Chapter 639

Nathaniel commanded attention like a gravitational force, his presence making every debutante in the ballroom subtly adjust their posture. Heads turned in unison as he moved through the crowd.

Isabella watched him beneath the crystal chandeliers, her pulse quickening. How could any woman resist this man? At the peak of his career now, she knew countless socialites fantasized about him.

She would make sure he belonged only to her.

With bated breath, Isabella continued her silent admiration.

Nearby, Arabella was already scanning the room like a predator. She needed someone tall, wealthy, and devastatingly attractive to attach herself to.

The past three years had seen Falcon Enterprises' value triple, making Nathaniel the undisputed king of real estate. Arabella hadn't intended to end things with Julian, but when his attention fixated solely on Rosalind, she'd taken the generous settlement and moved on.

"Arabella, who's caught your eye? I'll make introductions," Isabella offered.

Arabella's cheeks pinkened.

Just then, a broad-shouldered man with aristocratic features approached. "Excuse me, might I have the pleasure of your number?"

A wealthy heir was asking for Arabella's contact.

Flushing deeper, she retrieved her phone. "Of course."

After exchanging digits, the man smiled. "I'll message you. Perhaps we could share cocktails when you're free."

As he walked away, Isabella nudged her friend playfully. "See? Irresistible as always. Another conquest."

Arabella beamed. "I owe this to you."

"What are best friends for?" Isabella replied smoothly.

Both women had flourished these past years. Coming from elite families, blessed with beauty and ambition, their self-centered nature only propelled them further in high society.

Isabella guided Arabella toward Nathaniel's circle. "Nathaniel, darling."

The surrounding executives immediately greeted her. "Ms. Lancaster, what an honor."

Upon returning to Metropolia, she'd legally become Isabella Lancaster.

Her lips curved into a practiced smile. "Gentlemen."

"Ms. Lancaster, is your father not attending tonight's Zenith Gala?" one CEO inquired.

Isabella nodded gracefully.

"Indeed. Father rarely attends social functions anymore, but he insisted I experience this event." Her gaze softened as it landed on Nathaniel. "And of course, my fiancé Nathaniel is here. We arrived together."

Isabella was staking her claim publicly.

The truth was, the Lancaster-Falcon alliance had become an open secret among the elite. Marriage alliances strengthened dynasties, and everyone knew the game.

The executives immediately fawned, "We hear wedding bells will ring soon. When might we expect invitations?"

"What a perfect match. Truly destiny."

"The Falcon-Lancaster merger will be unstoppable. No competitors stand a chance now."

Isabella soaked in the admiration like sunlight. She lived for this validation.

Nathaniel's expression remained icy. He opened his mouth as if to speak.

But Arabella interjected first, "Speaking of powerful women, where is the elusive Adriana? She's conspicuously absent tonight?"

The mention of Adriana Rowe sent whispers through the crowd.

"That woman is in a league of her own. Rumor says her net worth rivals Mr. Falcon's!"

"Have you ever met her?"

"Never. She's a complete enigma."

Isabella, who harbored quiet resentment toward Adriana, smirked.

"To amass that kind of wealth, she must be practically ancient by now."