Chapter 87

"What do you mean, you don’t believe in my feelings?" Sebastian’s expression darkened as if he had been insulted. "I don’t propose twice. If you reject me now, the offer is gone forever."

Isabelle stared at him, utterly speechless.

Meanwhile, Nathan noticed Evelyn trembling violently against him, her body shaking with suppressed laughter. Her face had flushed crimson, and tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes.

Nathan arched a brow. What on earth was so amusing?

Unfortunately, Evelyn was too lost in her silent hysterics to share her thoughts.

A sharp inhale from Isabelle cut through the tension.

"This is a critical moment for your career! Stirring up a scandal now would cost you half your fanbase!"

Sebastian’s expression softened slightly at her concern. He knew how devoted Isabelle was—clearly, her hesitation stemmed from prioritizing his success. The realization warmed his resolve. If Seraphina could marry Adrian, why shouldn’t he marry Isabelle? She’d sacrificed far more for him than Seraphina ever had.

A man should marry the woman who truly cared for him, not some heartless—

Nathan’s grip tightened as Evelyn’s shaking intensified, rattling the door behind them. At this rate, she might actually suffocate.

"Stop worrying," Sebastian scoffed. "Do you think I rely on fangirls to stay relevant? My work speaks for itself. Stop underestimating me."

Isabelle’s face flickered with irritation before she schooled her features. "Sebastian, we’ve worked too hard to throw it away now. Give me one good reason to risk everything."

"Adrian’s using his relationship as leverage. Why can’t I?" he shot back.

"It’s different for him! Even if his plan backfires, he has connections and investors to fall back on. We don’t have that safety net. Our fans are our security. That’s the trade-off for being an idol actor."

Sebastian’s jaw clenched at the unfavorable comparison to Adrian, but he couldn’t deny her logic.

"Fine," he gritted out. "No public proposal. But I will crush Adrian."

Relief washed over Isabelle. "Then follow my strategy."

As she turned to leave, her ankle twisted. Before she could react, Sebastian swept her into his arms bridal-style.

"Have you lost your mind? Put me down!" she hissed.

"You’re hurt. I’m carrying you."

"If anyone sees us—"

The door slammed shut, ending the chaotic bathroom confrontation.

The Blackwood family’s SUV hummed with energy as Evelyn recounted the scene—omitting, of course, her psychic eavesdropping.

Julian scowled. "No wonder I saw that earlier."

Everyone leaned in. "Saw what?"

His nose wrinkled. "Adrian had Seraphina pinned against a wall, kissing her like the world was ending."

A collective shudder ran through the car. Considering Evelyn’s account of Sebastian and Seraphina’s bathroom tryst… did Adrian realize he was basically French-kissing Sebastian by proxy?

Julian added, "Then Sebastian walked past carrying Isabelle."

Margaret sighed. "No shame. Kisses his ex, then proposes to another woman?"

"Pathetic," Richard muttered. "Using a woman’s devotion as a weapon."

Genevieve bit her lip. "Isabelle’s too good for this. She treated us assistants kindly during shoots. Should we warn her? Imagine dedicating years to someone, only to become his revenge pawn."

Sophia’s disgust was palpable. "Men like him never change. He’ll probably keep chasing Seraphina even after marriage, dragging Isabelle into his mess."

The group turned to Evelyn, who sat stiffly, face twitching.

Then—uncontrollable giggles erupted.

Hilarious! Everyone assumes Isabelle’s in love, just like Sebastian!

The Blackwoods froze. "Wait… she’s not?"

Nathan had already pieced it together.

Is it love? Or a manager molding her star like clay? If gender’s irrelevant, then Marcus must be head-over-heels for Julian, right?

Julian choked on his water.

The analogy struck like lightning. Of course—Isabelle’s dedication was professional, not romantic.

"Cough—Isabelle’s just doing her job," Julian managed.

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled. Smart boy. If Sebastian had half your brains, I wouldn’t be dying of laughter tonight.

He thinks Isabelle’s sacrifices equal undying love. Typical narcissist—can’t fathom a woman building her empire while he’s just another project. Honestly, she’s not raising a lover; she’s dealing with a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum!