Chapter 57

The soft, sweet music swelled, and the lights in the hall dimmed Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd, but all eyes turned to the entrance as Calen Weiss strode inside, his confident steps drawing immediate attention. The spotlight followed him as he made his way toward the stage, his eyes fixed on Izzy.

Izzy’s jaw tightened as he approached, but she held her composure, her expression unreadable. She watched as Calen climbed the steps, reaching her in seconds. He stopped, then knelt on one knee, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket. Gasps and murmurs filled the room as he opened it, revealing an exquisite diamond ring.

“Isabella,” Calen said, his gaze unwavering. “These past three years have been the most incredible of my life. You’ve stood by me through thick and thin, and I know I’ve made mistakes. But every moment I’ve spent with you has reminded me of how special you are. You’re not just my partner–you’re my inspiration, my anchor, and the reason I strive to be better every day.”

Izzy narrowed her eyes slightly, but she said nothing. The

leaned

in, eager to see what would happen next.

“I know I hurt you when I missed our anniversary,” Calen continued. “But that wasn’t because I didn’t care. It was because I was planning this–this moment, where I could show you just how much you mean to me. Isabella Rossi, will you marry me?”

The room erupted into cheers and applause. Many of the guests stood, clapping and smiling as they waited for Izzy’s response. She, however, remained still, her expression guarded. Slowly, her gaze shifted from Calen to the audience. She noticed CEO Weiss looking pleased, and the businessmen who had praised her earlier were visibly excited.

Then her eyes found Liam. He stood calmly near the edge of the room, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips. He didn’t seem the least bit surprised by the spectacle unfolding before them.

Izzy’s attention snapped back to Calen, who was still kneeling with a gentle smile on his face. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could answer, the screen behind her flickered to life.

The guests‘ cheers quieted as the music faded, replaced by the grainy opening of a video. At first, it was unclear what was being shown, but then the image sharpened. Calen appeared on the screen, laughing as he leaned in close to a woman. The woman’s face became clear–Monica.

Gasps rippled through the room as the video continued. It showed Calen and Monica at a private dinner, their gestures intimate, their laughter unmistakably familiar. The footage changed, showing the two of them walking hand in hand through a hotel lobby. In another clip, Monica was seated on Calen’s lap, whispering something in his ear.

The hall fell silent, the weight of the images settling over the crowd like a heavy blanket. Izzy’s lips tightened, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to Calen, who had gone pale. He slowly rose to his feet, his expression shifting from confusion to alarm.

“This.. this isn’t-” Calen began, but the damage was done. The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, some whispering, others openly discussing what they had just seen.

Izzy took a step back, her composure unshaken despite the turmoil around her. Her gaze hardened as she stared at Calen. “Was this part of your grand plan too?” she asked, her tone cutting. “Is this how you show me… how you love me?”

Calen opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. Before he could muster a response, a sharp crack echoed through the hall as CEO Weiss slapped him across the face. The room, already in chaos, fell into stunned silence once more.

face livid. “How dare you cheat on Isabella? After

the force of the slap, his hand instinctively going to his cheek. His expression was a mix of shock and desperation. “Father, it’s not true!”

Originally, she wanted to seveal the video in front of everyone else, revealing how Calen heated on her.

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Jan 5

Chapter 57

her plans even better. At this point, she

Liam knew about

E

Calen turned to her, his hand outstretched as if reaching for her. “This video—it’s fake! It’s doctored! I would never betray you. You’re the only one I value.

words left his mouth, the screen behind him flickered again, drawing everyone’s attention. A new video began playing, showing Calen in a dimly lit room

in, her lips brushing against his before pulling

Calen grinned and replied, “You, of course. It’s

hall erupted into chaos.

outright disbelief. Calen’s pale complexion turned ghostly as

it off?” he shouted, his voice frantic as he spun toward the technicians at

was irreversible. The hall descended into chaos, with whispers, accusations, and disapproving stares

the scene unfold with growing horror, swayed on her feet. Her face drained of color as she clutched her chest before collapsing to the

rushing to her side as several people moved to help. “Mother, please, wake up!”

few guests hurriedly pulled out

gaze fixed on the spectacle before her. Her expression betrayed no emotion,

speaking. Izzy glanced at him briefly, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I want to leave,” she said simply.

nodded and extended his arm toward her.

to leave, Calen scrambled to his feet, ignoring the frantic efforts of others to tend to his mother. “Izzy!

Izzy snorted, her steps faltering. Then, without a second thought, she slapped him across the

slapped-” Calen

SLAP!

the most!” Her voice rose,

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