Chapter 205
Evelyn was the assistant Nathaniel had personally selected for Isabella.
She was efficient, discreet, and exceptionally capable.
Yet even someone as composed as Evelyn couldn’t comprehend Nathaniel’s fascination with Isabella.
When Isabella declined further assistance, Evelyn didn’t press.
She simply nodded and withdrew to attend to other preparations.
Victoria entered the dressing room just as the hairstylists were putting the final touches on Isabella’s updo.
Isabella sat gracefully before the vanity, her gown flowing around her like liquid moonlight.
The dress featured delicate lantern sleeves and an elaborate train that shimmered under the lights.
She resembled Snow White brought to life—ethereal and utterly captivating.
This particular gown was from the coveted “Sun-Snow Anniversary Collection” by a legendary designer.
It was Victoria’s dream wedding dress.
She had once told Alexander she would wear nothing else on their wedding day.
Yet here was Isabella, draped in that very creation.
And the wedding itself?
Rumor had it Alexander spent over a billion to make it perfect.
For her.
How could he be so blind to Victoria’s feelings?
Isabella noticed Victoria’s arrival and dismissed the stylists with a wave.
“That will be all,” she said smoothly.
Once they were alone, Isabella turned, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
“Well? Do you think Alexander will approve?”
Victoria’s fists clenched.
Of course he would.
Isabella was radiant.
Her skin glowed.
Her presence commanded attention.
Most women would feel a pang of envy just looking at her.
That kind of beauty didn’t just captivate men—it enslaved them.
In stark contrast, Victoria’s bridesmaid dress was bland and forgettable.
It made her feel invisible.
She bit her tongue, struggling to keep her composure.
Isabelle rose and glided toward her, each step deliberate.
“You’re jealous. As you should be. I told you I would reclaim everything that was mine. The shares. My parents’ affection. Even Alexander.”
She stopped just inches from Victoria.
“You and Alexander still think you can take what’s mine, don’t you? Did you really believe he would destroy me and then marry you?”
A soft, icy laugh escaped her.
“How naïve.”
“If Alexander abandons you,” Isabella continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, “he becomes the husband of the Diamond Boss. He gains power, prestige, luxury beyond imagination. But if he chooses you? He’d have to kill me to get my fortune. Do you honestly think he would risk that for you? A mere adopted daughter with only a ten percent stake?”
Victoria paled.
Isabella’s words struck like a physical blow.
She had always been so sure of Alexander’s loyalty when Isabella was plain and powerless.
But this new Isabella—wealthy, stunning, formidable—changed everything.
Lately, Alexander had been distant, less passionate.
He was a pragmatic man.
Would he really gamble everything for her?
Isabella placed a hand on Victoria’s shoulder, her touch cold and condescending.
“Watch closely, Victoria. Watch how he looks at me. How he desires me. I will make him mine—heart, mind, and soul.”
With that, Isabella swept past her and pulled open the heavy oak door.
As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly collided with Alexander himself.
He had been coming to check on the preparations.
The sight of her stopped him dead.
His usually stern eyes widened in awe.
She looked like royalty—elegant, majestic, utterly breathtaking.
His heart hammered against his ribs.
He had never seen anyone so devastatingly beautiful.
It took him a moment to find his voice.
“Is everything ready? The ceremony begins in an hour.”
His tone was softer than he intended, almost tender.
Isabella offered a faint smile, then frowned delicately.
“The shoes are a bit loose. I nearly tripped earlier.”
She lifted the hem of her gown to reveal a pair of exquisite lace heels.
Despite her height, her feet were surprisingly small—elegant and delicate.