Chapter 544

"Isabella Langley, who the hell are you insulting?"

"I didn't name anyone. Why are you so eager to claim it?" Isabella arched an eyebrow defiantly.

Felix Valdemar's expression darkened. "You were clearly talking about me."

"So what if I was?" She scoffed. "Haven't I insulted you enough? I just can't stand your disgusting behavior."

"What behavior?" He took a step closer. "Who I spend time with is none of your business. Why do you care so much?" A mocking smirk twisted his lips. "Are you jealous? Could it be...you actually like me?"

"Ugh!" Isabella recoiled in disgust. "Like you? In your dreams! I'd rather fall for a stray dog than waste my time on you!"

Her words stabbed through Felix like shards of glass. What was so wrong with him? Why did she despise him this much?

"Good." He turned away coldly.

They both snorted in unison, deliberately avoiding each other's gaze.

Felix returned to his seat and downed glass after glass of liquor, but the alcohol only fueled his irritation.

On the dance floor, Isabella swayed with a handsome partner, her laughter bright and movements uninhibited.

Felix glared at the infuriating sight and drained another shot.

"What's your deal with her?" Patrick Alpinus asked suddenly.

"Who?"

"The one dancing."

"Don't know her." Felix's reply was clipped.

"You don't know her, yet you can't take your eyes off her? They're practically glued to her body."

Felix finally tore his gaze away. "I was looking at someone else! This place is full of beautiful women. Why focus on her? That woman is completely unreasonable!"

He launched into a rant, listing every single one of Isabella's supposed faults.

Patrick sipped his drink calmly, waiting until Felix finished before stating plainly, "You like her."

"Bullshit!" Felix bristled like a provoked animal. "How could I possibly like that lunatic? Look at Sophia Sherwood—now that's what a real goddess looks like!"

"Then why do you keep provoking Isabella?" Patrick's words struck true. "Like some schoolboy with a crush, too scared to admit it so you pick fights for attention."

"Fuck off!" Felix's face flushed crimson. "I'm warning you—don't spread that nonsense! Especially not where she might hear it. That woman would be insufferable if she knew!"

A faint smile touched Patrick's lips. When had Felix become so transparent?