Chapter 3 Lose Composure

"Isabella?" Richard's eyes flashed with shock and confusion, almost losing composure as he lowered his voice to ask, "What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer. Instead, I turned to Jayden and greeted him with a handshake, keeping my usual poised smile.

Then I asked softly, "Richard, since when did Eva become the chief planner at Ahmed Group? How come I never knew?"

Richard was momentarily stunned but quickly covered it up, saying, "It's a necessary change for the group's operations. Eva's talents will bring more benefits to the company. Plus, she did an excellent job on the AO3 project."

I pretended to be confused, "But the person responsible for the AO3 project... was me-"

Before I could finish, he abruptly interrupted, "Isabella, not now. Don't talk about this in front of others."

Richard hurriedly bid farewell to Jayden and led me towards a corner of the ballroom. I noticed Eva's gaze was filled with smugness and arrogance.

"I'm sorry." Richard pulled me to a secluded spot, he sounded apologetic, "This wasn't my idea; it was my father Danny's."

I replied coldly, "The AO3 project is mine. You know how much effort I put into it."

Richard reached out to embrace me, speaking in a low voice, "Of course I know. But if I want my parents to agree to our marriage, I have to make compromises."

My breath caught.

Richard's parents never liked me. To keep Richard and his family out of criminal syndicate conflicts, I hid my identity as Brooks family's heiress. In their eyes, I was just an ordinary girl surviving on scholarships. Meanwhile, Eva, the adopted daughter of Ahmed family with millions in inheritance, was their perfect match for Richard.

"Isabella, I promise this will be the last time," Richard said urgently. "Just endure it once more, for our future."

I stared at him. This man, whom I once loved with all my heart, had said the same "the last time" too many times before.

I almost raised my hand to slap him but forced myself to hold back.

I lowered my gaze, pretending to be aggrieved. "Alright... for our wedding."

His eyes lit up, and he hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Isabella, thank you for your understanding."

In his embrace, my resentment deepened.

At that moment, Eva approached. "Richard!" she called flirtatiously, deliberately elongating her voice.

As Richard let go of me, Eva inappropriately linked her arm with his. She leaned her body against him, subtly rubbing her soft chest against him, and pouted, "Richard, it's my first time at such a grand event. I'm so scared and need you with me."

I raised an eyebrow. Eva dared to provoke me at such an event.

Even more disgusting, she turned to me and called out coyly, "Isabella, can I borrow him for a while?"

Richard's face darkened, and he warned softly, "Eva, stop messing around."

But Eva acted as if she didn't hear, cheerfully saying, "Isabella is so generous; she surely won't mind."

I smirked coldly. "Of course not."

Richard awkwardly whispered to me, "I might be busy with socializing until late tonight. You should go home and rest later, okay?"

With that, he was forcibly dragged away by Eva.

I watched them leave, feeling utterly hollow inside.

Memories rushed in-countless nights of dates, where a single call from Eva would make him leave without hesitation. Whether it was a date, shopping, or watching a movie, even when I was sick, he would leave me to comfort Eva, who was "having nightmares".

I once foolishly thought it was his genuine care like a brother, but now I see I was blind and foolish.

I forced myself to remain calm; being Brooks family's heiress, I couldn't lose composure in such a setting.

Once I steadied my emotions, I returned to the ballroom to complete the final negotiations with Erick Douglas.

Throughout the conversation, I displayed the professionalism and composure expected of me, though anger churned inside.

Finally, I made it through until I could leave.

In the underground parking lot, just as I unlocked my car, my phone buzzed.

A message popped up on the screen-it was from Eva.

"Want to know how great Richard is in bed? Come to the underground parking lot."