Elliot led Brittany into the spotlight, his hand firmly holding hers. Brittany, already a natural in front of cameras, dazzled the crowd with her charm, earning adtion from many. The queen herself looked on with evident admiration.


    Elijah, having received an invitation, arrived at the g just in time to witness this scene. His gaze instinctively sought out Isaac Salter, his eyes scrutinizing.


    "Bad timing," he muttered under his breath.


    Isaac''s dark eyesnded on Elliot holding Brittany''s hand. If looks could kill, Elliot would have been in dire straits. But in the next instant, Isaac''s gaze cooled, bing as serene as a stillke. "Mr. Ulbricht, let''s focus on business first, shall we?"


    "Mr. Ulbricht is here," someone announced, spotting Elijah''s arrival.


    Brittany instinctively looked towards Elijah and caught sight of Isaac. Dressed in a sleek ck suit, his presence was imposing, his dark eyes hiding a world of thoughts. She instinctively pulled her hand back, meeting Elliot''s surprised look with a smile. "Mr. Ulbricht has arrived. Let''s go say hello."


    Though Elliot was slightly displeased, he didn''t show it. "Together."


    They approached Elijah. "Bright Town," Elliot greeted, acknowledging their shared hometown. Elijah, lifting his ss, responded, "Long time no see, Elliot."


    Elliot picked up two sses of champagne, offering one to Brittany. "Bri, let''s toast."


    Brittany couldn''t actually drink alcohol. But under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she dared not reveal this fact. Just as she was about to ept the champagne, a hand swiftly intercepted. "Prince Elliot, I''d fancy this champagne. Perhaps Ms. Lte and I could swap," Isaac suggested, cing a ss of orange juice in Brittany''s hand.


    He took a leisurely sip of the champagne, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he addressed Elliot, "Apologies, Prince Elliot, but I do enjoy a good drink. Please, forgive my forwardness."


    Elliot, aware of Isaac''s reputation and allegiance to Elijah, knew better than to take offense. However, the exchange between Isaac and Brittany didn''t sit well with him.


    Brittany, gratefully ncing at Isaac, then turned to Elliot, "I''ve been having some stomach issuestely; can''t drink."Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Elliot''s focus shifted to concern. "Have you seen a doctor?"


    "Yes, I have."


    Wishing to avoid further confrontation with Isaac, Elliot exchanged a few more words with Elijah, nning to take Brittany to see a doctorter. After all, stomach issues were no small matter. Isaac watched the tender exchange between Elliot and Brittany, a shadow crossing his features, though he remained outwardly calm.


    As the g reached its peak, Elliot was summoned by the queen, and Brittany, citing difort, excused herself to leave early. No sooner had she left than Isaac followed. Stepping out of the grand hall, Isaac quickly caught up and scooped Brittany into his arms, causing her to pale with fright. Only when she recognized his scent did she rx. "Zakky."


    Isaac hurriedly carried her away, cing her into the back of a sleek ck Bentley. He then retrieved a pack of wet wipes from the glovepartment, carefully cleaning her hands. Brittany, finally grasping the situation, couldn''t help butugh. "Zakky, are you jealous?"


    Isaac''s handsome face tightened. "He held your hand."


    Brittany''sughter filled the car, "Zakky, I don''t fancy him."


    Despite the formal engagement between her and Elliot, which she detested, she had to maintain appearances.


    After wiping her hands dry, Isaac intertwined his fingers with hers, his expression softening. "How have you been feeling these days?"


    He had been busy preparing to go public with his identity and hadn''t seen her for days.