Chapter 16
Chapter 16 They Are Twins
On the day of the party, Alexander returned early to make preparations.
In the room specifically designated for styling, Alexander saw Isabella, who already had her make up and outfit done.
Isabella looked rather different that day. In the past, she was fond of heavy makeup and often adorned herself with all kinds of lavish accessories. She was always striking like the most eye-catching rose one would find in a garden as if determined to capture his attention with her stunning appearance.
However, she looked simple and elegant that day. She was wearing a light and graceful pale yellow gown, and her outfit was complemented by a pearl necklace. Her long hair was styled to give a simple curl at the ends. Her look exuded liveliness.
Seeing him enter the room, she lifted her gown and approached him with light, quick steps.
"Mom instructed us to go out and greet the guests together just now," Isabella said.
Alexander nodded. Then, he noticed Isabella scrutinizing him from head to toe. He was about to ask what was on her mind when she thought to herself: Well, you look handsome enough. There shouldn't be a need for any styling, right? Alexander looked slightly uneasy. Unlike Christopher, he was never one to fuss about appearances.
Hiding his awkwardness, Alexander said, "Let's go."
The two were about to leave when they encountered Evian, who was bringing Callahan in for a makeover.
Upon seeing Isabella, Evian and Callahan were utterly captivated by her stunning appearance.
Evian chuckled. "Just look at how beautiful your Aunt Isabella is."
Callahan nodded obediently and agreed, "Yes, she's beautiful."
Feeling shy from the compliment, Isabella decided the best way to avoid awkwardness was to divert it. She lowered her gaze to Callahan and asked him, "Who's prettier, me or your mom?"
As expected, Callahan's face flushed. "Mom is the prettiest," he replied.
Evian gently caressed her son's head, visibly moved. Perhaps their bond of blood played a part in closing the relationship gap between them. They had become so close that one could never have imagined that they had been separated for nine years.
As for Jasper and Sienna, the lack of love they provided made it easy for Callahan to accept the change and move on. Nowadays, he only occasionally thought of them.
"By the way, Rosie's excursion is a rare opportunity, so she won't be able to come back. She apologized to me over a video call, and even sent a gift to Cal," Evian said with a sigh.
Rosalie, the youngest daughter of the Quirk family, was still in university. She was currently on the other side of the world on an art excursion.
Alexander nodded understandingly.
Later, he led Isabella to the front door to await their guests.
As guests began to arrive one after another, Isabella noticed that many of their gazes lingered on her, with few being friendly.
Most of them were scrutinizing, judgmental, and even hostile.
After all, the recent incident involving Quirk Group had caused quite a stir. Not only did they hold a major press conference to officially clarify matters, but they also dismissed a number of employees. In particular, they blacklisted Isabella's manager and demanded compensation from her.
This could be seen as Alexander's move to support his estranged wife.
Back then, many onlookers were convinced that the incident would lead to their divorce. Numerous prominent young ladies were waiting to marry the most outstanding and promising heir of their generation, even if it meant being his second wife.
Various plans for marriage alliances were probably running through the guests' minds.
Too bad for them. I'm still married to Alexander. Their plans have come to nothing. Isabella thought to herself with a silent laugh.
Alexander's eyebrows twitched slightly as he listened to Isabella's smug inner thoughts. All the while, he maintained a neutral expression as he greeted and entertained the guests.
Not long after, the Cowells arrived.
However, instead of the expected four people, only three showed up.
Behind the middle-aged couple stood a woman with a rather indifferent expression. Unlike the others who arrived looking happy, she seemed uninterested in everything around her and exuded an aura of aloofness that set her apart from the others.
She was dressed in a predominantly black dress with no accessories, and her long black hair was not styled. She looked nothing like a typical heiress from a wealthy family.
"Alexander, it's been a while. You've become even more outstanding," Henry greeted Alexander warmly and shook his hand enthusiastically.
Marjorie, smiling broadly, chimed in as well. Like many other snobbish rich women, her enthusiasm was directed solely at Alexander. She completely ignored Isabella.
Isabella didn't mind at all. Instead, she curiously observed them.
After all, it was easier to gather gossip if she remembered all the faces.
Her gaze fell on the lady at the back. When their eyes met, the lady nodded politely as a courtesy.
"Are you Luna or Bianca?" Isabella asked bluntly.
Having seen her a few times before, Isabella vaguely remembered her face, but she still wasn't familiar with her.
After all... they were twin sisters.
Luna was momentarily taken aback because this was probably the first time someone had asked so bluntly without any pretense. Henry and Marjorie also looked over in surprise.
"I'm Luna."
