Chapter 157: Preparing for Divorce, and I Have a Child
Richard's friend came from the same kind of old money—he was big in Seaside City's social scene. The evening's dinner party was packed with the usual crowd—faces Isabella knew from the circuit.
Since they all moved in the same circles, and Isabella and William's marriage was now just waiting for the final court divorce decree, seeing her arrive alongside Richard surprised no one.
In their world, married couples doing their own thing socially was standard.
"This is Nicholas Jackson, and this is Isabella," Richard made the introductions, his tone noticeably more casual when addressing Nicholas.
Nicholas's eyes practically lit up the moment he saw Isabella.
Her looks and figure were exactly his type.
Just as Nicholas was about to speak, Richard's phone buzzed.
"I need to take this call. You two get acquainted," Richard said, stepping outside with his phone.
Nicholas immediately slid into the seat beside Isabella, and his opening line was startling enough to catch her completely off guard.
"So, are you single?"
Isabella had expected Nicholas might be rather direct, but she hadn't anticipated such an intimate question as their very first exchange.
She studied Nicholas with curious eyes, taking in his sculpted features, sharp jawline, and chestnut hair with golden highlights that radiated undeniable charm—like something carved from classical marble.
Isabella didn't take offense at his boldness; if anything, she found it amusing. Propping her chin on one hand, she met his gaze directly. "I'm going through a divorce, and I have a child."
Nicholas looked genuinely shocked, his eyes scanning Isabella with newfound disbelief.
She looked far too young to be someone who'd already had a child.
"Wait, seriously? You're not just saying that to get rid of me?" he asked, clearly stunned.
Rather than waste words, Isabella pulled out her phone and found a photo of herself with Olivia.
"My daughter Olivia. She's five now, and she's absolutely adorable."
In the picture, Isabella and Olivia pressed their cheeks together, both wearing radiant smiles that were impossible to ignore.
Nicholas's expression fell slightly.
He quickly recovered, addressing Isabella with genuine earnestness: "I'm sorry—I assumed you were single, which is why I—"
Isabella shook her head gently. "It's fine. Going after someone you're interested in takes courage. I respect that."
It was unfortunate this particular display of courage was based on a misunderstanding, and Isabella didn't have the heart to crush his initiative entirely.
"Are you really Victoria? When Richard told me, I could hardly believe it," Nicholas said, his mood shifting as quickly as it had arrived, now focused on this new revelation.
Isabella nodded, deliberately lowering her voice. "I'd prefer to keep my identity private, so could you help me keep this between us?"
Nicholas's expression turned conspiratorial, like a secret agent scanning left and right before confirming no one was listening, then nodding earnestly.
"Actually, the whole reason I chose to study abroad in Valeria was because Romantic Racing Team's headquarters were there. Back when I was still in the country, I was obsessed with watching your races. But by the time I got overseas, you'd already retired."
Victoria had never shown her face publicly, leaving countless fans wondering what lay beneath that helmet.
Knowing he had the chance to meet the legend in person left Nicholas feeling both nervous and thrilled.
Having spent years abroad, he wasn't up to date on domestic affairs, so he asked tentatively, "Why are you getting divorced? What kind of moron would let you go?"
Isabella picked up a cocktail and took a delicate sip, her smile deepening.
"Do you know William?" she asked without hesitation. Since Nicholas had brought it up, she was happy to treat it as casual conversation.
Nicholas let out a long "Oh..." then suddenly started. "Wait—your ex-husband is actually William?"
Seaside City might be large, but their social circle was remarkably small. Whether through family connections or school ties, most of these people had some history together.
Who hadn't heard of William's reputation?
Isabella nodded. "Yes, he's my ex-husband."
"Good God, how did you two even—"
"He had an affair, so we split up."
Isabella's tone was utterly matter-of-fact, though the man across from her looked as if he'd been physically struck, his eyes widening in disbelief.
First, the shock that Victoria's husband would cheat on her. Second, the revelation that the cheater was William himself.
Either piece of news would be stunning on its own.
Nicholas needed considerable time to process this information before he could shift his attention away from what he'd just learned.
"Actually, I've always been your fan. Have you really given up on returning to racing? Ever since you left, Romantic Racing Team has been on a steady decline. This year's championship predictions show their support ratings have plummeted, and sports commentators are already speculating the team might get dropped entirely!"
Once the conversation turned to racing, Nicholas became unstoppable.
This wasn't just his personal wish—it was the dream of every fan.
Who wouldn't want to see their former idol make a comeback and save Romantic Racing Team?
Under Nicholas's intense, hopeful gaze, Isabella found the question incredibly difficult to answer.
Her comeback was the team's secret strategy, a tactical advantage that couldn't be leaked before the championship began.
Besides, Isabella wasn't particularly comfortable with overly enthusiastic attention, leaving her momentarily speechless.
A hand reached from behind, landing gently on Nicholas's shoulder with a light pat.
"Told you not to be so intense—you're overwhelming her! If your idol decides she doesn't want to see you anymore, don't blame me," Richard said with a laugh as he returned from his call, playfully ribbing Nicholas.
With a familiar face nearby, Isabella finally relaxed, joining in their laughter.
Richard's presence immediately tamed Nicholas's enthusiasm.
The rest of the dinner party passed pleasantly and comfortably.
After the meal, Nicholas seemed reluctant for the evening to end.
"I've already made reservations at a club—let's go for round two!"
The others eagerly agreed, but Isabella glanced at her watch: already past nine.
"It's getting late, and Olivia's waiting for me at home," she said diplomatically. "You all go ahead and have fun."
Richard also declined Nicholas's invitation, volunteering to drive Isabella home.
Despite Isabella's repeated protests, Richard insisted, and she eventually gave in and got into his car.
When she arrived home, Olivia was just finishing her bedtime routine, perfect timing for Isabella to read her a bedtime story.