Chapter 173

What began as a competition had now escalated into a display of wealth.

When it came to money, Nathaniel, the wealthiest man in Willowbrook, never backed down.

Isabella flashed him a coquettish smile, her delicate features glowing as she begged him to buy the bikini.

Nathaniel's gaze flickered between Isabella and Harrison.

Harrison met his eyes with a calm, steady look.

Isabella clung to his arm, pouting prettily. "Nathaniel, please? I want it so much!"

Nathaniel turned to the shopkeeper. "I'll pay double."

He offered twice the price for Isabella's bikini.

Isabella lifted her chin triumphantly, shooting Harrison a smug look that screamed, See? He chose me.

Alexander stepped forward immediately. "Nathaniel, you're ruining the fun. Sir, I'll pay triple."

He was determined to buy the bikini for Harrison.

Harrison shook her head. "Alexander, it's really not necessary—"

"Oh, but it is," Alexander countered with a grin. "I want to see you wear it."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Four times."

Alexander didn't hesitate. "Five."

The battle between the two men intensified.

"Six," Nathaniel snapped.

Before Alexander could respond, Harrison placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Alexander, I don’t want the pink one anymore."

She pointed to a striking emerald bikini. "I’d prefer that one."

The shopkeeper eagerly retrieved it. "Excellent choice, miss. It’ll look stunning on you."

Harrison gave Alexander a playful smile. "Would you buy this for me instead?"

Alexander understood immediately—she was diffusing the tension, sparing his pride while keeping things light.

She was always so considerate.

"Of course," he said warmly.

He paid for the emerald bikini without hesitation.

Harrison casually tossed the pink bikini to Isabella. "Here, you can have it. I’ve changed my mind."

Isabella froze, her expression shifting from smug to stunned.

Gabrielle laughed. "How funny—someone paid six times the price for something Harrison didn’t even want."

Isabella was speechless.

"Harrison, let’s go change," Gabrielle said, smirking at Nathaniel. "By the way, Alexander bought the emerald one. You should wear it for him."

Nathaniel's expression darkened.

Harrison smiled at Alexander. "Thank you. I’ll go get ready."

Alexander nodded. "Take your time."

Harrison and Gabrielle headed to the changing rooms.

Meanwhile, Isabella stood frozen, clutching the pink bikini, humiliation burning through her. She couldn’t throw it away, but keeping it felt like defeat.

Arabella’s face twisted with envy, resentment simmering toward Alexander for favoring Harrison.

By the time they reached the hot springs, Nathaniel and Alexander were already there. Isabella and Arabella followed shortly after.

Arabella called out eagerly, "Nathaniel, Isabella’s here!"

Nathaniel glanced up as Isabella stepped into view, the pink bikini hugging her dancer’s figure—toned from years of ballet, curves perfectly accentuated. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, making her look like a vision. A rose in full bloom.

The moment she entered, every man in the hot springs turned to stare.

Isabella basked in the attention, accustomed to the admiring gazes. She had always thrived under the spotlight.