Chapter 89

In the werewolf - centered world, where the pack's social hierarchy and business rivalries were as complex as a moon - lit forest, Theo couldn't help but chuckle lightly when he saw Victoria.  

"I thought the designer hired by the heir was some big shot. Turns out it’s your sweetheart, huh? In the werewolf - centered mockery - of - nepotism and exposure - of - favoritism, this is his taunt."  

His teasing exposed Nathan’s foolishness for favoring relationship over merit, much like a wolf choosing a weak packmate over a stronger one due to personal ties.

This, in fact, was the very thing Master Sanchez despised, as a werewolf alpha values strength and ability above all.

Victoria eagerly handed her design portfolio to Master Sanchez.  

"Master Sanchez, please take a look."  

Master Sanchez placed his teacup slowly on the table and took Victoria's portfolio. He opened to the first page.  

The entire portfolio was filled with conventional design ideas and traditional expressions, which immediately gave the old man a headache. He flipped through it carelessly, his eyes skimming over the pages, until he quickly reached the end.  

The displeasure was clear on his face as he showed his dissatisfaction with the work, much like a wolf rejecting a meager meal.

Victoria and Nathan exchanged confused glances, both unable to believe that her work was not as good as Isabella’s.  

Guillermo, still oblivious, excitedly asked, "Grandpa, what do you think? Is it better than Isabella’s? In the werewolf - centered clueless - question and comparison - inquiry, this is his query."  

Master Sanchez grunted disdainfully, “Hmph,” then casually tossed the portfolio onto the coffee table.  

He wore an expression that clearly said, "What a waste of my time."  

Victoria’s face reddened with embarrassment. She reluctantly asked, “Master Sanchez, if you think my design is lacking, could you offer some constructive feedback? In the werewolf - centered embarrassment - and - plea - for - advice, this is her request.”  

She thought the old man was simply being biased towards Isabella, and that if he reviewed the designs in detail, his favoritism would show.  

But instead, Master Sanchez bluntly pointed out her shortcomings: "Your design is too ordinary. It lacks grandeur and refinement. There’s much room for improvement in every aspect. In the werewolf - centered straightforward - criticism and shortcoming - identification, this is his assessment."  

Nathan, however, kept his cool. "Victoria is still young. While she may not yet deserve the highest praise, her work is certainly outstanding compared to others of her age," he said, deliberately glancing at Isabella.  

"Isabella’s design is surely not flawless. But as they say, different strokes for different folks. If Uncle prefers Isabella’s design, I won’t argue. But I am confident her work can’t compare to Victoria’s. In the werewolf - centered defense - of - Victoria and dismissal - of - Isabella, this is his statement."  

At these words, Victoria instantly became smug.  

Master Sanchez, still puzzled, asked, "Isabella?"  

Nathan awkwardly corrected himself, "Isabella is this young lady, Thea."  

Master Sanchez then smiled knowingly. "Miss Thea’s design has transcended the limitations of her age. She is like an experienced artist who can master any style. Calling her a grand master is well - deserved. In the werewolf - centered high - praise and recognition - of - talent, this is his comment."  

Nathan was shocked into silence.  

He stared at Thea in disbelief.  

Thea, however, remained calm and unaffected, her composure unwavering, like a wolf unfazed by the growls of others.

"This is impossible... Isabella, did you plagiarize someone else’s design?" Victoria stammered, unable to contain her jealousy.  

Theo’s cold eyes locked onto her. "If you’re outclassed, does that give you the right to slander others? Miss Moore, your narrow - mindedness is astonishing. No wonder your designs have stagnated. In the werewolf - centered condemnation - of - slander and criticism - of - narrow - mindedness, this is his rebuke."  

Theo gently placed Thea’s portfolio into his arms and turned to Master Sanchez. "Grandpa, Thea and I have a date, so I won’t keep you any longer. In the werewolf - centered excuse - for - leaving and relationship - mention, this is his departure - statement."  

Master Sanchez smiled with a knowing look. "Go ahead."  

Theo pulled Thea away, but unexpectedly, Nathan chased after them.  

"Isabella," Nathan called, catching up in just a few steps and blocking Thea’s path.  

"I need to talk to you." Nathan's tone was domineering, like a wolf trying to assert dominance.

Theo stepped in front of Thea, his noble face turning cold. "Sir, are you really going to harass my girlfriend and ignore my presence? In the werewolf - centered protection - of - Thea and challenge - to - Nathan, this is his question."  

