Gasps filled the room as the table overturned, food and wine spilling across the floor. Plates shattered, dishes clattered, and several guests were left soaked and disheveled.

Isabella staggered back and collapsed onto the floor, trembling as she shouted, "What's gotten into you, Dominic? So what if I didn't come home for your birthday? You're a grown man. When did you become so petty?"

Alexander had been splashed as well, his suit stained with soup and wine. He hurried to Isabella's side, his voice full of concern. "Bella, are you alright?"

Bracing herself against a nearby cabinet, Isabella steadied her breathing and rose to her feet. She ignored Alexander completely, her gaze locked on Dominic.

Alexander turned on Dominic, his expression hardening. "You scared her half to death. Apologize to her right now!"

Dominic laughed coldly. "What, does it hurt to see her upset?"

Alexander snorted. "Of course it hurts. She's my sister. Why wouldn't I care? You're the one with the filthy mind. You twist everything into something dirty."

"Filthy?" Dominic's pupils narrowed. Without another word, he strode forward and slapped Alexander's face.

The sound echoed.

Alexander was stunned. He couldn't believe that Dominic had dared to hit him.

The rest of the guests stared in silence.

Dominic's fury flared, his eyes blazing red. That single slap was only the beginning. He lunged at Alexander with fists and kicks, each blow fueled by rage.

The memory of the crossed-arm toast, the moment Alexander placed food on Isabella's plate, the way they spoke to each other—it was intimate, ambiguous. Every detail fanned the flames consuming him.

"Ahh!" Alexander screamed.

Dominic's tall, broad frame and raw strength left the delicate young man defenseless. Alexander curled on the floor and cried out in pain, powerless to resist.

The room erupted with shouts.

Isabella stood frozen for a few seconds before rushing forward. She wrapped her arms around Dominic's waist and pulled with all her strength. "Stop it! Please, stop!"

Only after a long struggle did Dominic finally relent. Alexander lay bloodied and groaning.

Isabella flung herself between them and shielded Alexander with her body as she glared at her husband and growled, "Are you insane? Haven't you made enough of a spectacle?"

She could not fathom it. How could he explode like this, just because she hadn't come home for his birthday?

Dominic gritted his teeth. "Who's making a spectacle, Isabella? If you don't want this marriage, say it. Stop parading this filth around. What's the matter? You can't breathe unless you humiliate me and cheat behind my back?"

His words stunned her. It took a moment before she screamed in return, "Dominic! You bastard! What are you saying? When have I ever betrayed you? Alex is like a brother to me. Brother! You'd better apologize, or I'll never forgive you!"

"Brother?" Dominic sneered. He pulled out his phone, opened a photo, and tossed it at her feet.

"Sworn brother, right? Stop kidding yourself." His voice dropped low, thick with contempt.

A jolt shot through Isabella. She bent down, picked up the phone, and her face went pale. A startled cry left her lips as the phone slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor.

Dominic's cold laugh sliced through the silence. "What now? Drinking crossed-arm toasts with your sworn brother? If I hadn't shown up tonight, what would've come next? Would you be in bed with him?"

Isabella's face drained of color, her lips trembling. "Dom… this isn't what it looks like. Please, let me explain—"

"Explain, my ass!" Dominic jabbed a finger at Alexander. "If you want to keep up this little charade of pretend siblings, fine. But don't take me for a fool."

"I-I didn't!" Isabella clutched at his shirt, desperate to explain.

But Dominic no longer cared to listen. Every moment from the evening—the toast, the glances, the twisting pain in his chest—fed his anger. He scoffed, shook off her hand, and stormed out.

Isabella panicked and moved to follow him.

Then Alexander's broken voice rose from the floor. "Bella… it hurts. I… I can't see. I can't see anything…"

She froze. Blood smeared his eyes, and his face was twisted in agony.

Isabella's expression wavered. At last she bit her lip and said, "I'll take you to the hospital."

She ordered two male employees to lift him up. Just as they were about to leave, Isabella remembered the phone. She stooped to retrieve it, then fixed her gaze on a petite young woman in the crowd.

Her voice turned cold. "Did you post this video, Vivian?"

Vivian Hale jolted, panic flooding her face. She was new to the company and hadn't realized Isabella had a husband. "Ms. Sinclair, I didn't know you were married—"

Isabella cut her off, "No need to explain. You're fired. Report to HR tomorrow and sign your termination papers."

Vivian's face collapsed in despair. "Ms. Sinclair, please…"

Isabella ignored her. She gave one last indifferent glance before walking out with Alexander.

…

Dominic sat in his car downstairs, smoking in silence. When Isabella never appeared, he shook his head, started the engine, and drove home.

'She has chosen Alexander again. No, even that isn't right. If a choice between me and another man exists at all, then I've already lost.' A bitter smile tugged at his lips. 'Seven years of marriage—is it truly ending?'

He had never imagined divorce with Isabella, but it seemed inevitable now. The only question was Lilith. He was a man and could walk away. But for the girl, what kind of scar would a divorce leave?

He let out a long, weary sigh.

…

Dominic could not remember how he made it home. When he opened the door, the apartment lay in silence. He pushed open the door to Lilith's room and saw Katherine curled on the bed, holding Lilith as they slept. Their breathing was soft and even.

Half the blanket had slipped to the floor, leaving most of Katherine's body uncovered. Her silk camisole had ridden up, the pale curve of her hip catching the dim light.

Dominic hesitated, then crossed the room quietly. He lifted the blanket and drew it over her before stepping out and closing the door.

…

Past midnight, the front door opened. Isabella slipped inside, her face drawn with exhaustion. The sharp stench of smoke hit her nose and sent her into a coughing fit.

The lights were off, but she could just make out a man's silhouette on the sofa.

Her chest tightened, yet she drew a steady breath and said softly, "Honey… happy birthday."

She flicked on the light and saw the coffee table's ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts.

"Save it. My birthday's already over." Dominic's voice was low, his expression unreadable.

Isabella instinctively checked her phone. It was past midnight. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. "Honey, I bought you a gift. It's the watch you liked last time. Try it on."

She held out a small bag containing a box.

Dominic glanced at it and casually set it on the coffee table. "No need. I'm not used to wearing expensive things like this."

Isabella's expression soured instantly. "Do you have to be so sarcastic? You went way too far just now. You beat Alex half to death, and I had to talk him down from calling the police. You owe him an apology!"

Dominic let out a bitter laugh. "Apologize to him? What I did was nothing. If I see him again, I'll beat him worse. Just get him to call the police!"

Isabella's anger flared. "H-How can you be like this?"

Dominic waved her off. "Save your words. We've been together for seven years. We had good times, sure, but people change. If you've fallen for someone else, just say so. I can let go. But drinking, arms crossed with another man? That's making me a cuckold. I won't stand for it."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Isabella protested. "After all these years, you still don't trust me? Making you a cuckold? How disgusting. He's like a brother to me. That's all. About the toast, you've got it wrong. I can explain…"

Dominic looked at her steadily. "Go ahead."

Isabella bit her lip. "Honey, it was a celebration dinner. Everyone was drinking. The toast was just the crowd egging us on. I only meant to raise my glass to him, but then he slipped his arm across mine… I didn't do it on purpose—"

"So you still drank it, right?" Dominic cut her off.

Isabella's face tightened, but she nodded. "I'd already had some to drink. I wasn't thinking. I just went along. But I swear, it's only a brother-sister bond. Nothing else. I'm your wife. You should trust me."

Her explanation did nothing to ease him. In fact, it sounded even more absurd.

"So you did drink it. My beloved wife, clinking glasses with your so-called sworn brother…" A mirthless laugh escaped him. "What a joke."

Isabella paled. She moved closer, sat beside him, and gently wrapped her arms around his. "Honey, don't say that. I've never betrayed you. I only love you."

Dominic shook his head, pulled his arm free, and met her gaze. "Until now, I trusted you unconditionally. Don't you see we already have a problem?"

