Chapter 318
Yet, Isabelle Montgomery was exceptionally close to Cassandra Blackwood, driven by one simple reason - Cassandra belonged to the prestigious Blackwood family.
In Isabelle's eyes, only those from elite families like the Blackwoods deserved her friendship.
"Oh Cassandra, you look absolutely stunning today! And you brought gifts? How incredibly thoughtful of you!" Isabelle greeted Cassandra at the door with a dazzling smile. The two embraced like long-lost sisters, their hands clasped tightly.
"Isabelle! I've missed you terribly! You've grown even more beautiful since our last meeting!" Cassandra showered her with compliments while carefully concealing her true intentions.
Knowing Julian Montgomery's deep affection for his younger sister, befriending Isabelle would give Cassandra the perfect excuse to visit the Montgomery estate frequently.
Cassandra planned to subtly win Isabelle over. If Isabelle spoke highly of her to Julian, she could quickly ascend to become the future Mrs. Montgomery.
The cunning in Cassandra's heart was truly remarkable.
"During my recent European tour, I picked up some souvenirs. I got something special for you and Mrs. Montgomery. They're just small tokens, I hope you won't be disappointed."
Isabelle eyed the mountain of luxury gift boxes, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Did you get something for my brother too?"
"Yes...but I was worried he might not like it and would refuse it." Cassandra blushed, lowering her head demurely.
"Oh my! Look at you blushing like a schoolgirl at the mere mention of him!" Isabelle teased playfully. "Leave it to me. He'll accept anything I give him."
"Thank you so much, Isabelle! You're absolutely wonderful!" Overjoyed, Cassandra immediately retrieved Julian's gift.
Isabelle took the exquisite velvet box and opened it to reveal a platinum tie pin with sapphire accents - clearly an expensive piece.
Just then, Julian descended the grand staircase wearing a custom YSL purple suit with a rose-patterned silk shirt. His ethereal elegance and noble bearing made him seem almost otherworldly.
Cassandra stared at her idol with undisguised admiration, her mouth slightly agape.
"Julian!" Isabelle called sweetly to her brother.
Julian's indulgent smile for his sister instantly turned frosty when he noticed Cassandra. "Ms. Blackwood, to what do we owe this visit?"
"I...I..." Cassandra stammered nervously.
"Julian, I invited Cassandra over," Isabelle said, wrapping an arm around Cassandra's shoulders. "We've been best friends forever, didn't you know? She's my closest companion in Crestview."
"Is that so? I wasn't aware." Julian arched an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Isabelle, I don't object to you making friends, but choose wisely. Some friends elevate you, while others drag you down."
Isabelle subtly glanced at Cassandra, who had turned pale with humiliation.
"I know what I'm doing, Julian. I'm twenty-two, not a child! Don't you think I can tell good people from bad?" Isabelle retorted calmly.
"Since you haven't spent much time in Crestview these past years, if you truly want companionship, I could introduce you to Ms. Evelyn Carter. She's the beautiful lady you saw last night." Julian's voice softened noticeably when mentioning Evelyn. "Coincidentally, she's acquainted with your mentor, Sebastian Laurent. You'd have much in common."
Isabelle inwardly scoffed at the suggestion. The absurdity! Befriending her romantic rival?
As Julian moved to pinch his sister's cheek affectionately before leaving, Isabelle seized the moment to thrust the gift into his hands.
"Julian, this is something Cassandra specially picked for you. She put her heart into it, so you must accept it properly," Isabelle said, blinking her large, innocent eyes at him.
Julian took the box without comment and strode away with effortless grace.
"See? I told you. If it comes from me, he'll never refuse," Isabelle boasted, hands on her hips.
Cassandra was so moved that tears welled in her eyes as she gazed gratefully at Isabelle.
Julian reached the doorway, his expression unreadable.
He glanced coldly at the delicate box, not even bothering to open it. Raising his arm, he seemed ready to toss it away carelessly.
Then, remembering his sister's words, he spotted his female secretary by the car. A smirk played on his lips as he flicked the box toward her.
The secretary caught it hastily, confusion written across her face. "Mr. Montgomery, what's this?"
"A gift for you."
She opened it and frowned. "But sir, this is a men's tie clip. I don't even have a boyfriend. What would I do with it?"
Julian waved impatiently. "Give it to your father then. Or use it as a paperweight. I couldn't care less what you do with it."