Chapter 52: A Ploy Aimed at Rosalie

"Why are you all suddenly bringing this up? How could you pry into other people's private affairs!" Madeline's forehead glistened with sweat; her reaction wasn't offense, but profound guilt.

"Take a guess," Christopher grinned mischievously.

Madeline's face paled, her body trembling. Isabella was equally shocked. "Why is Alexander bringing this up? Has he discovered something? Suspecting our sibling relationship isn't normal? They've been so discreet. No one could have noticed, right? How could he find any clues? Impressive!"

Alexander felt embarrassed. "I didn't find anything. It's my fault for not thinking enough."

The other Quirks didn't blame him. No one could have foreseen this. Rosalie was incredibly unlucky to have encountered such a peculiar pair of siblings. Their romantic feelings for each other were clear, though their blended family status presented a significant obstacle—not insurmountable, but daunting. Having lived with their parents and presented a typical family image, they feared confronting their parents, friends, and societal expectations. Secrecy, however, wasn't a sustainable solution. Dominic, ever mischievous, was under relentless family pressure to marry, hoping it would bring maturity. Madeline, unwilling to let a stranger take her brother, devised a wicked plan.

A chill ran through the room as all eyes turned to Rosalie, whose expression was one of numb confusion. She felt as if she were listening to someone else's story, unable to believe it was happening to her.

Isabella's thoughts raced: Rosalie was Madeline's roommate; Madeline saw Rosalie as naive and easily manipulated. Madeline also knew Dominic disliked obedient, wealthy daughters, which is why she targeted Rosalie. "Shit! What a lunatic! Why drag an innocent person into this?" Madeline's aim was simple: unable to be with her brother, she'd find someone easily manipulated, someone foolish but capable of supporting him.

Everyone was shocked, their gazes fixed on Madeline. Despite her youth, her intentions were chilling. The more they looked, the more she seemed like a lunatic.

Madeline, already guilty, felt the strange stares intensify, fueling her desire to escape. Just as she was about to flee, Rosalie seized her arm.

Madeline looked at Rosalie, whose gaze was vacant. Could she sense something? Impossible! She's stupid!

"Dom and I grew up together, Rosie. He's my closest kin, even if we're not blood-related. And you're my best friend. I wanted to help both of you, but if your family causes such difficulties, I should leave," Madeline said.

Isabella mused, "Ha! She's always helping. Strange. Plenty of eligible gentlemen are in our circle. Even if Rosalie didn't like them, falling for incompetent garbage seems unlikely!"

The Quirks straightened, their expressions serious. "Yes that's the most baffling part. How could such a fine young lady be so deceived? Could that meal be the sole reason? It can't be that simple!" They found it hard to believe Rosalie lacked common sense.

Isabella continued her internal monologue: Madeline cleverly never actively promoted Dominic, but acted as his undercover agent. He faked his hobbies, habits, and style, every expression tailored to win Rosalie over. The meal, for example—Rosalie thought he genuinely cared, knowing her tastes. He knew nothing! It was all orchestrated by Madeline; Dominic merely played along, explaining his erratic behavior. He wanted to share a room, but Madeline forbade it. Even though she found Rosalie, she didn't want to see them together, playfully insisting Dominic wait until she went abroad before touching Rosalie. Impressive, in a way. She's juggling her career

The Quirks erupted in rage. It was a ploy aimed at Rosalie. These siblings had nerve, toying with her. Choosing a boyfriend, and even making friends, required caution.

David said grimly, "Rosalie, your friend wants to leave. Will you let her go?"

Madeline was taken aback. Could someone stop her? Turning, she saw Rosalie's blood-red eyes, her pupils flickering, her head swaying, as if struggling to accept, continuously denying it.

Madeline felt a wave of fear, wanting to shake Rosalie off. "Rosie, Dom would never cook for anyone else. Only you. Don't make things difficult for him. That would insult your relationship I-I'll see you again," Madeline said, breaking free and running.

Christopher was furious, but Alexander stopped him. Alexander addressed Rosalie directly: "We suspect you've been deceived. Are you unwilling to admit it?" Rosalie's face drained of color. Her unfocused eyes swept over the crowd before she silently retreated to her room.

The Quirks knew what Rosalie was struggling with. They initially struggled to believe Isabella's claims, lacking evidence. Unless caught red-handed or confessing, confirmation was impossible. Rosalie found it hard to admit defeat, but was she truly unshaken?

Isabella, however, acted. She ordered three dishes and a soup from a restaurant, re-plated them, and fooled the housekeepers, claiming she cooked them for the upset Rosalie. The housekeepers praised the meal; others offered subtle compliments.

Three days later, Rosalie fled the Quirk manor. Whether the food affected her or her mind was still clouded, leading her to consider eloping, was unclear. Surveillance footage showed no one fetching her; she didn't elope.

The Quirks quickly located Rosalie but didn't apprehend her, curious to see her next move.