Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Glenn and Rowan carried on their conversation. “So, where are your children? Why aren’t they here?” Glenn inquired.
“My son is studying overseas,” Rowan explained casually. “And my daughter is still at work. She’s currently teaching calligraphy and painting.”
“She’s a teacher? I remember she’s a year younger than Isabella, right?” Glenn asked, somewhat surprised.
“Yes,” Rowan confirmed. “She’s lucky to have been hired by Greville College. It’s a great opportunity for her.”
His statement caught everyone off guard. Greville College was renowned nationally for its programs in painting and calligraphy. Typically, only those with a rich background in the field could secure a teaching position there.
This time, Glenn’s admiration was sincere. “Courtney is truly remarkable. To be a teacher at Greville College so young, she’s definitely going places!”
“Absolutely,” Rowan said, pride evident in his voice. “I was over 30 when I started there, and now she’s the youngest instructor on staff.” Rowan hesitated before saying, “Glenn, I actually need a favor.”
“Oh? What’s that?” Glenn asked.
“Courtney is doing well among her peers, but her current mentor isn’t cutting it anymore. We’re hoping to find her a more fitting mentor,” Rowan explained.
“Who do you have in mind?” Glenn pondered.
“Hutton Marquez,” Rowan answered.
At this, Isabella glanced up, noticing the surprised look on her parents’ faces. She stayed quiet, bowing her head as she continued to eat.
“But Hutton hasn’t taken on any students in years,” Glenn remarked.
“I’m aware. However, Hutton is the best right now. We want Courtney to train with him to bring prestige to our country. Glenn, didn’t Dad have a strong rapport with Hutton? I recall you used to see him often,” Rowan said.
Glenn paused. Their father had indeed been well-connected and maintained a close relationship with Hutton during their younger days. Since his father’s death, Glenn had kept in touch with his father’s old acquaintances sporadically. On the other hand, Rowan, having been estranged from their father, had lost those connections.
“Hutton is quite eccentric,” Glenn admitted. “He’s been living away from society in a temple these last few years, and I’ve lost contact with him. I can try to reconnect, but I can’t guarantee anything.”
“That’s all I’m hoping for, Glenn,” Rowan said with a smile. “Just the fact you’re willing to help is enough for me. Let’s raise our glasses.”
Sarai, who had been silent until now, turned to Elaine with a warm smile. “Elaine, it’s been years, yet you haven’t aged a bit. You look so stunning and radiant. Your skin is just wonderful.”
Elaine responded with a humble smile, “Thank you, Sarai. You’re looking quite stunning yourself.”
Sarai then shifted her focus to Isabella. “What does Isabella do?”
“She’s working at our family’s company,” Elaine answered.
Sarai raised an eyebrow slightly. Working in the family business could be seen as a cushy job, right?
“Elaine, Isabella is still young and should be gaining more practical skills,” Sarai suggested. “Isabella, if you’re interested in learning calligraphy and painting, I could ask Courtney to teach you once she’s back.”
Elaine glanced at Isabella, indicating the decision was hers to make.
“Thank you, Sarai, but I think I’m fine without it,” Isabella replied gently.
Sarai insisted, “Many would jump at the chance to be taught by Courtney, but can’t. She’s your cousin, so feel free to ask if you ever want to learn.”
Her tone was courteous, yet carried a hint of condescension.
“Thank you, Sarai, but I really don’t need it,” Isabella repeated, maintaining her polite refusal.
Sarai did not push further, though it was clear she didn’t take Isabella’s refusal too seriously.
As they neared the end of their meal, an elegant woman walked into the dining room.
“What took you so long, Courtney?” Rowan asked with a gentle reprimand.
“Sorry, Dad, my class ran overtime,” Courtney responded. She then turned to greet everyone. “Uncle Glenn, Elaine, it’s wonderful to see you. And this is…”
She paused, clearly taken aback by Isabella’s stunning looks.
“This is your cousin, Isabella,” Rowan said.
