Ever since Isabella Austin had come back into Andrew Lane's life, everyone knew that if Andrew showed up at a party with a date, it would only ever be Isabella on his

arm.

So when the two of them emerged together, Isabella gently holding Andrew's arm, the crowd exchanged knowing smiles.

It was no secret how much Andrew cared for Isabella, or how deep his affection ran. Everyone could see it-their closeness, the way his attention lingered on her, the little ways he looked after her.

Of course, that didn't stop some from trying their luck. There were those eager to forge a connection, not just with Andrew, but with Isabella as well. Both of them stood at the top of their respective fields-young, remarkable, and sharp-minded. It was no wonder people wanted to get close, and some didn't just think about it—they acted on it.

Yet every attempt, whether from a man or a woman, ended the same way: a brief, awkward exchange followed by a sheepish retreat. It was obvious to anyone watching—there was simply no room to wedge oneself between Andrew and Isabella.

If a man dared approach Isabella, Andrew's possessiveness would flare; he'd slip an arm around Isabella's slender waist, fixing the interloper with a look that brooked no argument. And if it was a woman who tried to chat up Andrew, Isabella barely had to lift a finger-Andrew would make it perfectly clear that he wasn't interested.

Even though they weren't the guests of honor that night, plenty of eyes lingered on them. Their dynamic was impossible to ignore, and people found themselves quietly admiring the strength of their bond.

A well-dressed woman stepped forward, smiling warmly. “Ms. Austin, you and Mr. Lane seem so happy together. I can't help but feel a little envious."

Isabella smiled, tightening her hold on Andrew's arm and lowering her voice playfully. "Oh, I'm sure we're not as perfect as you all imagine."

The woman's smile turned sly. "Oh, but we can all see it. The way Mr. Lane looks after you—it's obvious to everyone."

A faint blush rose on Isabella's cheeks. She glanced up at Andrew, her eyes shy but shining.

Andrew's expression was calm, but the subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth didn't escape anyone's notice.

The people gathered around were sharp. They caught the look instantly, and knew their compliments had struck the right chord.

The Lane family held unrivaled influence in the city-perhaps even the entire country, if not the world. And of all the younger Lanes, Andrew was without question the brightest and most accomplished.

Soon, the group was showering Andrew and Isabella with praises—they were the perfect match, made for each other.

It took Grandpa Kevin himself to step in and put a stop to the chorus of compliments.

"Thank you, everyone. When the big day comes, I promise you'll all have invitations."

He looked at Andrew with a mixture of exasperation and pride. "Since you know Isabella is expecting, you really shouldn't be dragging her all over the place. You ought to think more about her health."

The crowd's laughter swelled, everyone understanding the implication. They all remembered what they'd overheard earlier, when they'd followed Grandpa Kevin to Andrew's lounge and caught a few unmistakable sounds coming from behind the door.

Isabella didn't quite grasp what they were getting at, but she composed herself, maintaining her poise. "Andrew always takes good care of me."

The laughter grew even louder. Someone called out teasingly, "Oh, Ms. Austin, there's no need to be embarrassed. We all heard what was going on in the lounge a little while ago. It's only natural-believe me, we've all been young once."

At that, Isabella's smile faltered, realization slowly dawning. Her expression froze as she pieced it together, embarrassment and confusion flickering in her eyes. She looked up at Andrew, searching for reassurance.

But Andrew was perfectly composed, showing no reaction at all.

Isabella forced a smile. "Just now? When was that, exactly?"

One of the guests replied eagerly, "Oh, it was only fifteen, twenty minutes ago. We

all heard you through the door, Ms. Austin. Don't tell me you forgot?"

Isabella twisted her hands together, taking a deep breath and forcing herself to

laugh along. “So, you were all eavesdropping, were you?"

But a chill ran through her. She hadn't even been there fifteen or twenty minutes ago -how could those noises have been her?

Who else had been in Andrew's lounge?

A storm of anger and humiliation welled up inside her, but she swallowed it down, keeping up appearances and joking with the others until the crowd finally dispersed.

When they were alone, Isabella kept her gaze lowered, clutching at the hem of Andrew's jacket. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Andrew," she said, lifting her head and mustering a strained smile. "Who was that woman?"