Isabella froze. Fights between a husband and a wife were normal to her. They'd quarrel today and make up tomorrow. It was nothing serious.

"What problem? There's no problem," she said hurriedly.

"Fire him. Cut ties with him. Can you do that?" Dominic's voice was flat.

Isabella stared in disbelief. "Why drag him into this? I already explained. He's just a brother to me!"

Dominic rubbed his temples, suppressing his fury. "How many times has this happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"How many fights have we had because of him?" Dominic pressed. "Last weekend, we were supposed to take Lily to the amusement park. Then he called, and you ran to the office. Who's the boss? Him or you?"

Isabella tried to explain, "He was working late. I needed to help him handle some things—"

"And when he was looking for an apartment, what did that have to do with you? We were finally at the movies, and you left me alone to go house-hunting with him?" Dominic demanded.

Isabella's face tightened again. "He's young, new to the city. I didn't want him to be scammed."

Dominic scoffed. "And when he called, you ran to his place to cook for him. Was that to prevent a scam too?"

"I didn't…" Isabella scrambled. "He had a high fever. He couldn't even move. I'm his sworn sister. What's wrong with making soup for him? Honey, stop being petty. He's just a kid. I only helped within reason…"

Those words snapped Dominic's restraint. He shot to his feet, his voice shaking with fury. "So if he wanted you, you'd give him that too?"

The air went still.

Isabella was stunned. After a moment, she stood, blazing with rage. "Are you out of your mind, Dominic? How could you even say that? You've disappointed me more than I can say."

"I'm going insane because of you," Dominic roared, eyes bloodshot. "You know damn well his presence is wrecking our marriage, yet you keep doing whatever you please. Fine. Keep it up. But hear me—if you don't cut things off with him, there's only one solution. Divorce."

Isabella was bewildered. "Over something like this? You'd divorce me?"

"Something like this?" Dominic laughed coldly. "I've said what I needed to. If you still care about this family, about me and Lily, you know what to do."

Isabella's anger intensified, and her expression hardened. "Maybe you're the one who needs to calm down. I haven't done anything wrong. Why should I change?"

That was her nature—unyielding, domineering.

Dominic held her gaze, unflinching. "Suit yourself."

He walked into the guest room.

Isabella collapsed onto the sofa, heart in turmoil. She grabbed Dominic's cigarette pack and lit one with unsteady hands.

A sleepy voice called out, "What are you two fighting about in the middle of the night?"

Katherine emerged from Lilith's room, rubbing her eyes.

Isabella glanced at her without surprise. "You're here."

Katherine nodded and sat beside her. "What happened now?"

Although she didn't like Dominic, she didn't want to see her sister's marriage fall apart. If they fought, the one who would suffer most was the little girl.

Isabella pouted angrily. "He's out of his mind. Talking about divorce."

Katherine's eyes widened. "He'd really divorce you?"

"He wouldn't dare," Isabella said with certainty. "He's just mad. By tomorrow, it'll blow over."

"Could it be a misunderstanding?" As an outsider, Katherine knew Dominic rarely threw around threats. For him to mention divorce meant that he had likely already made up his mind.

"He's the one misunderstanding me! He's imagining things. It's all his fault," Isabella said bitterly, spilling everything to her sister in one breath.

Katherine frowned. "Have you even considered what Dominic said—about cutting ties with your so-called brother?"

"There's no need." Isabella huffed. "Why should he meddle in my relationships? I haven't done anything wrong. I have nothing to feel guilty about."

"Is that so? Or is it because you can't bring yourself to cut ties with him?" Katherine lowered her voice, glancing toward the guest bedroom.

Isabella's eyes widened.

"How could I possibly—" She stopped mid-sentence, and her expression faltered as if a thought had crossed her mind.

Katherine saw it all and sighed silently. Perhaps Isabella had already started to drift without realizing it.

After a pause, Isabella said, "Anyway, Alex and I are innocent. We're just like brother and sister. Dominic is misunderstanding. In time, he'll see the truth. Honestly, Alex is a really good kid…"

"So you like him?" Katherine asked abruptly.

