Chapter 640

Harrison gave a subtle nod. "Most female tycoons are well-established in their forties or fifties, with decades of experience under their belts."

Nathaniel's lips thinned. "Jolin is remarkably young."

What? Jolin was young?

Harrison's eyes widened in surprise. "You've actually met Jolin?"

Another voice chimed in eagerly, "You have? You absolutely must tell us everything about her!"

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "I only saw her from behind. But she was unmistakably youthful."

Isabella's chest tightened. Nathaniel had encountered Jolin? When had that happened?

It was always the same—these alluring women circling Nathaniel like vultures.

Just then, a ripple of excitement spread through the crowd. "Look! Who is that breathtaking woman?"

Nathaniel glanced up—and there she was.

Arabella.

She had arrived in a sleek, black halter-neck fishtail gown, her hair elegantly swept up. The delicate straps of her dress accentuated her porcelain shoulders and sculpted collarbones. The gown clung to her slender waist, emphasizing her mesmerizing hourglass figure as she moved with effortless grace.

The moment she stepped inside, the room stilled. Every gaze locked onto her.

"She's absolutely stunning!"

"A goddess descended among mortals—her poise is unmatched."

"Hands down, the most captivating woman here tonight."

As the room buzzed with admiration for Arabella, Isabella and Arabella froze. Mere moments ago, they had been the center of attention. Now, Arabella had effortlessly stolen the spotlight, reducing them to mere shadows.

Arabella. Why did it always have to be Arabella?

Nathaniel's eyes lingered on her. Over the past three years, Arabella hadn’t changed drastically—yet somehow, she had transformed. Her beauty had fully bloomed, shifting from delicate to utterly mesmerizing.

As Arabella moved further into the room, Isabella quickly called out, "Arabella! You actually came!"

Curious gazes turned toward Isabella. "Ms. Lancaster, you know this young woman?"

Isabella lifted her chin with practiced arrogance. "Of course. This is Arabella. She grew up in the countryside."

Arabella swiftly added, "She dabbles in medicine, but she’s certainly not on the Forbes Billionaires list. I have no idea how she managed to sneak into the Zenith Gala."

Arabella met their eyes, offering a polite but distant smile before turning away.

Isabella’s voice turned icy. "Arabella, this isn’t the place for someone like you. You should leave immediately."

Arabella nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The Zenith Gala is for Forbes-listed elites only. You’re lowering the standard of the event. Get out."

Their goal was clear—to humiliate Arabella by having her forcibly removed.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened as he stepped protectively to Arabella’s side. "As long as I’m here, no one is making Arabella leave."

He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you."

Arabella met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "Mr. Hawk, I don’t need your protection. No one can force me to leave."

Isabella scoffed. "You’re delusional. I’ll have security escort you out myself."

With that, she raised her voice sharply. "I demand to speak to the event coordinator!"

Within moments, a harried-looking representative hurried over. "Ms. Lancaster, how may I assist you?"