Chapter 224: Illegitimate Children

The incident with Clifford was a minor setback. They soon arrived at the condominium. After a playful game to fetch the bride, Isabella joined the crowd in the bridal room. However, too many people obstructed her view of the game. She stood on tiptoe, then someone swept her off her feet.

It was a familiar gesture, but the sensation was entirely different. Alexander felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. He instinctively held her closer, more naturally and intimately than before. He also felt nervous.

Isabella was startled, then her heart skipped a beat. Despite her height, she felt safe. Surrounded by children being lifted up, she was the only adult, feeling embarrassed and wanting to be put down. Looking down, she noticed Alexander's blushing ears.

Unsure if she'd lost her senses, Isabella mischievously pinched his earlobe. Alexander reacted like a startled cat, abruptly lifting his head. Feeling guilty, she released her grip, pretending nothing had happened.

Isabella thought aloud: "I wasn't teasing you! I was just curious if red ears felt hot. But they're so red! Is he blushing? Haha! Even the overbearing CEO has a cute side! It's adorable!"

Alexander silently turned away, his lowered eyes and body radiating heat.

"Huh? Is that Isabella?" "It is! Isabella Jeannet, the huge celebrity!" "The man carrying her… He's handsome, even more so than Christopher! How could such a stylish, strong man exist?"

Alexander hesitated, waiting for Isabella's reaction. He wanted everyone to know they were married, but understood her desire to maintain her career and privacy.

Isabella: "He's my husband! Yes, he's that handsome and charming. Hehe! Having him as a husband is such an ego boost!"

Alexander felt relief and elation. He could indeed boost Isabella's ego.

It was clear that those discussing Sasha and Roland knew their status (they'd arrived with Roland). They refrained from taking unauthorized photos. After a brief discussion, they changed the subject.

"Who would have thought? Sasha's luck has really turned around. The girl who had such a rough time in high school is now married into a prominent family." "I believe Roland pitied her, and pity turned into affection. Men are drawn to women who evoke their protective instincts." "I'm not a fan of Sasha's submissive personality, but she had a depressing past. She was bullied, often arriving at school bruised. But now, it seems like she's having better days." "Honestly, it's been a while. I thought Sasha's character would've changed, considering Roland's treated her like a princess for years. Yet, she's still timid and shy." "That's not all. Today's her happiest day, but since morning, she's been gloomy. Only someone as optimistic as Roland could handle her negativity." "Indeed, the shadows of our student days tend to follow us." "Well, that's not always true. Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes too."

These were likely Sasha's high school classmates gossiping. Isabella, listening, noticed something off about the bride's expression, even though Roland was professing his love. Brides usually beam with joy or cry; Sasha seemed unsettled, restless, and forced in her smile. It was puzzling.

Before Isabella could ponder further, everyone cheered. The game ended, and Roland carried Sasha back to the Ford manor. He carried her inside, looking at her with tenderness. They received many congratulations.

"Congratulations!" "Thank you!" "Congrats!"

Two figures emerged from the crowd. Roland thanked everyone, then showed surprise at seeing two acquaintances he'd met only once. Sasha began to tremble uncontrollably.

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern.

She shook her head, burying her face in his chest. Thinking she was unwell, he quickened his pace to get her home. Secretly, Sasha peered through his arm, following the two figures as they disappeared. Her eyes blurred. "Hehe."

Stephanie heard her boyfriend chuckling and looked at him curiously. Ethan came to his senses, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm so envious. I want us to get married soon too."

Stephanie felt uncomfortable. "We need to be together for at least two years before discussing marriage."

Ethan showed impatience. What's with her acting all conservative? He then saw Roland's father's assistant waving.

Ethan made an excuse and slipped away. The assistant frowned. "The boss wants to see you. Follow me."

Ethan followed him into the garden. He heard barking and saw Owen, Roland's father, identifiable by his boutonniere. Before Ethan could speak, Owen demanded, "What are you doing here? Who said you could come?"

"Dad, even if Roland isn't aware of my existence, he's still my older brother. I want to witness this significant event," Ethan replied seriously.

Owen was stunned. "Are you really not here to stir up trouble? Your mother should have explained the consequences. I can't reveal your identity. Don't cause trouble."

"Why would I? I even brought my girlfriend, Stephanie Nox, the young heiress of the Nox family."

"What? You're dating her? How did her family agree? You seriously…" Owen replied, astonished.

"Her father doesn't interfere. She can see anyone, but… given my situation, even if we married, they might have me marry into their family…"

Owen contemplated. "All right. Go back to your girlfriend. We can talk later."

Ethan smirked, walking away. He heard barking, then silence, which he found peculiar. Unseen, two people and three dogs were behind the trees.

Isabella, bored while waiting, and accompanied by Alexander, had gone to see Roland's adopted police dogs. They overheard a conversation. Alexander looked unpleasant. Isabella's mouth gaped as she held a dog.

Isabella: "Oh, my God! I just heard juicy news! Prominent families have secrets! Owen and Daphne get along well—despite an arranged marriage—but they have a big secret! An illegitimate son! Men never fail to surprise, huh?"

Isabella: "Roland doesn't know, but should we tell him? We shouldn't ruin this. And Stephanie's boyfriend, Ethan, his intentions are obvious. He's using Stephanie to pressure Owen. That's low. We're not close to Stephanie, but should we warn her?"

They overheard Owen and his assistant:

"Have someone keep an eye on this kid. Make sure he doesn't cause trouble." "Do you not trust Ethan, Boss?" "Initially, I sent him and his mother abroad because of his fight with Roland. The fight disfigured his face. Knowing his temperament, I don't trust him. Today's a big day. We can't afford embarrassment."

Isabella: "What? They thought they didn't know each other! And his face was disfigured? What's going on?"

Alexander froze. A fight? Facial disfigurement? Ethan? All the clues converged. He remembered Ethan—the well-known bully from his high school days.

Isabella: "Huh? What! Oh, my God!"