Chapter 71

"I said, apologize!"

"Dream on!" Isabella spat back defiantly. "I'm a Delaney heiress. Why would I apologize to some washed-up old woman like you?"

Beatrice's hand shot out like lightning, delivering another stinging slap across Isabella's face. "Such disrespect!"

The second slap had Beatrice raising her hand for a third strike, but Isabella managed to duck this time.

Evelyn subtly flashed Beatrice an approving thumbs-up, whispering, "That was brilliant, Aunt Beatrice."

"Naturally. Trash like her deserves nothing less." Beatrice smirked. "Just stay behind me, darling. I'll handle this."

Warmth flooded Evelyn's chest at Beatrice's fierce protection. This was what real family felt like - unconditional love that didn't require gifts or favors.

The forceful impact sent Isabella staggering against a nearby pillar. The commotion drew curious onlookers like moths to flame.

Clutching her reddened cheek, Isabella whimpered for her brother Sebastian. Tears welled in her eyes as she pointed accusingly at Beatrice.

Sebastian rose, ready to defend his sister's honor - until he saw who she'd provoked. His anger evaporated instantly, replaced by nervous sweat.

These were people far beyond their league.

"My deepest apologies! We've overstepped. We'll leave immediately!" Sebastian bowed deeply, voice trembling with deference.

"What are you apologizing for? She assaulted me!" Isabella shrieked.

"Silence!" Sebastian roared.

As the crowd thickened, Sebastian grew desperate to remove his sister before further damage was done. He grabbed her arm, but she resisted like a petulant child.

"I want that hag to apologize!"

Just then, a team of imposing bodyguards materialized beside Beatrice. "Shall we remove them, Madam Whitmore?"

"No need." Beatrice waved dismissively. "Let them continue embarrassing themselves."

The realization finally struck Isabella. "Sebastian...who is she?"

"Madam Beatrice Whitmore of Whitmore Enterprises!" Sebastian hissed through clenched teeth. "You just insulted the hostess at her own gala!"

Isabella's legs nearly gave out. That country bumpkin beside Evelyn actually owned the exhibition? Her stomach dropped as she realized the magnitude of her mistake.

"Please forgive us, Madam Whitmore. My sister is...inexperienced." Sebastian's bow deepened further.

"Inexperienced?" Beatrice scoffed. "She's pregnant, not prepubescent. Or is she some overgrown infant?"

Evelyn stifled a laugh. Classic Beatrice - ruthless wit backed by absolute authority.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"The Delaneys have lost their minds crossing the Whitmores!"

"They should be groveling for favors, not causing scenes!"

"Wasn't Sebastian negotiating a Whitmore partnership? That's dead now."

"Damn! I've got pending deals with Whitmore in Milan!"

"Forget Milan. Offend the Whitmores and you're blacklisted continent-wide!"

The whispers crescendoed. Several CEOs immediately called their assistants to withdraw Delaney investments before hastily exiting.

Sebastian's face darkened with each overheard comment. He whirled on Isabella. "Look what you've done!"