Chapter 537

Evelyn never imagined Isabella would dare to physically lash out in such a public setting.

The glass of water came flying toward her without warning, catching her completely off guard.

At that exact moment, Alexander stepped back inside after finishing his phone call outside.

With lightning reflexes, he positioned himself in front of Evelyn, taking the full impact on his tailored suit jacket.

Isabella froze, her face draining of color as she realized Alexander had witnessed everything.

Alexander's expression darkened like a gathering storm, his jaw tightening with barely contained fury.

Isabella bit her lower lip hard enough to leave marks. "Alexander, I... It wasn't intentional."

Her words stumbled out in a nervous rush.

The back of Alexander's suit was completely soaked through, making his glare even icier.

He pulled Evelyn protectively against his side. "Isabella, how could you attack Evelyn like this?"

Had he been even a second slower, Evelyn would have been drenched.

The disappointment in Alexander's eyes as he looked at Isabella was palpable.

Isabella's eyes welled up instantly, her voice thick with emotion. Tears began streaming down her cheeks in dramatic rivulets.

She sobbed dramatically, "I know I lost control, but she insulted my family, Alexander! She mocked Andrew... My brother died because of you, how could she speak about him that way..."

Alexander stiffened, glancing back at Evelyn with sudden uncertainty.

Evelyn was stunned by Isabella's masterful manipulation of the truth. "When did I ever mention your brother?"

Just as Evelyn started to explain, Isabella covered her face with both hands and burst into louder sobs.

"We were just talking normally! I don't know what I said wrong, but she suddenly accused me of being uncultured," Isabella wailed.

"Andrew loved me most in this world. If he were still alive, he'd never let me suffer like this," she cried dramatically.

"Alexander, I was the one wronged first. Don't I have the right to defend myself?"

Her tear-filled eyes looked pitifully up at Alexander. The commotion had drawn curious stares from nearby patrons.

Alexander rubbed his temples in frustration. "That's enough."

Isabella's tears made her eyes glisten like crystal. "Alexander, everything's different now that you're married. I understand Evelyn dislikes me, but why must she insult my family?"

Evelyn couldn't remain silent any longer. "I never insulted your family!"

Isabella shot back immediately, "Then why would I throw water at you for no reason?"

"Isabella, have you no shame?!"

"Enough!" Alexander cut them off sharply. The argument was spiraling out of control. "It's late. Everyone should go home."

Evelyn froze at his words.

Since Alexander hadn't defended her or indicated whose side he believed, a sharp pang of disappointment pierced her chest.

Isabella flashed Evelyn a triumphant smirk before turning to Alexander with a soft, pleading voice. "It's so late... It'll be impossible to find a cab..."

Evelyn pulled away from Alexander's embrace.

She refused to create a public spectacle by forcing Alexander to choose between them.

It was beneath her dignity.

"Take her home. I need some space," Evelyn said coolly before turning on her heel.

Alexander instinctively moved to follow, but Isabella grabbed his sleeve desperately.

"Alexander, you'd really make me go back alone?" Her tear-filled eyes looked up pathetically. "When a woman says she needs space, you should respect that."

Alexander's brow furrowed. "I'll call you a car."

"No!" Isabella protested, biting her lip with exaggerated hurt.

Fresh tears spilled over as she dug in her heels stubbornly.

"All those years abroad, I was completely alone. I had to do everything by myself. I'm so tired of being lonely."

"Now that I'm finally home, I just want to be near you. You're all I have left... I have no family anymore..."