Gossip Girl Reborn (Isabella and Alexander)
Gossip 247

Chapter 247 Narcissistic Thoughts

At that moment, the atmosphere on the scene was bizarre yet amusing. Even those frolicking in the pool had halted their activities, their eyes fixed intently on what was happening.

It was a party hosted by Clifford, so he was well-acquainted with everyone there. Naturally, they were aware of the only time Clifford had ever been dumped.

Just moments ago, they were watching an emotional tug-of-war between two women and a man. It was unclear whether the sugar daddy had successfully whisked away the replacement or if the admirer had triumphantly prevented the replacement from being taken away by the sugar daddy. As such, that sudden turn of events nearly took everyone by surprise.

Rising above the two female characters, the real heroine in the sugar daddy's heart emerged.

The crowd could still accept that sequence of events, but not when the real apple of the eye was behind the replacement's trouble.

They were utterly dumbfounded.

Zendaya was taken aback. She had been hired to impersonate Elaine, and naturally, she had seen video footage of Elaine. Therefore, she recognized the real deal at first glance.

She wasn't sure if her heart was pounding due to the recent peril she had experienced or because she saw the real apple of the eye.

Regardless, Zendaya didn't know how to react and could only stare blankly at Elaine. She looks even better in person than in the videos. Is she always this beautiful?

Even though others often remarked on their resemblance, Zendaya believed that Elaine's outstanding characteristic was not her physical features. Instead, it was the sense of confidence and liberation radiating from within her.

That allure was of a kind that made girls admire her without a hint of jealousy. In a way, Elaine was akin to a beautiful older sister figure.

No wonder Clifford was so smitten with her that he sought a replacement. However, I can say for sure that Clifford isn't worthy of Elaine. Zendaya thought.

At that moment, Elaine was also staring at Zendaya, who she had in her arms. She's thin, almost weightless, and has a small face. D*mn! Why does she look so similar to me?

Elaine suddenly remembered that when she first arrived, she had heard something about a replacement. Seeing Clifford pestering someone, she immediately caught on to what was going on.

Although Elaine was feeling a bit peculiar, she didn't overthink it. She simply assumed that everyone had their preferences and figured Clifford probably liked that type of woman. As for Millie's comment about the replacement, Elaine brushed it off as mere jealousy. She didn't believe any ordinary person would do something as foolish as looking for a replacement.

Hence, Elaine smiled as she helped Zendaya up.

Zendaya, however, nervously expressed her gratitude, "Thank you."

The more Elaine stared at Zendaya, the more she found herself drawn to the latter.

Just as Elaine was about to speak, she heard Millie exclaim in surprise, "Elaine? Why are you here?"

Then, Elaine turned around and swept her gaze over everyone before speaking to Millie. "Surprise! Guess who just returned to the country today?"

Millie was taken aback, her gaze flitting anxiously toward Clifford on the side.

At that point, everyone's attention had settled on Clifford and Elaine.

Meanwhile, Clifford was staring blankly at Elaine as if unable to respond.

Isabella started sipping her drink, eagerly indulging in the gossip unfolding before her. He's been frozen in place since it started. Was he taken aback because it's been years since he saw the real deal? This is indeed the right way to react when your first crush returns to the country. Unlike the last time...

Upon hearing her thoughts, Alexander wondered, Who didn't react correctly?

Isabella's thoughts continued, Look at that change in expression. Feeling a bit guilty, are we? Is it because there's a rebound on his left and a new one on his right? Is he too embarrassed to face the real apple of his eye?

When Alexander turned to Clifford, he saw the latter swiftly glance at Zendaya and Millie with panic.

Earlier, he put on a domineering act of love and even arranged this party specifically for Zendaya, yet he changed his heart so quickly. Tsk, tsk, tsk... Isabella smirked.

Alexander was somewhat at a loss for words.

When Elaine noticed nobody was paying her any attention, she looked around and immediately expressed her dissatisfaction. "What's the meaning of this? Isn't anyone going to welcome me back?"

As soon as she said that, everyone naturally couldn't just stand by idly and indulge in the gossip. They immediately began to welcome her warmly.

After all, Elaine was a friend within Alexander's circle. Although she had been abroad for many years, she still maintained some contact with everyone, especially with Debora, except for Clifford and Alexander.

Elaine's and Deborah's personalities were like fire and ice. One designed clothes, and the other crafted jewelry, which brought them quite close to each other.

"I thought you would only return for my engagement party?" Deborah said with a laugh.

"I couldn't hold back." Elaine raised an eyebrow and smirked mischievously at Alexander and Isabella.

After all, the gossip about what was happening in the country she received while abroad was so incredible that it ignited her enthusiasm to return. She couldn't resist, which was why she came back earlier than planned.

Upon hearing that, Clifford seemed to snap back to reality. His body jolted, and he looked at Elaine with shimmering eyes. Despite that, he couldn't help but smirked and scoffed, "You couldn't hold back? Weren't you quite carefree when you left back then?" I knew it! She cares about me and has returned to snatch me back from other women.

Alexander was frowning as he listened, feeling as if the two were not on the same page. He then felt Isabella squeezing his arm forcefully.

Upon turning around, he saw that Isabella's face had turned red. His thought process is so narcissistic! What is this coincidental nonsense? Hahaha!

Others actually found it rather odd as well, especially since Elaine was clearly looking at Isabella and Alexander.

Elaine paused and, for the first time, properly looked at her ex. It seems he's still quite resentful about being dumped back then, considering how sarcastic he sounds.

Elaine shrugged. "There's something good about being back here, and I also wanted to join in the fun." I can't bear to stay abroad for so long when there's so much gossip here.

The others were even more puzzled when they heard that. After all, the recent string of gossip had significantly impacted them. Based on Elaine's nature, they assumed she was referring to the things that happened recently in the gossip pool.

Clifford chuckled proudly. Is this her declaration of war on a love rival? I knew the only way she'd realize my worth was by making her jealous. That said, I'm not someone Elaine can summon or dismiss at her whim.

"It must've been troubling for you to replace this place," Clifford mocked, appearing as though he didn't care.

Stop. Please, just stop, Clifford. You're only making yourself look pathetic with your imagination. I can't bear to listen anymore. Isabella tightened her grip on Alexander's arm.

Meanwhile, the latter stared at Clifford rather wearily.

As Clifford had been his buddy for many years, Alexander felt compelled to ask, "By the way, why did you come in so late?"

That statement was directed at Elaine, which stunned everyone.

"I was held up by some matters," Elaine said with a smile.

Roland caught on and asked, "Are you implying that the person you mentioned earlier is Elaine?"

Alexander nodded.

Clifford immediately looked over, surprised. "Why are you all together?"

"I bumped into her when I was shopping for clothes. She mentioned she was attending a party. When she heard that everyone would be here, she decided to join us," Isabella said.

Clifford's expression shifted slightly. I thought she did anything she could to learn about what's been going on with me as soon as she returned to the country. Well, not that it matters because she still decided to come here after learning I'm having a party. This probably means she wants to see me right after coming back.