Married to my Archenemy

Ethan's expression darkened slightly when he saw the man, his displeasure poorly concealed.

Alexander, sensing the tension, continued, "James runs ADC International Psychological Counseling Center, the largest institution of its kind in the country. It has branches all over the nation. This time, they're planning to open another center here in Crown City."

James's ambitions would require tens of thousands of square meters for their business premises, and the Thomas family had an unsold suburban property—15,000 square meters, with a market value of about 700 million. Alexander clearly aimed to sell the property and was thus intent on "making friends" with James.

James took the initiative to extend his hand to Ethan. "Ethan, what a coincidence. We meet again."

Although the circumstances made it impossible for Ethan to outright snub him, he didn't attempt to hide his forced smile as he shook James's hand. "Welcome, Mr. Thompson."

Alexander, noticing the odd atmosphere, looked at Ethan in confusion. "Wait—you two already know each other?"

"Yes, we met just yesterday," James answered, his tone intentionally ambiguous. "It seems fate keeps bringing Mr. Ethan and me together."

Ethan shot a pointed glance at Alexander, silently urging him to cut the conversation short. Taking the cue, Alexander shifted gears. "Mr. Thompson, I think I just saw Emma looking for you. Why don't you go say hello to her?"

Emma, Alexander's younger sister, had been the one to introduce James to their circle.

James nodded, clearly understanding the subtext. "Of course. Excuse me."

As James left, Emma immediately noticed his unusual mood. "What happened? Did James upset you?"

Ethan sneered faintly. "Him? He's insignificant—just James Thompson."

Before Emma could press further, the host's voice boomed across the hall. "Now, let's welcome our esteemed guest of honor, Lady Hannah! A round of applause, please!"

All eyes turned toward the grand staircase. Ethan's grandmother, Hannah, descended elegantly, supported by Isabella and Lady Emily on either side.

The trio paused briefly at the top of the revolving staircase, smiling warmly at the gathered crowd, before descending in synchronized steps.

The stage lights cast a dazzling glow upon their figures, highlighting the elegant grandeur of the moment.

Ethan looked up at Isabella and immediately scowled. Who chose her dress? The level of exposure was simply outrageous.

Although angry, his eyes remained fixed on her without blinking.

Today, Isabella was entirely different from before. She exuded elegance, grace, and composure, with a faint smile lighting her stunningly beautiful face. Her presence alone overwhelmed the entire room, leaving a lasting impression on all.

Suddenly, someone nearby exclaimed, "Wow, she's breathtaking!"

Ethan turned his head and noticed a well-known idle rich heir, infamous for his indulgence in luxury and scandal. At this moment, the man stared at Isabella with an inappropriate gaze.

Ethan's expression darkened, and he immediately had someone remove the offender. Isabella wasn't someone that man had any right to covet.

Alexander noticed Ethan's mood and suppressed a chuckle behind his wine glass. He turned to him and teased, "Mr. Ethan, your possessiveness is starting to show. Your reaction just now nearly scared that poor guy out of his wits!"

Ethan replied coldly, "I just don't like the sight of him."

Before the conversation could continue, the banquet hall suddenly fell silent. Moments later, the serene and melodic sound of a pipa filled the air.

Isabella had taken the stage to present the first birthday gift to Madam Hannah, performing the classic piece "Spring."

This famous composition beautifully evokes the rejuvenating warmth and life of springtime. The rhythm, both light and lively, seemed to draw everyone into its world, leaving the audience completely captivated.

Isabella's delicate fingers moved effortlessly over the strings, producing notes so mesmerizing that they seemed to paint pictures in the listeners' minds. The guests couldn't take their eyes off her.

"I must admit," Alexander remarked, impressed, "I didn't expect Isabella to play so beautifully. Seems like the rumors about her weren't entirely fair."

Ethan snorted dismissively. "You haven't seen her in a tantrum. She's a completely different person."

Alexander chuckled. "A beauty playing the piano will always win hearts, tantrums or not. Besides, aren't you two getting divorced soon? Mark my words, once she's single, Isabella will become Crown City's most eligible socialite."

Ethan's jaw tightened, his icy expression deepening.

Alexander continued, seemingly unaware of the danger he courted. "Think about it—she's drop-dead gorgeous, even more so than most celebrities. On top of that, she's only 22. Being divorced doesn't change the fact she's young, rich, and stunning. After the split, I'd bet a lot of people would love to pursue her."

Ethan's mood darkened further. He loosened his tie, trying to suppress the complicated feelings welling up inside him. Finally, in a tone dripping with frustration, he muttered, "Let's see who dares."

Alexander raised an eyebrow and shot him a playful glance. "Do I sense jealousy? Don't tell me you're reluctant to let her go?"

Ethan's thoughts involuntarily drifted to their last tense encounter and the unexpected kiss that had lingered on his mind since. He couldn't explain why it had affected him so much. Needing to clear his head, he downed the rest of his champagne and muttered, "I'm stepping out for some air."

Alexander merely shrugged, smirking at Ethan's retreat.

Meanwhile, Isabella's musical performance ended to thunderous applause. Afterward, she found herself surrounded by admiration, her name on everyone's lips. Tired of the attention, she sought refuge on the balcony for a brief respite.

However, just as she rounded a corner, she bumped into someone, causing a glass of red wine to spill over the other person's dress.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" Isabella exclaimed.

The unfortunate victim, Chloe, glared daggers at her.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Chloe shrieked.

Isabella's sincere apology only seemed to infuriate her cousin further.

Chloe and Isabella's family, the Wilson's, had a complicated and bitter history. Isabella's father, ousted Chloe's father, William, from their family company, severing ties in the process. Since then, resentment between the two branches of the Wilson family had simmered below the surface, occasionally boiling over in public confrontations like this one.

"I can't believe your audacity!" Chloe ranted loudly, hoping to draw the attention of nearby guests. "You knew tonight was my chance to shine, so you ruined my outfit! Don't think for a second you're better than me just because you married Ethan!"