Ch. 2056..2060

Chapter 2056

"Yeah." he said stiffly.

It was just a short answer, but Isabel felt like it punched into her chest like a hammer.

She took his hand to comfort him. "Sorry, | shouldn't be upset at you."

Roland smiled affectionately. "It's not your fault, | should've said something earlier.”

Isabel did not even know that his father passed away, in a car accident no less.

This explained why he only lived with his mother.

Come to think of it, she knew nothing of his family. She asked him, "Can you tell me about your family?” Since they were dating, she should try to get to know him better.

His eyes immediately darkened although there was a tint of a smile inside them only seconds ago. Isabel noticed she had misspoken and quickly retracted the question. "It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it."

Roland fell silent for a while before starting, "| was born in Southboro. My grandfather was decently wealthy and my parents have always had a very good relationship."

It sounded like a happy childhood from the way he put it. Even after his father passed away, it was unlikely that he would end up living on the streets with his mother when they first met last year, especially considering how competent he was and the wealth he must have inherited. Isabel was just wondering about this when Roland addressed her concerns. "The problem is my grandfather and grandmother don’t get along. My grandfather had a mistress who gave him a son. After my grandmother passed away, he announced that he would let the illegitimate son he had with his mistress inherit all of his assets.

"Just as you would expect, my father spoke up. In essence, my grandmother was the one who built up the family wealth because her family was the one who supported my grandfather's business initially. Most of the assets my grandfather planned to pass on to his illegitimate child were registered under my grandmother's name as well, which caused a lot of conflicts."

This was a standard template of the story of a man who leeched off of a woman all his life, only to turn around and betray her for the mistress! Isabel was furious when she heard of this, she asked agitatedly, ‘What happened next?"

Roland closed his eyes to concentrate, and his voice suddenly became brittle. "After that, my father passed away in a car accident. My grandfather's illegitimate son ended up getting engaged to a girl from a very significant family. With the combined effort of his father, who is my grandfather and his future father-in-law, he managed to lay claim to everything that was supposed to be mine and chased me and my mother out of Southboro."

Isabel felt a chill rise up her spine. His father passing away from a car accident seemed a little too convenient. Was it truly an accident?

She wagered that someone as kind and soft-spoken as Martha must have been sheltered growing up and did not know the first thing about these vicious tactics used in the business world. She must not have any resources to take back what was rightfully Roland's, especially since her husband as well as Roland's grandmother was no longer around to help them. She had nothing for her to fight against the grandfather and his illegitimate son.

Even though Roland had always been very competent, he had no leverage to speak of, especially since he had nobody on his side and was severely outmatched against so many enemies. Enemies who were supposed to be his family.

Isabel's mood was grave. She moved toward him and hugged him tightly to comfort him. "Roland, it’s all in the past now. | know how capable you are, I'm

sure things will only get better for you and your mother from here on."

Roland looked at her profoundly and muttered uncertainly, "Yeah." "Alright, let's not stew on these terrible things that happened in the past. The crew is going to Manchester to film next week so we're given two days off this weekend. | have an event | need to attend this Friday night but after that, my schedule is cleared up for the weekend so we can spend time together."

Roland smiled at last. "Sure."

Friday rolled around in the blink of an eye.

Isabel was ecstatic at the thought of getting to spend time with Roland over the weekend, she gave her all on set that day. All of her scenes progressed smoothly.

Around evening, the director dismissed her. "Alright Isabel, go home and rest up for the weekend. We'll be leaving for Manchester next Monday." "Sure!"

She went to get her makeup removed with Carla following her. While she was removing her makeup, Teresa showed up.

She had already changed out of her costume on set and had her makeup removed already. It seemed like she was finished for the day as well.

Chapter 2057

“Hey Isabel, are you done for the day already?" Teresa asked with a quick smile.

Isabel nodded with a grunt.

Teresa asked nonchalantly, "There’s this fashion show going on tonight, are you going to be there?” Isabel made a look. "Yeah."

Teresa announced gleefully, "What a coincidence, I'm going too! Why don’t we go together then?" Isabel was not against it. "Sure."

She did not mind going with Teresa.

Teresa was ecstatic. She took a seat nearby to wait for Isabel.

After only a brief silence, she started to ask questions again, "Isabel, since we get the weekend off before we go to Glanchester, what are your plans? Are you going to see your boyfriend?"

Isabel ignored her.

