He stood there in a neat coat, tall and clean, his brows drawn together in shock. His gaze flicked from Vanessa's raised hand… to Isabella's reddened cheek.
Vanessa felt the blood drain from her face.
She had invited Brandon to the art exhibition today, yes, but she never imagined he would appear here, at this exact moment, at the worst possible second.
It felt like fate had reached down just to strangle her.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
Because she suddenly remembered something she didn't want to remember.
Isabella was the woman Brandon had loved for years.
Even if he claimed he was over her.
Even if he said he only cared about Vanessa now.
Even if he swore it last night, holding her hand, looking into her eyes…
How could she be sure?
She couldn't gamble.
Not when her entire future depended on him.
Not when she had already betrayed too many people for this position.
