Chapter 149
Xavier observed Isabella’s icy demeanor and let his fabricated smile slip away.
Rubbing his tense jaw, he released a bitter, mirthless laugh.
“Money, is it? Just tell me how much you want.” He pulled out a sleek black card from his pocket. “Here—take this. It’s got fifty grand. More than enough to make this go away.”
Isabella didn’t even glance at it before flicking it dismissively onto the floor.
“You’re disgusting,” she said, her voice low but razor-sharp.
Her piercing gaze cut through him, twisting his guilt into something darker—anger.
“People change, Isabella. You’re no saint either.” He stepped closer, his expression bordering on deranged. “And even if you scream from the rooftops that the art is yours, who’d believe you? I’m the one with the fame, the influence. Do you have any idea how many people worship my work?”
Isabella didn’t flinch. She matched his step, her eyes blazing.
“So that’s your excuse for theft? That your ego needs constant feeding? Does the applause still sound sweet when you know it’s built on lies?”
Xavier’s lips curled into a sneer. “You don’t get it. Those pieces? They’re mine now. I wasn’t about to waste my potential playing second fiddle to some nobody editor. If you accuse me of stealing, I’ll just tell the world you stole from me—my ideas, my vision!”
The first time he’d seen her sketches, he’d been spellbound. How could someone so young create something so breathtaking? But with each new piece, envy festered inside him, gnawing at his confidence until admiration soured into hatred.
“You ruined me,” he spat. “Ever since I saw your work, I haven’t been able to draw a damn thing. You’re like a curse hanging over me!” He wasn’t lying—he truly believed it. In his mind, she was the reason for his creative paralysis.
Isabella had never realized how deeply warped he’d become.
Before she could respond, a sharp knock interrupted them.
“Xavier? Are you in there? We need to discuss the upcoming project.”
His demeanor shifted instantly. He leaned in, voice dropping to a venomous whisper.
“Take the money and disappear. Without proof, you’ve got nothing. And if you dare spread rumors, I’ll bury you under so many lawsuits you’ll never see daylight again.”
Straightening, he plastered on a charming smile and opened the door.
“Ah, Sophia! Perfect timing. Let’s head to the conference room—this one’s a bit too crowded.”
Sophia’s expression soured the moment she spotted Isabella.
“Why is she here?” Her saccharine tone barely masked the venom beneath. “Xavier, you look tense. Was some obsessive fan bothering you?” She shot Isabella a sickly sweet smile. “Oh, Isabella, what a surprise. There are rules, you know. You can’t just barge into private spaces because you’re starstruck. It’s… pathetic, really.”
Ethan, standing nearby, scoffed.
“Cutting in line wasn’t enough? Now you’re stalking him too?” His voice dripped with bitterness, laced with something possessive—something he didn’t even seem to recognize in himself. “If Alexander knew how desperate you were for another man’s attention, he’d drop you without a second thought.”
Xavier feigned innocence, shaking his head with mock sympathy.
“This one’s a bit… unhinged. Claims I stole her work and even tried to extort money from me.”
