Chapter 181: Rely On Women

Overwhelmed by anticipation, Isabella walked briskly. Rounding a corner, someone stumbled, sending a box tumbling toward her. For a moment, Isabella couldn't stop. Just as scattered objects threatened to hit her, she felt a powerful force pulling her back.

In a blink, she found herself in a strong embrace. Surprisingly, she hadn't been touched. Alexander's arm was around her waist; his other shielded her front. "Are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice carrying concern despite its cool undertones.

Isabella, slightly startled, replied, "I'm fine, I'm fine."

Alexander released her. They saw a young girl with a high ponytail and a black mask sitting awkwardly on the ground, a box of cosmetics spilled around her. The girl quickly stood, pulled down her mask, and bowed. "I'm sorry! I hope I didn't hurt you Wait Ms. Jeannet?"

Isabella recognized Dakota Meadows, the assistant makeup artist from the "My Acting Skill" production team. "Dakota? Is that you?"

Dakota, clearly surprised, apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Jeannet. I didn't have a good grip."

Isabella frowned. "It's all right, but you don't seem well."

Dakota looked pale and exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes. "I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. "I haven't eaten, and I think I got lightheaded from low blood sugar."

Someone called for Dakota from a distance. She quickly said, "Ms. Jeannet, please continue. I won't keep you." She glanced at Alexander before hurrying to gather her scattered makeup. Seeing her frantic state, Isabella and Alexander helped. Dakota, embarrassed, waved them off, but they quickly collected the items.

Alexander picked up a delicate bracelet, pausing slightly. "Oh, thank you! How did it break? I'm so glad it's not lost!" Dakota exclaimed, relieved. She carefully examined and pocketed the bracelet. After another call, she thanked them and left.

After Dakota departed, Isabella clicked her tongue. "That bracelet is definitely a gift from her boyfriend—a man who relies on women. He knows how to woo a girl! I wonder what brand it is?"

"It's custom-made," Alexander replied.

"Is it expensive?" Isabella asked curiously.

"That one isn't," Alexander said vaguely.

Isabella shrugged. "Well, you know what…"

They continued walking, Isabella immediately launching into gossip. Alexander listened attentively.

"She's the assistant makeup artist for 'My Acting Skill,' earns a decent salary, yet hustles extra makeup jobs. She's completely worn out because she supports her freeloading boyfriend. He relies on her."

"Relies on her?" Alexander questioned.

"She's supported him for two years. He lives off her, never works, claiming to build an online business. She covers all his expenses, gives him the best of everything, believes in his talent, and gets upset if anyone suggests he's relying on her. Even her mentor gave up."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "He lets her get this exhausted?"

Isabella nodded. "Some men temporarily rely on women for entrepreneurial ventures, but I don't think he's one of them. If he were truly helpless, he'd have refused her support. He's enjoying himself while she suffers!"

"Exactly!" Isabella exclaimed, patting Alexander's shoulder. "I even saw her take an advance payment because he had a car accident with a luxury car. They argued, and she paid for the damage with her savings! He's useless and irrationally angry. What does she see in him? Did he save her life or something?"

Isabella felt sympathy for Dakota but wouldn't interfere. Dakota didn't seem unhappy, so Isabella wouldn't meddle. She merely vented to Alexander.

Alexander remained puzzled about the bracelet. He decided to share something with Isabella, to change the dynamic of their conversation. Just as he was about to speak, Roland appeared. He saw them walking close together, whispering intimately. Alexander looked intrigued; Isabella, excited and curious. Roland, confused, rubbed his eyes. He had seen them together before, but this felt surreal.