Chapter 115

The area was nearly deserted. Just as Emily was about to speak, voices floated over from the nearby seating area.

"Dominic, are you actually interested in Alexander's girlfriend?"

"Interested? Not exactly. But she's certainly... intriguing."

Isabella and Emily froze. It was Dominic Fairchild and his entourage.

Their backs were turned, and a row of cocktail glasses obstructed their view, so they didn't notice the two women standing nearby.

"At the auction earlier, I noticed you couldn't take your eyes off that delicate beauty beside Emily. She's probably still in the main hall - why don't you go say hello?"

Isabella hadn't expected the conversation to suddenly pivot to her.

Before she could react, Emily's eyebrows shot up, already mentally dragging Isabella over to play matchmaker.

But Dominic shook his head dismissively before Emily could act. "Nah."

Emily blinked in surprise.

What was this? Sudden disinterest?

"She's pretty enough," Dominic continued, swirling his drink. "But so quiet and docile - like a porcelain doll with no personality. Frankly, boring."

"Oh come on! And you claim you're not into Victoria?"

Clearly, he'd spoken with Victoria and found her more captivating, losing interest in anyone else.

"That's not it," Dominic hesitated.

His friend laughed. "I get it. Victoria's your new type now? But that still proves you're into her, doesn't it?"

Before Dominic could respond, his friend added, "Honestly, Victoria has that ice queen allure. Challenging, untouchable - way more exciting."

"Ever since Victoria entered our circle, half the men have been obsessed with her. Too bad she's Alexander's. Can't deny that man has impeccable taste."

Emily's smile turned rigid.

Her expression darkened. She wanted to storm over and give them a piece of her mind, but Isabella stopped her with a gentle hand. "It's fine," Isabella said calmly. Maybe she wasn't extraordinary. Maybe she wasn't exciting.

But she knew exactly who she was. Strangers' opinions meant nothing to her.

After finishing their drinks, Dominic and his group left.

Emily was still fuming. "I used to think Dominic had decent taste! But even he's fallen for Victoria's act?"

Before Isabella could respond, a sleazy-looking man sauntered over. His bloodshot eyes raked over Isabella with obvious intent. "Emily, who's your lovely friend—"

"Don't even think about it," Emily cut him off coldly. "You? With my friend? Trash. Get lost."

The man's face darkened. "Emily, you—"

She shot him a look sharp enough to draw blood.

The Donovans weren't to be trifled with. Knowing better than to push further, he slunk away with a muttered curse.

Emily downed her drink in one angry gulp. "How many creeps have hit on you tonight? And why do all the decent men only want Victoria?"

Isabella patted her back soothingly.

The truth was simple - Victoria was exceptional. But before she could say so, Emily's face suddenly went cold.

Following her gaze, Isabella turned to see Victoria standing nearby, holding two water glasses.

No one had noticed her approach, but the smug curve of her lips confirmed she'd heard Dominic's entire conversation.

As they watched, Victoria's smirk deepened.

Without a word, she cast Isabella one glacial, disdainful glance before turning on her heel and walking away, the click of her heels echoing in the sudden silence.