingy women like Isabella.

Rage bubbled inside her, but she forced calm.

Because soon, his attitude would change completely.

"Ethan, watch this. It'll explain everything."

She pulled out her phone and played the recorded video.

Vivian's face filled the screen.

Ethan's gaze turned glacial as he watched.

In the footage, Vivian spoke clearly: "If you convince your father to sign with Lockhart Enterprises, I'll agree to divorce Ethan and disappear from his life forever."

Isabella studied his reaction, then added sweetly, "Honestly, I don't understand her. I merely suggested helping, and she jumped at the chance to film this. She didn't spare a single thought for your feelings. It just proves how desperately she loves Liam Osborne—she'd go this far for him!"

Ethan remained silent, his face unreadable.

Isabella pressed on. "But she's a fool. I'd never actually help her. If I were to influence my father, it would only be to strengthen ties with Blackwood Group. Why would I let her benefit?"

Her voice dripped with malice. "And because I couldn't stand her betraying you, I taught her a little lesson. Right now, she's probably trembling with regret!"

Ethan's eyes flashed dangerously. "What did you do?"