Chapter 31
Her health remained remarkably stable, thanks to the healthy kidney she had received from Isabella. Perhaps it was the flourishing of her career, but Victoria now radiated vitality. Her beauty had become a celebrated topic among the elite social circles.
Naturally, her enduring romance with Nathan had also become a well-known and accepted narrative in high society. People often praised Nathan for his integrity and deep love for Victoria. It was said that he had secured a kidney from Isabella for Victoria and, in return,
had married Isabella out of honor and responsibility.
This combination of wealth, looks, love, and loyalty made Nathan a rare gem-a man idolized by countless young women. His career continued to rise steadily, solidifying his image as a paragon of perfection.
However, beneath this dazzling facade, an unseen marital cancer was festering, waiting for the right moment to erupt and dismantle this seemingly flawless world, leaving behind nothing but devastation.
---
A plane cut across the skies over the Pacific, heading toward the imperial capital. Onboard, a woman of icy elegance rested against the back of her seat, her eyes closed as if in light slumber.
Her cascading hair resembled flowing seaweed, and her exquisitely sculpted features-small, radiant, and delicate like a masterpiece crafted by the divine-exuded an otherworldly beauty. Yet, the aloofness radiating from her kept others at a respectful distance. Beside her, a young girl with doll-like features unfolded a pillow and gently transformed it into a blanket, draping it over the woman with the utmost care.
"Big Sis, how much longer until we arrive?"
Without opening her eyes, the woman's muffled voice emerged. "About thirty minutes until we land in the capital," replied Ava, her excitement barely contained. "Where will we stay once we're there?" Ava asked.
Isabella pondered for a moment before responding, "Let's find a hotel first."
Ava tilted her head, puzzled. "But weren't we returning to celebrate Young Master Sanchez's coming-of-age ceremony? Why not visit his home?"
A faint smile played at the corners of Isabella's lips. "To give him a surprise, of course."
Ava chuckled. "Good point."
"Then why aren't we going to the Hill family home? Aren't you planning to divorce that man?" Ava pressed.
"I'll have a lawyer handle it." Isabella's tone was cool. She had no desire to see Nathan, preferring to avoid any interaction that might sour her mood.
---
When their plane touched down at the imperial capital's airport, Isabella and Ava disembarked, each dragging a large suitcase behind them. A fine drizzle was falling as they stepped into the chilly depths of winter. Feeling the bone-deep cold, Ava quickly retrieved a down coat from one of the suitcases and draped it over Isabella. "Sis, you can't let yourself catch cold," Ava said, her concern evident.
Wrapped in the long coat, Isabella felt warmth not only in her body but also in her heart. Over the past two years, she and Ava had relied on each other, their bond growing as close as family.
Isabella's career had flourished at an extraordinary pace. With the wisdom accumulated over two lifetimes and the personal guidance of her mentor, Professor Jasmine, she had climbed the ladder of success. Jasmine had also provided essential resources-talent, supply chains, and even technical support-helping Isabella build her empire as if she were standing on the shoulders of giants.
In just two short years, Isabella had founded her own fashion empire. Her brand, Dong Yun, had already opened more than a dozen chain stores across the country. By offering products that catered to high-end, mid-range, and budget-conscious markets, Dong Yun had carved out a competitive edge, thriving in the industry with remarkable success.
In today's fashion industry, even the top players had to address her as Mrs. Moore.
But Isabella's return had another purpose: to divorce Nathan.
The elders of the Hill family were opportunistic and materialistic. If they discovered her newfound success, they would undoubtedly reassess the benefits this marriage brought to their family. Once they weighed the pros and cons, they might not let her divorce Nathan so easily.
Thus, Isabella decided to conceal her identity and proceed with the divorce first.
Following her request, Ava found her a modest hotel-affordable, quiet, and close to the Civil Affairs Bureau. However, upon moving in, Isabella discovered the hotel was actually owned by the Sanchez family.
Her arrival immediately drew the staff's admiration. "She's so beautiful and elegant, like she's from a prestigious family or a superstar!"
Isabella found this amusing.
They didn't understand that, as the saying goes, "Clothes make the man." In her hands, even the plainest materials could transform into miracles.
Holding their room keys, they entered the VIP section of the hotel, only to bump into its owner, Guillermo, in the hallway.
Perhaps her beauty was indeed mesmerizing, as Guillermo couldn't tear his gaze away.
His entourage didn't notice his distraction and continued reporting:
"Master Sanchez, this weekend is Young Master Theodore's 18th birthday. The old master has ordered a grand celebration and invited all prominent business figures in the alliance to attend." Guillermo snorted, his disdain evident. "Does he think Grandpa's favoritism will make him the star? Send him a cheap suit and a knockoff Rolex watch for the event.
"These business moguls are sharp enough to see his shabby attire and realize his position in the Sanchez family is lower than a dog's. His coming-of-age ceremony will become his social funeral."
His lackeys burst into laughter. "Master Sanchez, you're brilliant! That kid is too young to understand that wearing the wrong outfit can ruin his reputation."
"Hmph, even though he's a Sanchez, my father never liked him and didn't bother teaching him about luxury brands. He's 18 now and still clueless about high fashion and jewelry. Judging by his cheap wardrobe, he's utterly ignorant in this area."
One of the lackeys hesitated. "Master Sanchez, we should still be cautious. That kid might be young, but he's cunning. Don't forget how he's outsmarted us before."
Guillermo smirked. "Relax. I'm fully prepared this time. I've already spoken to several luxury brands, and they won't lend him any clothes. Even if he figures out our scheme, there's nothing he can do."
As Isabella walked past them, she overheard their conversation. Her hand gripped the room key so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Theodore had only been back with the Sanchez family for two years, since he was 16. Guillermo showed no brotherly affection and instead plotted against him so cruelly.
Her heart ached for Theodore, who had lost his mother young and received no warmth from his family. How lonely he must feel.
She cast a cold, piercing glance at Guillermo, her gaze like two deadly arrows in the dark night.
But Guillermo, bewitched by her beauty, started walking toward her.
Closer and closer.
Suddenly, Isabella remembered that Guillermo was thick as thieves with her unfaithful husband, Nathan.
Afraid of being recognized, she hurried away.
Guillermo watched as she disappeared into her room and begrudgingly ordered his lackey, "Find out everything about this beauty." "Yes, sir."