Chapter 454
Chapter 454:
Isolde slipped her arm naturally through Arland’s. Her back was straight, her head high, her steps firm and unhurried as she moved down the carpet. Her gaze was clear and steady, without a flicker of hesitation.
The reporters snapped back to attention, flashguns blazing. The sound of shutters swallowed every other noise. Belle was left standing alone mid-sentence, ignored by everyone.
Arthur’s mouth fell open. “That’s… Mrs. Isolde p>
Grayson’s fingers tightened violently around his champagne flute, knuckles whitening, the glass trembling under his grip. His eyes burned with stunned admiration and something quieter beneath it — a longing he had no name for. He had never seen Isolde like this: confident, radiant, and completely out of reach.
Belle’s composed smile twisted into a rigid scowl. Her lips pressed thin, her nails digging into her palms. The pure, innocent persona she had so carefully constructed crumbled in that moment, and every trace of jealousy she had been suppressing rose dangerously close to the surface.
𝖸𝗈𝘂𝗋 𝗱ai𝗅𝘺 𝖽o𝗌e 𝗈f 𝗇ov𝗲𝗅𝘴 оn ѕ.с𝗼𝗺
Isolde stepped up to the signing board and penned her signature in one clean, elegant stroke: Isolde Carson, Carson Dynamics.
The host held a microphone toward her. “Ms. Carson, do you have any response to the recent rumors surrounding Carson Dynamics p>
Isolde smiled faintly. “Rumors stop at wise men. Carson Dynamics is here to showcase the future, not explain the past p>
She set down the microphone and walked straight into the inner ballroom, her posture unapologetic and commanding.
As she entered the main hall, prominent business leaders and industry figures turned to watch, the noise in the room dipping to a murmur. Arthur moved to intercept her, his tone carrying the sharp condescension he reserved for those he considered beneath him. “Ms. Carson, this is the VIP-only area. No unauthorized personnel allowed. Did you come here tonight to beg Mr. Grayson’s forgiveness, or because you’re short on funds p>
Isolde’s cold eyes swept over him. “Move, Arthur. You’re in my way p>
Arland stepped forward, his voice cutting. “Arthur, mind your place. You are speaking to the co-founder of Carson Dynamics p>
Grayson strode over. “Arthur, step back,” he said in a low growl. He turned to Isolde, his gaze intense. “You look extraordinary tonight p>
“Thank you,” Isolde said evenly. “Excuse me p>
She walked past him without a glance, her steps firm and purposeful, heading straight for the Nexus CEO at the center of the hall — her real target for the evening.
Grayson stood frozen, watching her retreating figure. For the first time, a sharp, suffocating panic washed over him. It felt as though he had lost her — completely and irrevocably.
The Metropolitan Club. Private Dining Room.
The Nexus Gala transitioned seamlessly into a closed-door dinner. The CEO of Nexus Corp preferred to evaluate his potential partners away from the flashing cameras.
The private dining room smelled of aged mahogany and roasted truffles. The heavy doors shut, isolating the group from the rest of Manhattan.
Isolde walked toward the long dining table. A waiter in a crisp white uniform stepped forward immediately and pulled out a high-backed leather chair for her. She sat down. Arland took the seat to her left.