His gaze remained locked on hers, trying to figure her out. Isabella maintained flawless composure, her lips curved into a mysterious smile as if she knew exactly what she was doing. You keep surprising me, William murmured, leading her with precision.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Isabella arched an eyebrow. I haven’t decided yet. She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I think you’ve already realized that I’m not exactly what I seem. I’ve realized that you know much more about this world than you should. Isabella tilted her head slightly.
Let’s just say I’ve been surrounded by people like this before. Before William could ask more, a group of businessmen approached, holding champagne glasses and offering friendly smiles. They were investors and magnates, William knew well.
Lancaster. One of them said, shaking William’s hand. You finally decided to show up at a social event.
William returned a firm handshake. I thought it would be interesting to celebrate the couple. The businessmen’s attention quickly shifted to Isabella, studying her with interest.
And who is your lovely companion? Before William could respond, Isabella stepped forward and extended her hand naturally. Isabella, a pleasure to meet you. She spoke with such natural confidence that none of the businessmen questioned her presence.
Isabella, one of them repeated, studying her. Your face looks familiar. Isabella smiled, keeping the mystery alive.
Perhaps we’ve met at an event before. The businessmen nodded thoughtfully but didn’t press further. William watched her closely.
Isabella was blending in far too easily. And what do you do, Isabella? Another businessman asked, intrigued. She picked up a champagne glass from a passing waiter, swirling the liquid before answering.
I enjoy observing the financial market. The rise in technology investments has been quite interesting lately, especially the new startups focused on artificial intelligence. There was a brief silence.
William almost laughed at the surprised expressions on the businessmen’s faces. None of them had expected such an articulate response. That’s a rather specific topic, one of the men commented.
Isabella smiled, taking a sip of her drink. I just follow trends. After all, everything comes down to who gets the inside information first, doesn’t it? The men laughed, now more at ease.
Isabella had captured their interest. William, however, felt a growing frustration. Isabella wasn’t just fitting in.
She was taking over. Before he could intervene, a tall man with a distinguished appearance approached. Damien Blackwood, one of the country’s most influential investors, known for his sharp business instincts and his ability to size people up quickly.
Isabella, right? Damien looked at her with interest. You seem very comfortable here. She turned to him with a polite smile.
Maybe because I am. Damien laughed. I like that.
And what’s your relationship with Lancaster? She shot William a playful look before answering. Just an interesting partnership. William felt his blood boil.
Isabella was playing her own game, and he didn’t like losing control. Indeed, William interjected, taking the glass from her hand and handing it to a waiter. Now if you’ll excuse us, I need to steal my companion for a moment.
He grabbed her wrist and led her to a more secluded area of the ballroom. What exactly are you doing? he asked through clenched teeth. Isabella smiled.
Just having fun. You’re standing out too much. Wasn’t that the plan, to make your ex-fiancé jealous? William narrowed his eyes.
You play very well, Isabella. She tilted her head. And you don’t like it when you can’t control the game, do you? William let out a short laugh.
You’re not just a simple beggar. Isabella crossed her arms. And you took a while to figure that out.
Before he could respond, Olivia appeared beside them. I hope you’re enjoying the party, she said politely, though her eyes assessed Isabella cautiously. Very much, Isabella answered before William could speak.
Olivia forced a calculated smile. You know, Isabella, I feel like we’ve met before. Maybe, Isabella replied with a shrug.
The high society world can be small, after all. William noticed the way Olivia pressed her lips together. And where do you know William from, Olivia insisted.
Isabella smiled. I think it’s more fun if that stays a mystery. Olivia let out a soft laugh, though there was something sharp in her gaze.
Of course, mystery always adds an interesting touch to stories. She turned to William. Can we talk for a moment? William nodded, but before stepping away, he cast one last look at Isabella.
She simply smiled as if she knew exactly what she was doing. William followed Olivia to a private balcony. The night was cold, and the city lights sparkled in the distance, but the look on the woman in front of him burned like fire.
Who is she, William? Olivia asked bluntly, crossing her arms over her immaculate dress. He kept his expression neutral. Isabella, my companion.
She let out a dry laugh. Don’t treat me like a fool. I know the kind of woman you bring to events like this.
And she doesn’t fit the mold. William felt a surge of irritation. What exactly do you want to know, Olivia? She stared at him intensely.
Where did she come from? He hesitated for a second, and that was enough for Olivia to catch on. My God, she whispered as if she had pieced the puzzle together. You found this woman on the street, didn’t you? William didn’t confirm it, but his silence said it all.
This is unbelievable, Olivia said with a disbelieving laugh. You brought a beggar to provokee me? I brought a confident, intelligent woman who fits in here perfectly, he countered firmly. A woman who knows too much for someone who was supposedly living on the street, Olivia retorted, narrowing her eyes.
She doesn’t belong in this world, or does she? William didn’t like her tone. Don’t try to play games with me, Olivia. You don’t have that right anymore.
She raised an eyebrow. Maybe I don’t, but I have the right to know who I’m dealing with. Olivia straightened her posture as if she had already made a decision.
If I were you, William, I’d be careful. That woman didn’t show up in your life by chance. Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked back to the ballroom, leaving William alone with his doubts.
Isabella felt the stares as she moved through the guests. It was inevitable. Since her arrival, everyone had been trying to figure out who she was, but she moved with ease, as if she had always belonged there.
Then Olivia appeared in front of her. You dance well. Isabella smiled.
Thank you, so do you. Olivia tilted her head, studying her. And you speak well.
You know how to carry yourself at an event like this. I appreciate the compliment, Isabella said calmly. It wasn’t a compliment, it was an observation.
Isabella noticed the tension in Olivia’s eyes. You think you know me? Olivia laughed softly. I don’t think, I know.