Chapter 196
Victoria's video failed to gain significant traction on Instagram. The new account struggled to compete against the platform's overwhelming content volume.
At Whitmore Enterprises...
Harrison Caldwell presented a bound document to Alexander. "Mr. Whitmore, this relationship proposal was developed by a certified intimacy coordinator. Following this protocol for thirty days guarantees Miss Montgomery's emotional investment."
Alexander skimmed the contents, his stomach churning at the prescribed rituals: mandatory morning and evening texts, daily floral arrangements, chauffeur services...
The proposal detailed shared meal preparation, pet ownership bonding exercises, and curated couple's retreats. Memories of performing these actions organically with Victoria soured his mood. Reducing romance to checklist items felt degrading, especially when targeting someone like Isabella.
His expression darkened as he circled acceptable tasks before shoving the document back. "Use my burner phone. You're handling these."
"Sir? This approach seems... inadequate," Harrison hesitated.
Though aware of Alexander's asset acquisition motives, such perfunctory execution felt reckless. Isabella Montgomery wasn't some naive socialite to be manipulated through textbook gestures.
Alexander's glare sharpened. "Problem?"
"No, sir. Immediate implementation." Harrison retreated swiftly.
Alexander's gaze lingered on the discarded proposal, frustration tightening his features. Delegating half the tasks provided minimal relief—the remaining requirements still demanded personal involvement.
He'd monitor Isabella's reactions before committing further. Both anticipated sarcastic rejections or deliberate complications. Neither predicted her unsettling compliance.
Despite ignoring WhatsApp messages, she accepted every delivered gift. Gourmet meals, designer outfits, rare delicacies—all received without protest.
Mid-month, Isabella updated her private feed: Revisiting the past sometimes brings unexpected clarity.
Accompanying screenshots displayed Alexander's daily texts and all accumulated gifts. The narrative suggested genuine emotional impact.
A cold smirk touched Alexander's lips. Women truly were predictable creatures. A few baubles and perfunctory attention melted all resistance. Now to finalize arrangements with both families.
The Jordan family monitored Isabella's private account, including Victoria among her "close friends."
Victoria reclined on her veranda, cucumber mask obscuring her features as she scrolled. Penelope dug planting beds nearby, burying vegetable seeds. Victoria avoided Twitter to escape Isabella's professional triumphs, only to confront her personal life here.
Alexander had been sending Isabella daily affirmations? Purchasing exorbitant gifts? He belonged to her!
No. Composure was essential. One more month of performance remained. The internet's scrutiny demanded her silence, but watching Isabella flaunt stolen affections sickened her. Her parents must be equally disgusted.
Her thumb hovered over Joey's contact when Alexander's name flashed across her screen.
He was calling? After days of impersonal texts, this sudden direct contact sparked wild hope. Had he finally remembered her?