Chapter 34

Delphine’s actions drew everyone’s attention, but she could no longer control her anger. All she wanted tonight was to push Isla until she snapped. She wanted the world to see another side of her.

Her career was already slipping through her fingers, and in her mind, Isla was the reason. Isla had taken Gabriel. Isla had taken her spotlight. Isla was becoming everything she wanted to be, while she herself was left with nothing. Jealousy burned like fire inside her. If she could provoke Isla tonight, make her lose her calm, then maybe people would turn against her.

But before she could move closer, Sofie stepped in front of her, blocking the way. “Step back, Delphine. Please- behave yourself p>

Delphine’s eyes flared. Without warning, she lifted her hand and struck Sofie across the face.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the ballroom. A heavy silence followed, filled with shock and disbelief.

Isla’s eyes hardened as she glared at Delphine, fury flashing across her face. She was about to step forward when Jeff caught her hand quickly, pulling her back.

“No,” Delphine sneered, stepping forward. “Let her come at me. Drop the mask, Isla. Tell everyone here the truth–that you kicked me out p>

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Before Isla could respond, the bodyguards rushed in. They grabbed Delphine firmly and began pulling her away from the center of the hall.

From the front, Gabriel’s jaw clenched. His whole body trembled with anger. Shame crawled under his skin–he never imagined Delphine would humiliate herself, and them, this way. Couldn’t she control herself for just one night? Why was she determined to destroy everything?

Guests slowly returned to their seats, whispering to one another, while others drifted into small groups, gossiping about what had just happened p>

Alfred leaned toward Gabriel, his tone sharp. “What were you trying to do? You don’t get involved in scenes like that.” Follow current novᴇls on

Gabriel ground his teeth, forcing himself to stay silent. Alfred had misunderstood him again. He wasn’t going to protect Delphine. No, not her. He wasn’t about to let anyone insult his wife in public. For once, his loyalty was clear. He would stand by Isla, even if it meant clashing with his grandfather. Still, he said nothing. His silence was louder than words. 2

Meanwhile, Diana mingled with her longtime friends, women who had always stood by her. They praised Isla endlessly, smiling as they recounted how gracefully she handled herself.

“You’re so lucky, Diana,” one of them said warmly. “To have a daughter like Isla p>

Before Diana could reply, Anna strolled over, holding a glass of champagne. She paused just long enough to let her words sting. “Well… more like a forced bride, isn’t she?” She lifted her flute mockingly. “Cheers to Wyndham Wardrobe.” With that, she sipped her drink and walked away.

Diana’s face tightened with fury. How dare Anna insult her daughter–in–law so openly?

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“Don’t mind her,” one of the women said softly. “It’s clear she doesn’t like Isla p>

Another added, “But we all saw the way Gabriel looked at her tonight. The way he introduced her to everyone- It’s obvious he loves his wife p>

Diana took a sip of her drink, her anger softening. Their words comforted her.

Across the room, Isla stood with Gabriel and Alfred, surrounded by other important guests. Her laughter rang out, bright and charming, as people complimented her beauty and admired how devoted Gabriel seemed to her.

Inside, she knew those compliments weren’t the whole truth. Still, she smiled, laughed, and played along. What surprised her was the way Gabriel’s eyes never left her, as though he truly couldn’t look away.

At last, the party came to an end. Guests began to leave, buzzing with excitement. Online, the gossip was already spreading like wildfire. Isla and Gabriel’s kiss had stolen the spotlight, and everyone was talking about it.

When Isla and Sofie entered Isla’s office, Gabriel followed them inside. His tone was cold and commanding. Leave us,” he said to Sofie.

She hurried out immediately, leaving the two of them alone.

Isla turned sharply. “What do you want? The show is over. There’s no need for any more acting p>

Gabriel stepped forward, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer until their faces nearly touched. His voice was low, dangerous. “Do you think everything between us is just a show? Is that what you believe p>

She let out a nervous laugh, masking her sudden tension. “Oh, isn’t it? Then tell me, what was it, Gabby p>

The name slipped out before she realized it. Her hand flew to her mouth, but it was too late.

Gabriel froze. His eyes darkened instantly. He hated when she called him that. A storm was rising inside him, and Isla had no idea how he would react this time.

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Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.