Chapter 5 Not long after Benjamin got out of the hospital , Margot's birthday party took place at the Bagnall's manor . The place was well -lit and buzzing with guests . During the gift - giving part , Isabel stood up, grabbed a simply wrapped gift box , and walked over . Her presence immediately quieted everyone around her , and all kinds of looks - curious , sympathetic , even a bit smug her id with a smile as she handed over the gift box . utic salve that she had spent more than a month getting made by an expert in traditional ountless calls and even traveled to his clinic twice - all because Margot had once casually g some lower back pain . Margot looked at Isabel standing there all alone with pity . She took the gift and said softly , " Isabel , you're so sweet . I really love it . " Just then , Benjamin walked over with Gianna beside him in her fancy outfit . The ruby necklace around Gianna's neck caught Isabel's eye . It was the expensive birthday present Benjamin had bought for her . He had once claimed that only something as stunning as this would be good enough for her . " Mom , happy birthday ! " Benjamin said with a grin , pointing to Gianna . Gianna quickly held out a super fancy gift box , her voice dripping with sweetness . " Happy birthday , Mom ! This is what Benjamin and I picked out for you together . I hope you like it . " When the box was opened , everyone gasped in awe at the stunning emerald necklace inside - it was priceless ! But Margot's smile faded just a bit . She softly told Benjamin , " Thanks so much , Benjamin . That's really too gener- ous . " Gianna felt left out and looked hurt instantly . With tears welling up in her eyes , she turned to Benjamin beside her . Seeing Gianna like that made Benjamin feel sorry for her . He reached over and grabbed Isabel's gift from next to Margot . He opened it casually with a half - smirk on his face . His voice wasn't loud but clear enough for everyone around to hear . " Ms. Ackrea really knows how to take shortcuts . My mom has seen all kinds of good things and you give her this cheap homemade salve ? That's way too lame to show off . " After saying that , he tossed the gift aside like it was trash . " Get rid of this ! It doesn't deserve space here - not every- thing is worthy of being displayed . " 0.0 % 12:46 Chapter 5 In a flash , the whole room went quiet . Every single pair of eyes turned to Isabel , and the mockery and pity in those looks felt like they were about to swal- low her whole . Her face went pale instantly , as if someone had slapped her hard in front of everyone - her ears buzzed , and it felt like the world was spinning around her . Just because Gianna felt a bit wronged , he didn't think twice about taking her genuine feelings , showing them off for everyone to see , and trampling all over them without a second thought . She dug her nails into her palm , mustering every ounce of strength she had left just to keep herself from collapsing . Harvey and Margot's faces turned red with embarrassment . They were ready to step in and smooth things over . But Isabel spoke up first . Her voice came out hoarse and shaky as she rushed to say , " Dad , Mom ... I'm sorry . It's kind of stuffy in here . I need some fresh air . " She turned away like she was escaping , forcing herself to stand tall as she walked slowly toward the corner of the ter- race . Just when she leaned against the cold railing , gasping for breath while trying to calm down from all that humiliation and sadness inside her heart , someone followed her over . " What's up , Ms. Ackrea ? Hiding out here all by yourself to feel sorry for yourself ? " Gianna's voice was dripping with pride and sarcasm , her eyes full of challenge . Isabel shot her a cold look , not wanting to get into pointless arguing . " Just move aside . " " Move aside ? " Gianna laughed mockingly , sizing Isabel up. " Benjamin loves me now , and I'm going to be the lady of this house from now on . If you know what's best for you , you'll just leave - stop being such an eyesore . " Isabel ignored her and tightened her grip on the wine glass as she tried to walk away . Gianna spotted Benjamin coming in the distance and a sly glint flashed in her eyes instantly . She suddenly reached out and snatched the champagne glass right out of Isabel's hand . " Ah ! " With Gianna's intentionally loud shriek , all the wine splashed onto her fancy dress . " Ms. Ackrea ! How ... how could you do this to me ? " Gianna's expression changed in a heartbeat , filled with hurt and embarrassment , her voice shaking with tears . She pointed at Isabel , her body trembling as if she had just faced the worst kind of insult . " I know you look down on me because I come from a fishing village ! But you ... you can't just splash wine on me like that to humiliate me and then say something like ' to cover up the fishy smell on you " ! " 35.1 % 12:46 Chapter 5 288 Vouchers Gianna's accusation hit everyone like a bolt out of the blue . All eyes turned sharply toward Isabel , and whispers start- ed buzzing around the room . Benjamin rushed over in a few quick steps . Seeing Gianna looking so upset and hearing her tearful words made his anger boil over instantly . " Isabel ! " He stepped in front of the shaking Gianna to protect her , then shot an angry glare at Isabel . " Do you even have any manners ? So what if Gianna is from a fishing village ? She works hard for everything she has , lives honestly , and she's my hero ! " And as for you - splashing wine on her and saying such mean things ? Is this how your parents teach you ? " The mention of " parents " felt like a sharp knife digging into Isabel's old wounds . Her face went pale as paper in an in- stant . The loss of her parents was a wound that would never heal for her , but he turned it into a weapon - all just to defend Gianna . It felt like her heart had been ripped open , pounding with unbearable pain . She didn't have the strength to say any- thing in defense . Right now , all he could see and care about was Gianna . No matter what Isabel said , it would just be seen as an ex- cuse . When Benjamin noticed Isabel's face go pale and her shaky figure swaying , his heart tightened . He never meant to hurt her like this . Luckily , Gianna quickly grabbed his arm and leaned on him , tears trembling in her voice . " Benjamin ... please take me away ... I can't stand seeing her anymore ! " He took that moment to harden his resolve , pushing aside the uneasy feeling and sharp pain in his chest . Grabbing Gi- anna's hand , he turned to leave right away . " Let's go , Gianna . I'll bring you to get your clothes changed . " He held onto the sobbing Gianna and rushed off from the terrace as if they were escaping . Watching them walk away , the last bit of light faded completely from Isabel's eyes . 72.4 % Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!