“Hello,” Courtney greeted, her tone somewhat indifferent. She knew that Isabella had only recently been found and had grown up in the countryside, leading her to assume that Isabella would be unsophisticated.
Sarai chimed in, “Courtney, exchange contact information with Isabella, and later you can teach her some painting and calligraphy.”
Isabella looked at Sarai, recalling that she had already declined this offer earlier. “I don’t—“
Before Isabella could finish, Courtney cut her off with a frown, clearly displeased. “Mom, I’ve already told you, I’m really busy. Please don’t make promises for me. I’m swamped with my classes at Greville College.”
Sarai, feeling a bit embarrassed but still insistent, replied, “Just find some time to teach your cousin.”
Courtney’s impatience was now evident, her frustration barely concealed. What could someone raised in the countryside possibly know about painting and calligraphy?
Courtney despised relatives who had no sense of boundaries, assuming that being family meant free lessons and favors were expected. However, knowing how much she needed Glenn’s help, Courtney grudgingly extended her phone. “Fine, add me on WhatsApp. Just don’t expect me to reply quickly—I’m swamped.”
“There’s really no need,” Isabella replied, her voice composed and unruffled. “Thank you, but I’ll pass.”
Courtney blinked, stunned. Isabella refused? After she had gone out of her way to compromise? Who did this village girl think she was?
“Seriously, it’s okay,” Courtney insisted, though her tone was laced with impatience. “If you’re interested, I can try to find some time.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need it,” Isabella reiterated, her voice firm but polite. “I actually declined your mother’s offer earlier—maybe there was a misunderstanding.”
Elaine added, “Yes, Isabella isn’t interested, so let’s just drop it.”
Not interested? Sarai’s disdain deepened. She had graciously suggested that Courtney exchange contact information with Isabella, only to be rebuffed. How ungrateful.
“Alright then, let’s leave it at that,” Sarai replied, her tone noticeably colder.
Rowan quickly stepped in to ease the tension. “Not everyone is into painting and calligraphy. Courtney, you must be tired. Why don’t you go upstairs and rest?”
Courtney nodded and left without another word.
The conversation grew a bit strained, but Rowan skillfully steered it in a different direction, gradually easing the tension.
After dinner, Isabella and her parents made their polite farewells and headed home.
In the car, Elaine’s frustration was clear.
Glenn noticed and asked, “What’s on your mind, dear?”
“They haven’t changed at all, especially Courtney. As an elder, I try to let things go, but she’s just too full of herself,” Elaine replied, her annoyance evident. “And your sister-in-law—Isabella made it clear she wasn’t interested, but Sarai kept pushing Courtney to teach her, just to show off her daughter’s talents.”
Glenn nodded thoughtfully. “Courtney is talented, so it’s easy to see why she might be a little arrogant. But Isabella has her own strengths, even if they don’t recognize them. Let’s not let it get to us. If you’re uncomfortable, we can just keep our distance.” He turned to Isabella as he spoke, and she nodded quietly in agreement.
Later, Glenn reached out to Hutton, who had just finished his retreat at the temple and agreed to meet with Courtney. Excited by the news, Glenn quickly shared it with Rowan, who couldn’t hide his delight.
Elaine glanced at Glenn and remarked sarcastically, “You really are a good brother.”
“Well, he’s my only brother, and we don’t connect often. It’s important to help each other when we can,” Glenn reassured her with a smile. “And I know my wonderful wife won’t be too upset about it, right?”
Elaine let out a small huff but didn’t press further. She was generally okay with Rowan, but his wife and daughter were a different matter. Isabella, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, as she wasn’t particularly close to them.
As Isabella scrolled through her phone, a message popped up.
“Isabella, what have you been up to lately? Do you think you have some free time to look at my painting? Or are you too busy?”
With a sigh, Isabella examined the painting that was sent, then replied, “Wow! You’ve improved a lot.”
The response came swiftly. “You were right. My retreat at the temple has brought me so much peace.”
“That’s good to know!” Isabella typed back.
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