Carla could not stand the endless pestering anymore and said grumpily," Teresa, why do you keep asking about her personal life?”

Teresa froze with shock and explained vainly, "Sorry Isabel, don’t get the wrong idea, | was just trying to find something to talk about."

Carla was relentless. "Then you should find someone else to talk to, Isabel doesn't like small talk."

Isabel tried to suppress a smile.

If not for the make-up artist attending to her to help her remove her makeup, she would have burst out laughing. Looks could be deceiving. Carla had quite a sharp tongue for someone who looked so sweet and innocent.

Teresa stiffened with shock again. She confronted Carla with an unmistakable animosity in her eyes and began lecturing her, “How could you call yourself Isabel's assistant with a temper like that? Even Isabel isn’t saying anything yet. What gave you the right to presume what she thinks?"

It was not difficult to tell that she looked down on Carla who was only a meager assistant. The tone of her voice immediately spelled trouble.

Isabel's patience was at its limits as well.

Before Carla could snap back at Teresa, Isabel spoke up for her," Everything she says has my stamp of approval as well. Do you have any particular thoughts about that?”

Teresa was not expecting even Isabel to step up to defend Carla, with such aggression no less. This seemed to silence her at last as she was too tongue-tied to enact a response.

Isabel was done with the friendly act. She spoke without any sense of reserve, "I don’t know why you're so curious about what goes on between me and my boyfriend, but all | know is I'm done dealing with you and | don't want to go to the fashion show with you. If you at least have a shred of shame, you'd get out of my sight right now."

Teresa turned pale immediately, ashamed at being reproached so harshly.

Her lips quivered and it looked like she wanted to say something, but no words came out. She scoffed and walked away at last. Carla scoffed at the sight of her scuttling away, then she approached

Isabel and thanked her sincerely, "You look so cool just now when you stood up for me!"

Isabel said suavely with a flick of an eyebrow, "Of course."

She was confident in her charms and grace.

After the make-up artist was finished with her, she changed back into her clothes and left the set. With Carla and her two bodyguards by her side, she got into the car and was driven to the fashion show Teresa mentioned just now.

Meanwhile, Teresa was also on the way to the show. She got into her car and stared spitefully at Isabel's car.

"Isabel, you think you're a big shot now just because you’re famous, don't you? Just you wait, you're not going to stay on top forever, I'll get back at you eventually!"

She snarled at Isabel before taking out her anger on her assistant for a while. After she finished venting, she texted Isabella, "Isabel is far more calculating than | thought. | was only asking her if she was going to spend time with her boyfriend this weekend and just like that, she managed to figure out | was trying to pry for details about her boyfriend. She had me kicked out of the costume room right in front of everyone, | can't stand how full of herself she is!"

She finished her message with a sticker of a frowning cartoon figure.

 

Chapter 2058

Isabella replied within seconds, "I know, she's the most cunning and arrogant person | know, I'm surprised it took so long for you to get stung by her."

It seemed like she was no stranger to Isabel's aggression.

Teresa heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Isabella was not going to tell her off for her lack of progress. She followed up with another text," Sorry Isabella, she saw through me, | don't think it's very likely | can get more information from her from now on. | did some research on the car her boyfriend drove here every time he came to visit her. The model barely costs a million dollars so I'd wager he’s respectably rich, but not to the point of being absurdly rich."

Isabella replied after several minutes, "Alright, | see." Teresa tried her luck, "By the way, you mentioned you got some script for me recently. How are things progressing?"

Even though she failed to uncover the identity of Isabel’s boyfriend, she still managed to take some pictures and videos of the two together, so they must at least be of some use to Isabella.

She figured that she at least deserved something nice in return, perhaps a chance to star in a female lead role.

Isabella replied after a while, "I’m busy getting my make-up done for tonight's fashion show right now. Don't worry, | always remember the promises | make. I'll get back to you about the scripts in two days when | have time."

Teresa replied courteously, "Alright, thank you again, Isabella. I'll let you get back to it.” She smiled jovially and put away her phone after that.

Meanwhile, Isabella, who was already on her way to the fashion show, tossed her phone aside and snarled violently, "Useless idiot."

She had been spying on Isabel for so long and not only did she fail to extract any valuable information, but she even got herself caught in the process.

How else could she describe this other than complete idiocy? Still, she had to admit that Isabel was truly something. What a cunning fox!

While she was thinking about this, the car stopped in the parking lot of the venue where the fashion show tonight would take place.