"I'm his sworn sister. Isn't it normal to like my little brother?" Isabella replied instinctively.

Katherine shook her head. "Alright, I get it. But I still think you should consider what Dominic said carefully. I'm going to bed. I've got a livestream tomorrow."

Katherine stood, yawned, and left. She was an influencer with millions of followers.

Seeing her sister leave, Isabella nodded and walked her to the door before returning to the guest bedroom. She tried the handle, but it was locked from the inside.

With a frustrated huff, she turned away.

…

The next morning, Dominic woke early. He glanced at the closed master bedroom door but didn't knock. Instead, he went to Lilith's room and gently woke her.

The girl rubbed her eyes and shuffled off to wash up while Dominic made breakfast in the kitchen.

"Where's Mom? Didn't you make her breakfast too?" Lilith asked between bites.

Dominic smiled gently. "Mom doesn't need Daddy to make her breakfast anymore."

Lilith gave a puzzled little nod.

Inside the master bedroom, Isabella had just placed her hand on the doorknob when she overheard him and froze. A storm of emotions—hurt, guilt, anger, heartbreak—swirled in her eyes, but she didn't open the door.

When she finally stepped out, the apartment was empty. Dominic had already left with Lilith for kindergarten. On the table, breakfast dishes remained, but none for her.

Her face darkened briefly, then she steeled herself. They had fought before. He was angry now but would cool off in a couple of days. This time, she had no intention of backing down. She was convinced there was nothing wrong between her and Alexander. Dominic was simply too sensitive.

What she didn't realize was that throughout their marriage, she had never compromised. As CEO, she had built it to a valuation of over 10,000,000 dollars. Though her family had helped a little, most of the success was hers. That success had hardened her character. She had become unyielding, domineering, and unwilling to admit fault or make concessions.

So even now, with Dominic demanding she fire Alexander and cut ties, she refused.

Isabella slipped on her heels, went to the garage, and drove out in her Porsche.

Her voice was resolute as she muttered, "You're being too stubborn, Dom. This isn't right. Alex and I are just like siblings. You argued with me over that and even refused to make me breakfast. You're the one in the wrong."

She started the car and headed straight to the office.

…

When Isabella walked in with a cold expression, her employees shrank back. Last night's scene had spread, and her frosty demeanor warned everyone to stay out of her way.

Isabella entered her office, sat, and pulled out her phone. Staring at Dominic's number, she hesitated. "He was the one who made a scene at dinner, not me. He hit someone and now threatens divorce. He should apologize first. Only then will I forgive him."

With a sharp huff, she set the phone down without dialing. Just then, someone pushed the office door open without knocking.

Already in a foul mood, Isabella looked up angrily, then froze. "Alex? Why are you here today?"

It was Alexander. His face was bruised, bandaged in places, with strips of bandages covering cuts. He smiled faintly. "I can't skip work just because I'm hurt."

He handed her a stack of documents. Besides being her sworn brother, Alexander was the leader of Sales Team Alpha and her assistant.

Seeing his battered state softened Isabella, and she smiled. "Alright, stop trying to act tough. If you're not well, take leave. You know I'd approve of it."

She scanned the documents. Alexander had organized and analyzed the company data meticulously. The reports were comprehensive and clear, so Isabella nodded in approval.

Alexander chuckled and settled on the sofa. "Did Dom misunderstand yesterday? He's not seriously angry, is he?"

Isabella frowned. "He was impulsive. Honestly, I should thank you for being forgiving and not pressing charges."

"It's nothing." Alexander's eyes flickered. "But he's too sensitive. If I had a girlfriend, I'd trust her completely."

Isabella shook her head with a bitter smile. "If only he were as understanding as you."

Alexander leaned forward. "Why don't I explain it to him? If things are laid out clearly, he'll get over it. He's a man. He can't be that petty."

Isabella bristled. "Not petty? That would be a miracle!"

At the same time, she thought, 'If only my husband were as considerate as Alex.'