Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 2

As Isabella descended the stairs, her chest heaved, and her ears were ringing.

She was furious. She had once thought Nathan was a decent man, nothing like the usual spoiled rich heirs. So, when her adoptive parents suggested the engagement, she hadn't objected.

Now, she realized she had been a complete fool.

"Isabella? Are you okay?"

She looked up to see Jordan standing beside her, holding a tray with several colorful cocktails.

"I'm fine," she replied with a smile.

Without warning, she grabbed a glass from the tray. Before Jordan could stop her, she tilted her head back and downed it in one gulp.

"Damn that scumbag!" she cursed inwardly.

"Isabella! Are you okay? That's some strong stuff, and you don't even drink. This—"

Isabella grinned as she patted Jordan on the shoulder. "I can get male escorts here, right? Alright! I-I want eight of the hottest ones you've got!"

Jordan froze, eyes wide. "Isabella, that's not a good idea," he said. "You're drunk, aren't you? Should I call you a cab?"

Isabella had already been seething with anger. The instant the alcohol hit, her bottled-up feelings surged to the surface.

She ignored any advice that came her way, determined to get what she wanted.

"Forget the cab! I want escorts! Now!" she snapped.

An attractive man sat in a booth on the first floor. The moment Isabella descended the stairs, he had his eyes on her.

When the music cut out, and her drunken shout about hiring male escorts reached him, a flicker of irritation crossed his icy features as he rose to his feet.

Standing at six feet tall, the man exuded a commanding presence.

Just as he took a step toward Isabella, a woman's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Mr. Alexander, Mr. Sinclair has reserved a private room. I'll take you there."

Alexander Sinclair turned back. After a brief pause, he asked, "When will my uncle arrive?"

"He said he arrived at the entrance a minute ago," she replied. "You can go in and wait for him."

Alexander nodded in acknowledgement before casting one last glance over his shoulder. Seeing no sign of Isabella, he followed the woman into a VIP lounge.

…

Isabella staggered toward the exit, only to find her path blocked by someone.

Jordan trembled, breaking out in a cold sweat. Under Theodore's icy gaze, he was too terrified to make a sound.

Theodore lowered his head to size up the woman in his arms. "I don't come cheap. Are you sure?"

Without waiting for Isabella's answer, he scooped her up, and she went limp in his arms.

Seeing that Theodore was about to take Isabella away, Jordan mustered the last of his courage and stammered, "M-Mr. Sinclair, she's—"

Before he could finish, Theodore's overwhelming presence silenced him.

It only took Caleb Lockwood a few minutes to park the car. But by the time he reached the bar entrance, he saw his boss emerging with a woman in his arms.

Caleb was surprised, given how Theodore never paid attention to women.

"Get us a room," Theodore ordered as soon as he spotted Caleb.

"Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Alexander is inside—"

"Tell him to go home."

Caleb hesitated for only a beat, then quickly moved ahead. Across the street was a five-star hotel.