Chapter 32

The buzz from the last auction really did a number on Pearl's rep, and folks were having a field day talking smack behind her back.

This time around, she was dead set on fixing the mess she made at Mason's birthday bash and getting her image back on track.

With curious eyes on her, the door of the Rolls-Royce swung open, and Pearl stepped out in her high heels. The paparazzi went nuts, snapping pics like crazy.

Pearl rocked a black evening gown that hugged her curves just right, showing off her sexy figure and oozing charm from every angle.

Someone whispered, "Is that really the same Ms. Brown we used to know?"

"Pearl looks absolutely stunning in that dress, and her figure is to die for!"

"I haven't seen anyone as gorgeous as her in ages."

Hearing the chatter, Pearl couldn't help but smile.

'I've been practicing my manners and picking out the perfect outfit and makeup for this banquet, just to show everyone I'm better than Isabella!' Pearl thought, strutting towards the venue, taking her sweet time so the cameras could get their fill and she could make the headlines.

Suddenly, there was a gasp behind her. Thinking something was wrong with her dress, she checked but found nothing amiss. She turned around, eyebrows furrowed, and was stunned.

A taxi had pulled up outside the fancy venue, sticking out like a sore thumb among all the luxury cars. And out stepped Isabella.

Isabella was also in a black dress, flaunting her beautiful shoulders. A pearl-colored belt cinched her slim waist, and she wore red high heels that highlighted her slender neck and butterfly-like collarbones.

The journalists were floored. Isabella, who usually dressed conservatively, was now rocking a sexy look just like Pearl.

Both in black dresses, both stunning, and both with a history of conflict-this was a story waiting to happen.

Who was more beautiful, Pearl or Isabella?

Pearl's face darkened. She hated to admit it, but Isabella seemed to be stealing the spotlight. Isabella's new look was a big hit, sparking even more curiosity.

Unlike Pearl, Isabella didn't give a damn about the admiring glances. Amelia had picked out this dress for her, reminding her, "You've lived your whole life under your parents' expectations, always dignified and elegant. It's time to live for yourself!"

Isabella agreed, and since this was her last shot, she went for the daring dress.

As Isabella was about to head in, Pearl blocked her path. Isabella's voice was icy, "Move aside."

Pearl, glaring at Isabella's beautiful face, wished she could rip it off. Pearl got closer, using her body to block the reporters' cameras.

She hissed, "Can't win John's heart, so you're trying to seduce his uncle instead?"

Isabella frowned, "I'll say it again, move, or I'll hit you right here."

"Do you dare!" Pearl scoffed, not believing Isabella would actually do it.

Isabella raised her hand to slap, of course she dared-what did she have to care about when she was close to death?

Pearl, seeing Isabella's hand go up, suddenly felt a pang of fear.

Luckily, the staff noticed the tension and quickly stepped in, saying, "Ms. Brown, Ms. Taylor, the banquet's about to start, and there are people waiting behind you. Please don't block the entrance."

Isabella lowered her hand, and Pearl let out a sigh of relief. But the fact that Isabella had managed to scare her made Pearl even more resentful.

Pearl followed Isabella inside and blocked her path again. She leaned in and sneered, "Don't think that cozying up to Mr. Mason Williams will get you to marry John's uncle. Only someone with my background is worthy of him! Don't get any ideas."

Isabella shot her a cold look and then slapped her hard across the face.

They were inside the banquet hall now, so the reporters were kept outside, but there were still people around. Pearl's anger flared up instantly. Just as sh was about to lose it, Jasper and Mia quickly approached.

"Pearl, long time no see. How's your father?" Jasper greeted her.

Mia quickly pulled Isabella away.

Pearl glared at Jasper, "Your daughter just hit me, and you want to walk away?"

Jasper kept his smile. "I'll talk to her about it. There are a lot of people here. Let's discuss this after the banquet."

Pearl knew Jasper was warning her and could only glare resentfully at Isabella before walking away.

"See, your dad still cares about you. Don't be mad at us anymore," Mia tried to comfort Isabella.

Isabella stayed cold, knowing Jasper was only helping her because she was still useful, not out of genuine affection.

Seeing Isabella silent, Mia continued, "You look so beautiful today. You'll definitely catch John's eye."

Jasper nodded, "Isabella, you've really grown up."

Isabella didn't want to stay with her parents any longer. She finally spoke up, "I'll go over to Mr. Williams' table."

She walked towards the main table, where several important members of the Williams Family were already seated. Isabella scanned the crowd, looking for John's uncle, but he wasn't there.

Mason waved at her, "Isabella! Come sit over here."

Isabella took a seat next to Mason. Mason was dressed in a suit today, looking rejuvenated, like he'd suddenly become ten years younger.

Isabella smiled, "Mason, happy birthday."

"Finally willing to sit at my table this year?" Mason teased.

"That's right. You're going to marry John, so you should sit here," Mason said with a smile.

Every year, Mason reserved a seat for Isabella at the main table, but she always declined, fearing John's disapproval.

Now, Isabella didn't need to consider John's thoughts anymore; she just wanted to be happy.

Isabella was about to speak when her expression suddenly changed. She saw John and Bianca behind Mason. Bianca looked worse for wear, sitting in a wheelchair, her face pale and fragile. John stood beside her, gently holding Bianca's hand.

The onlookers' gazes playfully fell on Isabella. They all knew the complicated relationship between the three of them. How would Isabella, as John's fiancée, handle this?

Bianca looked at John, only to find him staring at Isabella the whole time. This made her very unhappy.

"John," Bianca called out.

John snapped out of it, realizing he'd been staring at Isabella. She looked so stunning today that she caught his attention.

Unhappily, John said to Isabella, "Why are you at this table?"