He did not care that my strapless gown had been torn, leaving me on the verge of exposure. He did not care that countless cameras were fixated on me, recording every humiliating second.
"If you had caused a scene in the past, I might have let it slide. But not today."
"This moment… this award is something Alessia fought hard to achieve. I won’t let anyone ruin it. Isla, for once, be reasonable. Stop making trouble."
Looking into his bloodshot eyes, a dull ache spread through my chest.
He was my brother. And yet, in this moment, he cast aside all dignity, leaving me humiliated in front of the world.
All for Alessia Bellucci.
On the other side, Nicholas stood with his hands in his pockets, watching me like I was nothing more than an amusing spectacle.
"Why do this to yourself? No matter how pitiful you are, I’ll never fall for you."
"If you can't have my love, that doesn’t mean you should throw yourself away. Causing a scene in public, heh, do you really think any man will take you seriously after this?"
The fabric of my dress had been yanked so high it was nearly at my chest, yet my brother still refused to let go.
Instead of backing down, Nicholas’s words only seemed to fuel his aggression.
"If you don’t want to embarrass yourself any further, then get out."
Clutching my torn neckline, I rasped out in defiance.
"As a family member of the event’s organizer, I was personally invited to attend this dinner. None of you have the right to throw me out!"
After saying this, a stunned silence fell over the crowd.
"Family of the organizer? But the organizer of this ceremony is the legendary Rosendale tycoon, Victor Lexington. His cross-border trade empire spans the globe and his wealth is immeasurable. He’s a true powerhouse."
"But isn’t Mr. Lexington an orphan with no known relatives? Wait… could she be his wife?"
The red-hatted reporter’s eyes widened in excitement while my brother, who had been gripping my arm, suddenly froze.
Before he could react, Nicholas, who had been watching the spectacle unfold, abruptly stood up. He strode toward me, towering over me with a sharp, scrutinizing gaze.
His brows furrowed, his voice laced with an unexplainable anger.
"Isla, what exactly do you mean by that?"
"In the years you’ve been away from me, have you been fooling around with other men?"
His tone dripped with jealousy, coated in biting sarcasm.