Chapter 976

Isabella couldn't stop talking about Felix Valdemar. She rambled on without realizing two hours had passed.

"That man is insufferable!" Isabella smacked the couch cushion in frustration. "I don't know what I did to deserve his constant harassment!"

She counted off on her fingers: "Stealing my projects, flaunting his achievements, always making sarcastic remarks!"

"But I gave as good as I got." A smug smile appeared. "I sabotaged three of his dates and reclaimed two projects."

Vivian rested her chin on her hand, watching with an amused expression.

"What's so funny, Viv?"

"Nothing." Vivian shook her head. "You two are quite entertaining."

Isabella frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You claim to hate him, yet your whole face lights up when talking about him." Vivian pointed out. "That's not how real hatred looks."

Isabella froze.

"Take Sophia and me." Vivian said quietly. "We'd gladly erase each other from existence. But you—do you truly want Felix gone?"

The question hit Isabella like cold water. She'd never considered it before.

If Felix really disappeared...

All their heated exchanges, their competitive banter, those moments of rage followed by instant retaliation...

"I... I don't know." For once, Isabella was at a loss for words.

Vivian stood and ruffled her hair. "Think about it. I believe Felix cares more than he lets on. I'm turning in."

Silence filled the room. Isabella stared absently at the sunlight outside.

Back home, it was midnight. Almost unconsciously, she picked up her phone and dialed Felix's number.

At that moment, Felix was entertaining clients at an upscale club. Cigarette smoke filled the private room, with hostesses seated beside each businessman.

His phone rang with a distinct tone—the custom ringtone he'd set exclusively for Isabella.

Felix's expression changed instantly.