Chapter 72
Isabella Delaney had never been screamed at with such intensity before. Her lips quivered with humiliation, yet she refused to let her posture falter.
She would never lower her head before anyone - least of all Evelyn Carter. This entire mess in Frenda instead of Pamore was Evelyn's doing to begin with.
Just as the tension peaked, Nathan Sterling came striding toward them.
A wicked idea sparked in Isabella's mind. She closed the distance between herself and Evelyn until they stood mere inches apart.
Evelyn regarded her with exhausted eyes. "What now?"
There was a dangerous glint in Isabella's gaze - the look of someone ready to drag their enemy down with them. "You brought this on yourself, Evelyn," she sneered.
Then with a dramatic shriek, she deliberately collapsed backward into an ornate three-foot vase.
The priceless ceramic shattered as Isabella's head struck the pillar with calculated precision before she feigned unconsciousness.
Evelyn watched impassively. Same old tricks from the same old schemer.
As Nathan rushed to Isabella's side, his voice turned glacial. "Why didn't you catch her, Sebastian? You were right there!"
Sebastian Delaney's expression darkened. He'd seen his sister pull this stunt since childhood whenever she couldn't manipulate her way out of trouble.
As her brother, he recognized the performance instantly. Yet family loyalty kept him from exposing her.
Nathan's icy glare shifted to Evelyn. "Have you no decency? Not even for a pregnant woman?"
His emotions toward Evelyn remained a turbulent storm - including an anger he couldn't rationalize.
He'd tried to talk. She'd refused. He'd humbled himself with apologies on his family's behalf. She'd offered no forgiveness.
When Beatrice Whitmore recognized Nathan defending Isabella, her voice turned lethal. "You cheating scoundrels! Get—"
"Aunt Beatrice, I've got this." Evelyn gently squeezed the older woman's hand before turning to Nathan.
"Are you truly so bewitched by Isabella?" She gestured sharply to the security camera overhead. "Shall we review what actually happened?"
"By all means." Nathan matched her frosty tone. "No expectant mother would risk her child like that."
Sebastian nearly laughed aloud. If only you knew.
Isabella, still playing unconscious, began panicking. In her haste, she'd forgotten about surveillance.
With Evelyn's powerful allies, this could force her into a humiliating public apology. Unthinkable!
"Nathan...what happened?" Isabella fluttered her eyelids dramatically, pressing a delicate hand to her forehead.
Evelyn smirked. "Right on cue. The performance concludes."
Nathan released Isabella, his expression turning arctic. "Did Evelyn push you?"
"No, I...I just fell." Isabella's sheepish act was Oscar-worthy.
Rage flashed in Nathan's eyes as he scrutinized her. "Then why the scream?"
His glacial stare sent chills down her spine. "I was startled!"
"Are we done here?" Evelyn asked pointedly. Nathan flushed with embarrassment at her indifference.
With Isabella's stunt ruining his potential partnership with Fulton Group, Nathan had no choice but to retreat.
"Take her home," he ordered Sebastian before striding away. Outside the exhibition hall, he called his driver with a sharp command. Isabella hurried after him.
"Nathan, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."
He remained stone-faced.
Isabella's eyes welled with practiced tears. "I've been under such stress...with Diana's anniversary approaching..."
Nathan's expression softened slightly at his late fiancée's name. "Just focus on the baby. No more theatrics."
"Nathan...would you visit Diana's grave with me?" Her pitiful gaze would melt most hearts. "I've been in Frenda too long. I just..."