When Isabella turned back to Adam Smith, that same smile became calm, reserved, and distant, wrapped in flawless politeness.
"Adam," she said evenly, "thank you for sending me here. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would've arrived very late."
Her tone was light, her words ordinary, yet the choice behind them was unmistakable.
The reporters and photographers around them exchanged glances, sudden realization flashing across their faces.
Adam Smith's heart clenched painfully.
His face turned pale, but he could only watch as Isabella gently pulled her hand free from his grip. She then moved closer to Victor, leaning naturally against his side, and allowed him to lead her into the hotel.
She never looked back.
Adam Smith stood frozen in place, unable to move. The carefully maintained smile on his face cracked little by little until it finally collapsed completely.
Sensing something unusual, several reporters immediately redirected their microphones and cameras toward him.