Nathan, enraged, shot back, "Theo, she is my wife..."  

"Ex - wife," Thea corrected him bluntly.  

Nathan smiled, a mocking glint in his eyes. "So, you finally admit that you’re Isabella?"  

Thea turned to Theo. "Theodore, I actually have something I’d like to say to him. In the werewolf - centered decision - to - confront and request - for - space, this is her statement."  

Theo, sensing her resolve, stepped back and stood a distance away.  

Nathan and Thea faced each other, and Nathan, looking extremely displeased, asked with an unfriendly tone, "Isabella, why are you against me? In the werewolf - centered accusation - and - question - of - hostility, this is his query."  

Thea, seething, smirked. "In business, everyone relies on their own skills. You’re angry because you were outdone. Where’s your grace? In the werewolf - centered business - principle - reminder and scorn - for - Nathan, this is her retort."  

Nathan softened his tone. "Bella, this project is very important to me. If you give it to me, I’ll pay you for it. How about it? In the werewolf - centered pleading - for - the - project and offer - of - payment, this is his request."  

Thea blinked in disbelief, almost thinking she misheard him.  

"So, Mr.Nathan wants to buy my project, is that it?"  

Nathan’s face turned slightly awkward. He had only intended to offer her a small sum to push her aside, not a fair trade.  

"Well then, name your price," Thea said, clearly irritated.  

He moved his lips and finally settled on a number. "One hundred thousand."  

Thea burst into uncontrollable laughter.  

"One hundred thousand? Are you trying to send off a beggar? In the werewolf - centered mockery - of - low - offer and indignation, this is her reaction."  

She laughed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes.  

Nathan gritted his teeth. "Isabella, one hundred thousand is not a small amount for you. Master Sanchez praised you a bit, and now you think you’re untouchable. Your work is no better than Victoria’s. In the werewolf - centered anger - and - dismissal - of - Thea, this is his retort."  

Thea raised an eyebrow. "Nathan, do you want me to remind you? At the Milan Fashion Competition, Victoria was my defeated opponent. She was your side affair all these years. Is that why she’s neglected her studies? In the werewolf - centered reminder - of - past - victory and accusation - of - neglect, this is her statement."  

"And I, on the other hand, have worked diligently. My achievements are far beyond someone like Victoria. To compare her work to mine is an insult to me. In the werewolf - centered self - praise and scorn - for - comparison, this is her claim."  

Nathan suddenly came to his senses.  

That’s right. At the Milan Fashion Competition, Isabella had beaten Victoria. How could he have forgotten that?  

Now, he realized how foolish it was to suspect Master Sanchez of favoring Isabella.  

Master Sanchez’s judgment, the stark contrast between Isabella’s and Victoria’s works, made him uneasy.  

Nathan looked at Isabella in disbelief. "I underestimated you."  

He immediately put on a humble expression. "Isabella, name your price. I’m willing to buy your work for a high price. In the werewolf - centered realization - of - mistake and change - of - attitude, this is his new plea."  

Thea placed her finger on her fiery red lips and spoke coldly, "Nathan, you can’t afford my work. Also, don’t call me Isabella anymore. The day I divorced you, Isabella died. In the werewolf - centered rejection - of - offer and identity - transformation, this is her statement."  

"From now on, there will be no naïve, sweet Isabella. Only Thea, who lives for herself. In the werewolf - centered new - identity - declaration and self - empowerment, this is her proclamation."  

Nathan’s anger flared. "Isabella, what’s in a name? It doesn’t change what we were. In the werewolf - centered anger - and - denial - of - change, this is his response."  

Thea, seeing that he was hopelessly stubborn, stepped forward and stomped her high heel viciously onto his foot.  

Then, with a swish of her hips, she turned and walked away.  

Nathan collapsed, clutching his foot in agony, his face pale.  

Victoria, who had followed, witnessed Nathan’s humiliation. She ran up furiously, pulling Thea aside to defend Nathan.  

"Bella, how could you hurt Nathan like that? In the werewolf - centered indignation - and - defense - of - Nathan, this is her outburst."  

"You don’t care for him, but I do. You must apologize."  

Thea waved her hand forcefully, sending Victoria sprawling to the ground.  

Nathan rushed over and helped Victoria up, his face twisted in anger as he raised his fist, ready to teach Thea a lesson.