She got out of the car with her assistant escorting her. Shortly after that, they spotted two remarkably handsome young men lugging a giant case with them.

There was a logo on the face of the casing. It was easily recognizable since it was the logo of a very reputable fashion brand. Chances were that it contained a custom-made high-fashion dress.

An artisan work of such stature was only ever worn by elite-tier celebrities.

Isabella turned to her assistant. "Go and ask them who the dress inside is for."

The assistant quickly caught up to the two young men carrying the case and had a brief dialogue with them. After that, she thanked them with a polite smile before trotting back to Isabella with her findings. "They told me that the dress is for Isabel Ross."

Isabel?!Her again!

Isabella was furious. Isabel had emerged into the scene several years later than her. How come she was the one chosen by the fashion house to represent them instead?!

She gnashed her teeth, bitter with resentment. As she continued to stare at the two young men delivering the dress to Isabel, her eyes glowered with hatred.

Isabel had a relatively peaceful drive here but was surprised to see so many of her fans waiting for her when she arrived.

She mingled with them for a while before making her way to the dressing room located backstage of the venue.

Her dress, shoes, and accessories were all ready for her.

It took some time for the make-up artist to finish her makeup. By the time she got dressed, a crew member showed up to tell her that it was time for her to go on stage.

It was a celebrity fashion show.

The catwalk was a permanent fixture in such events.

Isabel was among the first few to go on stage.

Several models who were her seniors went on stage first so it was going to be her turn soon.

She checked her outfit, everything was in order. She went to the appointed spot connected to the stage and waited for her cue.

During the brief wait, she suddenly sensed something strange. She turned around and looked behind, only to immediately spot Isabella standing behind a group of people.

She was facing Isabel with a wide smirk on her face.

The second she met Isabel's eyes, she averted her gaze to the side and pretended as if she did not see Isabel at all. Isabel made a look.

She could not quite put her finger on it but she had a noxious feeling.

Before she could give it any further thought, she heard the host giving the cue for her to step on stage. "Next up. Isabel Ross, also known as the queen of ratings!"

Carla kindly reminded her, "It’s your turn, be careful you don't trip over the hem of the dress."

 

Chapter 2059

Isabel gave Carla a reassuring look before stepping onto the stage, clacking her high heels against the platform. Bright lights beat on her from every direction.

There were many attendees to the show and a lot of them were very fond of her as they cheered and cried out her name. "Isabel, | love you-"

"Isabel, you’re awesome!"

"Isabel, you’re so beautifull”

The cheers reached one crescendo after another, there was no limit to their excitement.

Almost everyone in the venue was chanting her name.

Even Isabel was shocked by the reception. She smiled and waved at her rabid supporters.

Just as she made it halfway down the runway, the lower half of her dress suddenly fell off.

The frantic cries transformed into horrified gasps, sucking the air out of the venue.

Even the host on stage was dumbfounded by what he was seeing. Carla, who was waiting for Isabel backstage, was no exception and nearly shrieked. Everyone present at the fashion show, from the audience to the models to the crew was astounded. All, except for Isabella.

Suddenly, a stiff silence took over. Isabel looked down to see that a cut had been made directly across the dress at waist height. It was slipping off at the seams.

She was lucky she managed to grab the falling dress just in time to prevent the clothing from dropping to the floor and expose her bare buttocks for the world to see. She was wearing red panties!

She frowned tightly.

The wires in her brain were suddenly crossed in all directions, she did not know what to do.

It was at that critical moment when she heard one of her fans in the crowd cheering her on, "Isabel! You're the best!" Her eyes gleamed.

That was right. She was Isabel Ross. She was an actress and model widely known inside and outside the entertainment circle. She was blessed with unparalleled beauty and had the perfect figure to match it.

Whatever happened to the dress, it would not take away her inherent beauty! So what if the dress was torn? It did not matter.

She fixed a calm look on her face and pulled the fallen dress upward around her waist and continued striding down the catwalk confidently.

With the dress pulled up, her slender calves were exposed for all to see. The shining high heels adorned with diamonds only further magnified the beauty of her legs.

Her stride was precise and elegant. Every pair of eyes and camera lens fixed themselves on her.

The most eye-catching of them all was not her figure nor her stride, it was the ever-so-unwavering smile she wore. It was radiant and unabashed, it was confident and completely enchanting.

