Chapter 998 Leon Didn't Fancy You
Compared to how Leon used to be all quiet and reserved, Isabella actually liked this new, more confident version of him. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there was some kind of distance between them now.
Sure, he was still as thoughtful as ever, but Isabella felt like he was this bright, shining star, while she was just... ordinary.
If she could turn back time, Isabella would choose her old life in a heartbeat. Looking around at the rich and powerful folks at the party, she felt a bit worn out by it all.
Even though she didn't know most of the people around her, a bunch of women came up to say hi, some even trying to butter her up.
Isabella knew they only cared because she was married to the CEO of Johnson Corporation. So, she just gave them polite, but pretty fake, smiles.
After a while, her face started to hurt from all the forced smiling.
Then, she glanced up and saw a familiar face walk in. What really threw her off was that the woman was wearing the exact same outfit as her.
As soon as she walked in, Isabella's eyes were glued to her.
Isabella had no clue why she was here. She wasn't a big shot at Johnson Corporation, not a major client, and definitely not a political figure from Maple Valley.
But the woman looked totally at ease, grabbing a glass of red wine and mingling like she owned the place.
After a bit, the woman scanned the room and locked eyes with Isabella.
Seeing Isabella, she walked over without a second thought.
"Isabella, long time no see," the woman said, giving Isabella a once-over with a look that screamed disdain.
Her stare made Isabella super uncomfortable. She'd never really liked her anyway.
"Bronte, fancy seeing you here," Isabella said out of politeness, giving Bronte a once-over too.
The clothes Bronte was wearing were exactly the same as Isabella's, down to the last detail.
Leon told her that her outfit was a limited edition from a brand Johnson Corporation was promoting in Skyhaven. Running into someone wearing the same thing in Maple Valley was supposed to be impossible. But here was Bronte, in the exact same outfit. Something felt off.
Bronte looked surprised. "Really? How could you not expect it? I'm a senior executive at Johnson Corporation now. Of course, I'd be here."
Isabella frowned, totally confused.
Bronte and she used to work together at Prosperity Group. Bronte had made it to middle management there, but she was still working there not too long ago. How did she suddenly become a senior executive at Johnson Corporation?
Johnson Corporation and Prosperity Group were both big deals, but they focused on different things. There was no way someone could jump from middle management at Prosperity Group to a senior executive at Johnson Corporation just like that.
Sensing Isabella's confusion, Bronte paused for a moment, then suddenly seemed to get it. "Oh, I guess Leon didn't tell you. I'm the new VP at Johnson Corporation. My main job is to help Leon get up to speed and assist with the daily grind."
Isabella was floored.
She felt as grossed out as if she'd swallowed a bug. Bronte had always had a thing for Leon, and Isabella knew it. She just couldn't wrap her head around why Leon was giving her this chance now.
Clenching her glass, Isabella sneered. "Bronte, since you're the VP, you and my husband are just colleagues. Maybe you should stop calling him by his first name so casually. It could give people the wrong idea. Don't forget, Leon's married, and you're still single. This could really mess up your reputation!"
Bronte didn't look the least bit guilty. Instead, she chuckled. "Isabella, I've been calling him Leon for years. We grew up together. Our relationship is something you can't understand."
Isabella stared at Bronte, totally shocked.
Leon had never mentioned that he and Bronte had known each other for so long.
Seeing Isabella's stunned expression, Bronte raised her chin, swirled her wine, and said mockingly, "I don't know what Leon sees in you. This guy who was against marriage actually tied the knot with you. But I think it was just a whim. Otherwise, why didn't he give you a wedding even after you had a kid?"
"That's between Leon and me. None of your business!" Isabella's eyes were blazing with anger.
Seeing she'd hit a nerve, Bronte pushed even harder. "I see you've put on some weight after having a kid. That's the difference between us. Even during pregnancy and childbirth, we upper-class folks keep an eye on our figures."
"Shut up!" Isabella couldn't take it anymore and stepped forward.
If it weren't for the occasion, she would've definitely thrown her drink in Bronte's face.
But she held back because this party was special, and it was her first time attending as Leon's wife. She didn't want to embarrass him.
Bronte didn't let up. "Isabella, let me give you some advice. You and Leon are from different worlds. Look at this event today. As Mrs. Johnson, you're just a puppet, a decoration. You can't chat with these people, nor can you help Leon in his career. Maybe what I'm saying now stings, but you'll realize it more and more, and you'll become increasingly miserable because you simply can't fit into our world!"
"After all that, you just want to take my place, right? Too bad Leon doesn't fancy you. You'd better give up!" If she had the strength, Isabella would've crushed the wine glass in her hand.