Chapter 840

Isabella's lips curled into a bitter smile, laced with despair.

She turned abruptly and strode toward the wine cabinet. Her fingers wrapped around several expensive bottles of Bordeaux before slamming them onto the marble counter.

Evelyn sighed. "You can't force these things."

A heavy silence settled between them. Then—crack—Isabella's palm struck her own cheek with brutal force.

Evelyn flinched, rushing forward to grab her wrist. "Isabella!"

Her heart ached at the sight. Isabella had always been the wild one, untouchable, unshaken. But now? The floodgates had burst open, and there was no stopping the torrent.

Alexander Sterling's expression had twisted in disgust earlier when he witnessed Isabella locking lips with Donovan Pierce. And she'd noticed.

That was the moment her composure shattered.

She knew. There was no winning this.

In Alexander's world, she had never even been a contender.

If not for Evelyn, he wouldn't have spared her a second glance.

Isabella poured a full glass of wine and downed it in one burning gulp.

"Evelyn, swear you won't tell anyone. I don't need an audience for this humiliation."

As if Evelyn would. She studied her best friend, worry gnawing at her. "Why didn't you ever tell him?"

Would it have changed anything?

Isabella let out a hollow laugh, lifting her gaze.

"You know the difference between me and Amelia Sinclair? I spent years trying to be her, but I could never measure up. Her family lost everything in college, so she left your brother, moved abroad, and built herself from nothing. And yet—her eyes? Still that same clear, untouched light. Seeing her today was like stepping back in time."

If Amelia had been tainted by the world—if she'd grown greedy or jaded—Isabella might have stood a chance. But no. Amelia's resilience was pure, untarnished.

Unlike Isabella, who'd danced through the shadows of the business world without a care. She played men like instruments—except the one she actually wanted. Because with him? She was terrified.

Amelia's luck was infuriating. After nearly a decade, she and Alexander found their way back to each other. No bitterness, no resentment. Just love that never faded.

When Amelia returned to Montecito, all it took was one step toward him. And Alexander? He ran.

So Isabella was destined to lose.

Evelyn watched helplessly, unsure how to comfort her.

This wasn't like Lucas and Natalie. Lucas had feelings for Natalie, and Natalie wavered—but there was no third person between them. Alexander, though? He belonged to Amelia. That left no room for Isabella.

Soon, the alcohol took over.

Evelyn guided her to bed, waiting until her breathing evened out. But leaving her alone felt wrong, so she curled up on the couch instead.

Dawn arrived with sharp sunlight slicing through the curtains.

Isabella emerged from the bedroom just as Evelyn rubbed her eyes.

Their gazes met—last night's confession hanging between them.

Isabella smirked, no trace of shame. "Pathetic, right?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "If you want to fight for him, I'll help."

She could make Alexander see. Isabella's feelings mattered too.

Isabella tossed her a yogurt from the fridge.

"No. I've thought about it. This is a dead end. Why force it and make things messy? It was just a stupid crush. I won't be the woman who ruins something real. That’s not who I am."