It was as if an angel had somehow strayed into the world of mortals as her body seemed to exude a fine light.

The crowd gasped in silence for several seconds, then another thunderous roar broke out.

The host was yet again baffled by this display.

Carla, who looked on at the scene with her nerves wrought into a bundle heaved a sigh of relief. Then, she beamed with pride and joy.

The other models who were about to step on stage could not believe what they were seeing as well. Some of them displayed mild looks of jealousy while others could not help but admire Isabel’s grace.

Isabella clenched her fist tightly, she growled with resentment. "How does she manage to play it off? How can she be so lucky?!" Isabel confidently finished her lap on the catwalk before returning backstage.

Carla hurried to her.

Ramona and Triss ran past the other models who were next up on stage to approach Isabel as well.

Carla cried out with astonishment, "Isabel, you were so cool back there!"

Triss had nothing but admiration for her. "| can’t believe you managed to pull that one off, incredible."

Ramona smiled at her and told her, "Go on and change out of this dress."

Isabel remarked candidly with a handsome smile. "No need to rush."

Then, she turned to look at Isabella who was hiding behind the other models.

Chapter 2060

Isabella was glaring at her viciously.

It was quite clear that she could not fathom nor accept how Isabel managed to play it off with such confidence and coolness. Upon noticing Isabel's gaze on her, she immediately turned away from her sight.

Isabel jerked her lips into a sharp grimace.

"Isabel, Amanda is calling, do you want to answer the call right now?” Carla asked while handing a phone to her.

Isabel continued staring at Isabella who was filing toward the stage and told Carla, "Not yet."

Carla carefully put away the phone while staring perplexedly at Isabel. Triss and Ramona were casting the same strange looks at her as well.

Some of the other models who were waiting for their turn to go onstage as well as the ones who have already come off the stage were visibly confused to see Isabel still there as well. They were wondering why she was not changing out of her torn dress yet.

Isabel continued holding the hem of her dress in hand and stared intently at Isabella who was about to step on stage soon.

Isabella was staring straight ahead and pretended to not notice Isabel even though she was practically standing right in front of Isabel.

Soon, the model in front of her stepped on stage.

After a brief moment when the model was halfway through the runway, they heard the host giving the cue. "And next up, we have our beautiful Isabella Brunson!"

Isabella put on her best smile and promptly stepped onto the stage.

She was wearing a strapless tuxedo dress tugged snugly around her chest that tastefully revealed her cleavage. The hem of the dress was fairly long and dragged across the floor.

Just as she was about to step onto the stage, Isabel took a large stride forward. The very moment the spotlights were cast on Isabella, Isabel planted her feet directly on top of the train of the dress.

The audience, the host, and all the models waiting for their turn to step on stage, even the netizens watching from home were equally horrified by what they were seeing.

Isabella was completely oblivious to what was happening and continued marching forward. After another step, she heard a sharp tear. The front of her dress was forcefully jerked downward.

The fabric slid off to reveal the full shape of her chest, albeit with pads to cover them appropriately. This did not change the fact that her naked torso was fully exposed for the world to see.

"Ah!" she cried out in terror.

Everyone at the scene as well as the netizens who were watching from home were flabbergasted.

No words could describe their shock.

Immediately following the scream, Isabella spun around hastily.

Only to see Isabel who was just hastily withdrawing her foot from the train of her dress.

She was frantically pulling the dress up to cover herself when she froze solid. Her complexion immediately darkened by several shades as she screeched, "Isabel!"

Isabel winked at her before walking back backstage.

Isabella had completely lost her mind by this stage. The fashion show was the last thing she cared about. Upon pulling up her dress, she stomped toward Isabel.

"Isabel, I'll kill you!" she screeched like a banshee, ignoring everyone around her. Isabel ignored her and continued pacing away calmly, all while still holding the hem of her skirt.

Carla, Triss, and Ramona sensed that the situation was escalating rapidly. They hurriedly followed after Isabella to try to get hold of her before she could attack Isabel.

Isabella was hardly herself at that point. They barely managed to talk some sense into her before she brazenly shoved Carla out of the way and made to claw at the back of Isabel's hair.

Isabel immediately turned around when she heard Carla's yelp when she was shoved away.

Only moments before Isabella would grab her, she kicked her legs out like a seasoned fighter and sent Isabella flying several meters away.

It was so quiet backstage that one could hear a pin drop.

Carla, Triss, and Ramona were utterly speechless.