Chapter 96

All heads turned toward the sudden interruption.

Cassian Ashbourne made his entrance, following closely behind Jason with an amused smirk, his confident stride cutting through the crowded lobby.

Isabella's eyes lit up instantly, her heart swelling with pure delight.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel's expression darkened, his piercing gaze turning glacial.

An unexpected chill swept through the air around Isabella, as if an arctic wind had suddenly materialized beside her.

Her gaze flickered nervously to Nathaniel. His handsome features had clouded over, those deep-set eyes now harboring a brewing tempest. The intensity was unsettling.

"Mr. Sinclair, my apologies for the delay."

Cassian offered a courteous bow to the elder Sinclair. The Ashbourne president had forgone his usual tailored suits today, opting instead for an exquisitely crafted traditional ensemble that accentuated his refined elegance.

The surrounding guests found themselves captivated once more.

Between Mr. Kingsley, Mr. Vanderbilt, and President Ashbourne... the attendees were already fantasizing about which billionaire would star in their dreams tonight.

"Not at all, Mr. Ashbourne. Your presence alone honors this celebration," Sinclair replied warmly, showing no trace of discomfort despite Cassian being Emeric Ashbourne's heir.

Isabella exhaled quietly in relief.

She'd feared Mr. Sinclair might disapprove of Cassian's attendance, but her worries had been unfounded.

"Come here, darling," Cassian extended his hand with a tender smile.

Across the room, Victoria and Amelia exchanged knowing glances, their lips curling in malicious anticipation.

They couldn't wait to see Isabella trapped between two powerful men, her carefully constructed facade crumbling before Mr. Sinclair's eyes.

"Of course."

To everyone's shock, Isabella moved without hesitation, her steps light and eager as she crossed to Cassian's side.

Victoria and Amelia's smirks faltered.

Daniel watched the woman he loved return to Cassian's side, the bitter taste of rejection sharp on his tongue. So this was what being second choice felt like. It burned.

Nathaniel's shoulders tensed visibly. His hand twitched upward, grasping at empty air.

He didn't know what he hoped to catch. Only that an indescribable ache had taken root in his chest.

"Hmm? When did Isabella grow so close with Mr. Ashbourne?" Sinclair mused aloud.

"Didn't you know? Isabella is now—"

Victoria's attempted revelation was cut short by Cassian's smooth interjection.

"Mr. Sinclair, I must thank you for your care these past three years. Isabella speaks of you often—considers you family. Your kindness toward her hasn't gone unnoticed."

With that, Cassian's arm slid possessively around Isabella's slender waist.

The crowd gasped.

They made a striking pair—like protagonists stepping out of a prime-time drama.

Nathaniel's fists clenched until his knuckles whitened. His blood ran cold.

"But from today onward," Cassian continued with disarming charm, "Isabella will be under the Ashbourne family's protection. While she may no longer be a Kingsley, her affection for you remains unchanged. You'll always hold the highest place in her heart."

Every word was delivered with impeccable grace and respect.

"Wait—are you two...?" Sinclair's shocked gaze darted between them.

"Isabella and Mr. Ashbourne are together now," Harrison murmured. "She's moved on, so perhaps we should stop pushing her toward Nathaniel. Forced reunions never last."

"Exactly," Victoria chimed in sweetly. "Cassian whisked Isabella away almost immediately after the divorce. Clearly there was something between them all along."

"Something between them?" Sinclair's bushy eyebrows shot upward.

"How else would things progress so quickly?" Victoria's voice dripped honeyed venom. "There's no point clinging to dead marriages. Better to let everyone find true happiness. You needn't worry about Isabella anymore—the Ashbournes are every bit as prestigious as the Kingsleys."

Her words were calculated daggers.

She waited eagerly for Isabella's carefully cultivated innocence to shatter before Mr. Sinclair's eyes.

Isabella worried her lower lip, gaze downcast.

She'd anticipated this moment. Even if Mr. Sinclair condemned her now, she was prepared.

"Mr. Sinclair, don't blame Isabella," Nathaniel interjected hoarsely, his eyes never leaving her. "She owes me nothing. If she's chosen Cassian... I wish her happiness."

The word 'wish' tasted like ash in his mouth.

Isabella's breath hitched. She couldn't help staring at Nathaniel in shock. In all their years together, that proud man had never once called her by that affectionate nickname.

Had he used it during their marriage, she would have treasured it.

Now, her lips twisted in a bitter half-smile. The endearment brought no comfort.

"Ridiculous! As if your blessing matters!" Sinclair snapped, delivering two sharp smacks to Nathaniel's shoulder. "Is it Isabella's fault she found someone better? This is on you! You couldn't recognize a treasure when you had one!"

The blunt declaration sent shockwaves through the room.

Victoria and Amelia paled beneath their makeup.

In that moment, they realized the truth—Mr. Sinclair's favoritism toward Isabella was absolute. No amount of scheming could shake it.

Nathaniel absorbed the scolding silently before gritting out, "As long as you're not angry with her, that's all that matters."

"Angry? I don't have enough hours in the day to adore that girl! Isabella, come here. You too, Mr. Ashbourne!"

Isabella and Cassian shared a brief glance before approaching.

"Mr. Sinclair, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner—" Isabella began, voice trembling.

"Pish posh! All I care about is your happiness," Sinclair declared warmly before fixing Cassian with a stern look. "Young man, your family's complicated. Promise me you'll protect Isabella—ensure she never faces mistreatment among the Ashbournes. Or I'll personally intervene, regardless of who you are."

Cassian's lips quirked as he recalled Isabella riding his cousin like a pony and doodling on his uncle's face. His response came effortlessly: "You have my word."

Though advanced in years, Sinclair's perception remained razor-sharp. He noted the genuine affection in Cassian's gaze.

With reluctant acceptance, Sinclair sighed. "Mr. Ashbourne, I'm entrusting Isabella to you. Do what Nathaniel failed to—love her properly."

Nathaniel flinched as if struck.

"I will."

Cassian's quiet vow carried unshakable conviction.

Nathaniel's breath came ragged, his gaze locked on Isabella standing beside Cassian.

The woman who was once his.

A profound emptiness engulfed him—as if his very soul had been torn away. Hot tears pricked at his eyes.