"I see, Ms. Luna. Where's Ms. Bianca? Didn't she come together with you?" Isabella asked curiously.
A glimmer of sadness flashed across Luna's eyes as she replied in a heavy tone, "She's coming here with someone else."
Seemingly noticing the change in Luna's tone, Henry and Marjorie immediately cast a displeased glance at her before quickly smiling again. Showing off, they said, "Our Bianca is busy filming, so she couldn't make it today. That's why..."
Before they could finish speaking, a sports car arrived.
The guests' cars were all parked outside. Only the Quirk family's cars were allowed to drive in.
As the car door swung open, a pair of long legs emerged. A fashionably dressed man who looked like a runway model got out of the car.
He removed his sunglasses, revealing a face that bore a striking resemblance to Alexander. He lacked Alexander's refined solemnity but exuded a rebellious charm.
Perhaps for the sake of appearing on camera, his build was leaner than Alexander's. However, he still had the stature of a model, which could only be attributed to the excellent genes of the Quirk family.
Due to his A-lister status, many young guests gathered excitedly, gossiping.
"Wow! It's Christopher. I just watched his latest show. He's so handsome!"
"I'm a fan of his now. I'm going to ask him for a photo later."
"What a pity. He's already taken. Otherwise..."
"Hey, I overheard that the woman who came with her parents is Luna, Christopher's so-called fiancée. So, who do you think is in the passenger seat with him?"
There was no need for further speculation because Christopher had already walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. Not only that, he bent down to help a woman out of the car.
The woman also had long, dark hair, and her face was a mirror image of Luna's. However, she was dressed in a white gown, her eyes exuding a gentle charm.
"Thank you, Chris," the woman said.
"Be careful, I've got you," Christopher said.
There were many guests coming and going, and there were hardly any secrets in high society. Everyone began whispering amongst themselves while eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama. Henry and Marjorie immediately noticed that their younger daughter seemed a bit unwell. They quickly rushed over with concern, their actions reflecting the attitude of parents treating a cherished child. "What's wrong, darling? Are you hurt?" Marjorie asked, concerned.
"No, not at all. I just twisted my ankle slightly while filming. It's really no big deal. Everyone's making too much of a fuss," Bianca shyly explained.
"Oh my, I've always told you not to overwork yourself filming. What if you're badly injured? Let me help..." Before Henry could finish his sentence, Marjorie gave him a nudge with her elbow.
Christopher didn't pay attention to it. Holding Bianca, he said, "Let's get inside first. Bianca can't stand too long."
Immediately, a few individuals escorted Bianca over.
Luna stood there like an invisible person. She didn't step forward to check on her sister or look at the overly intimate gestures between her fiancé and her sister.
She had probably gotten used to it.
Isabella's gaze darted around curiously until the group approached and finally noticed Luna.
A hint of unease flickered across Henry's and Marjorie's faces.
Christopher frowned when he sensed Bianca, whom he was supporting, seemed frightened and attempted to push him away.
"You're here, Luna. Don't get the wrong idea. Chris only came to pick me up because I'm hurt. There's nothing more to it. Please... Please don't be angry," Bianca said as she shrank back a little. She appeared to be afraid of Luna.
The onlookers' expressions changed. They had heard rumors about Luna frequently bullying her younger sister. Judging from Bianca's reaction, those rumors seemed to be true.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Christopher grabbed Bianca's arm firmly, preventing her from retreating. It seemed as though he was deliberately showing his stance in front of Luna. He warned in a low voice, "Don't you scare her. We are at the Quirk manor. If you dare to bully Bianca, I won't let it slide."
Luna did not even glance at Christopher. Instead, a bitter, mocking smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
"Luna, your sister's been hurt. Can't you show a bit of concern instead of showing a cold face?" Marjorie voiced her discontent.
"All right, stop throwing a tantrum in our guest's home. It's embarrassing. Let's go inside," Henry said in a stern voice.
Christopher ignored Luna. After giving Alexander an acknowledging nod, he proceeded to lead Bianca inside, but he failed to notice the disapproval in his brother's expression.
Before Christopher could step forward, he heard a distinct voice. Judging by the pitch, it likely belonged to his sister-in-law whom he did not like.
It was none other than Isabella, the woman who had duped his brother.
What the f*ck! Did I go blind momentarily? I saw nothing! Are they saying that Luna is angry, scary, cold-faced, and throwing a tantrum? From start to finish, she didn't even exchange a single glance with them. Why are they throwing baseless accusations?
Christopher thought to himself: Wait, what is going on? Is Isabella talking? But I didn't see her open her mouth! And what on earth is she babbling about?