Chapter 29

Isabella and Nathaniel entered the grand ballroom where most attendees had already gathered. Isabella's striking beauty and poised demeanor instantly drew numerous admiring glances.

The event's host, Joshua Simpson, recognized Nathaniel immediately. He flashed a warm smile and began making his way toward them. Just as he approached, a new group of guests arrived at the entrance.

Joshua froze mid-step, his expression shifting to disbelief.

A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned toward the newcomers.

Still facing away from the entrance, Isabella and Nathaniel exchanged puzzled looks at the sudden change in atmosphere.

Before they could turn around, Joshua gave them an apologetic glance before rushing past to greet the new arrivals.

"Good evening, Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Montgomery, and Mr. Westbrook."

Isabella's pulse quickened as realization dawned. She turned slowly, her smile faltering for just a moment.

There they stood - Alexander, Julian, and Oliver.

Victoria had come too.

To Isabella's surprise, Victoria wore the exact same designer gown she'd seen at the boutique yesterday - the one priced at over 30 million dors.

Victoria's statuesque figure combined with the gown's exquisite craftsmanship created an aura of untouchable elegance that captivated the room.

"Is that Alexander Whitmore and his circle? They never attend these events!"

"What's the occasion tonight?"

"And who's that breathtaking woman with them? His girlfriend? I'd give ten years of my life for someone like her!"

"Personally, I prefer the one in ivory. There's something rarer about her quiet grace. Pity she's already taken."

Isabella overheard another conversation nearby.

"That gown! I saw it in the boutique yesterday! The manager said it was custom-made for someone's girlfriend. Now we know who dropped 30 million dors!"

"Thirty million? Are you serious?"

Isabella's gaze lowered slowly.

Seeing Victoria in the gown confirmed her suspicions. While the Kensington family was wealthy, such extravagance for a single event was beyond them. For Alexander, however, 30 million was pocket change.

Clearly, Alexander had planned this appearance weeks in advance, having the gown custom-made specifically for tonight's event.

Nathaniel, knowing how rarely Alexander attended social functions, was equally surprised by this coincidence. That he'd brought Victoria along was even more unexpected.

He studied Isabella's face with concern. "Bella—"

Isabella smiled serenely and shook her head. "I'm perfectly fine."