Chapter 363

That was pure nonsense.

Isabelle Montgomery could never obtain a jewelry piece that even an esteemed collector like Isabella Laurent couldn't access.

Though shocked by Isabelle's audacity, Cassandra Blackwood played along. "You're incredible, Isabelle! If you can secure Alexa's jewelry, Isabella will definitely return to us. We can finally get back at Evelyn, help Nathan, and—best of all—make him see you in a new light. You'll be Blackwood Industries' savior, and Nathan won't be able to resist you."

Isabelle smirked, swirling her wine. "So we just need to steal the case from Evelyn."

Cassandra nodded, though her mind raced with different plans.

Helping Nathan wasn't her goal—they weren't full siblings, after all.

But this was her chance to shine. If she orchestrated this instead of Nathan, she could prove her worth to their father and restore her mother's fading influence in the family.

Isabelle was merely a stepping stone.

Cassandra's eyes gleamed with ambition, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Tonight was a disaster," Isabelle huffed. "Nathan left early, and Julian didn't even show up like he promised. What's his problem? I should've thrown a fit."

"Julian did come," Cassandra said coolly. "But he left shortly after."

"When?"

"While you were playing the piano. He brought my sister, Eleanor, with him." Cassandra smirked. "Funny, isn't it? My sister—the so-called 'idiot'—was the center of attention, all thanks to Julian."

"Your sister? That dimwit?"

Isabelle's jaw dropped. She couldn't fathom her brother associating with someone like Eleanor.

She knew Eleanor all too well.

Back in their Crestview Academy days, they'd been classmates. Isabelle had made sure Eleanor's school years were a living nightmare.

"I already have enough problems before marrying into the Montgomery family," Cassandra sighed dramatically, her eyes turning icy. "And now, your brother might actually have feelings for my sister."

"Feelings? For her?" Isabelle shot up, knocking over her glass. "That idiot isn't worthy of Julian!"

Cassandra hid a smirk behind a sympathetic expression. "You didn't see it, but Julian was devoted to her tonight. He bought her a new dress, whispered sweet nothings—claimed she was the only one who mattered. It was sickening."

She knew Julian was too much of a playboy to genuinely care for Eleanor.

But she needed Isabelle riled up.

Isabelle's rage simmered as Cassandra painted the scene.

She slumped back into her seat, sipping her wine with a dark expression. The shadows under her eyes deepened.

Julian was her brother—no one understood him better than she did.

Over the years, he'd never shown real interest in any woman. But Cassandra had noticed his unusual attention toward Eleanor.

That couldn't happen.

Isabelle had tormented Eleanor relentlessly.

Years may have passed, but she doubted Eleanor had forgotten.

If Julian and Eleanor grew close, Eleanor might use him for revenge.

It didn’t matter if Julian married her or not—he’d do anything to make her happy.

Isabelle clenched her teeth. "Don’t worry. As long as I’m alive, Eleanor will never be with my brother."

The Monarch Grand Hotel’s VIP suite exuded opulence. A grand round table displayed ten exquisite dishes, each a masterpiece of aroma and presentation. The wine served was a rare vintage, worthy of a high-end auction.

The conversation flowed effortlessly—films, jewelry collections, high society gossip.

The dinner was nothing short of perfection.