Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Elaine observed them with a joyful expression. “It’s wonderful to see the house so lively. Isabella, you should have Andrew visit more often if he’s free.”
“Okay,” Isabella responded with a smile.
“Also, Hutton will arrive tomorrow. Isabella, would you like to join us at your uncle’s home?” Elaine added.
“Is he going to visit Uncle Rowan’s home?” Isabella asked.
Elaine nodded affirmatively. “Yes, how about you join us and meet Hutton?”
Isabella was aware that Elaine wanted her to broaden her social circle. What Elaine didn’t realize was that Isabella already knew Hutton quite well. Nevertheless, Isabella agreed compliantly.
The following day, Isabella went with her family to Rowan’s residence.
Only upon arriving did she understand the importance Rowan’s family placed on Hutton’s visit—the home was adorned with antiques, giving it a distinguished and classical vibe.
Courtney was there too, dressed elegantly in a vintage gown. She looked extremely elegant, clearly having put a lot of effort into her appearance. Isabella sat quietly, somewhat irritated.
It was obvious how much Rowan and his family esteemed Hutton, yet it was equally apparent they didn’t hold Glenn in similar regard. This only deepened Isabella’s dislike for Rowan and his family.
“When will Hutton be here?” Rowan asked.
“He should arrive before noon,” Glenn responded, checking the time. “There’s no rush; it’s still early.”
“Alright then.”
Elaine felt bored and asked Isabella to accompany her for a walk outside.
The surrounding woods were beautifully green. They had just stepped out when Hutton arrived.
Seeing Hutton’s arrival, Rowan and his family were filled with excitement.
“Mr. Marquez, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rowan quickly approached and respectfully shook Hutton’s hand. “We’ve eagerly awaited this moment.”
“Okay.” At nearly seventy years old, Hutton was still doing great. His complexion was healthy, and he carried himself with the grace of a revered artist. Yet, his demeanor was quite cold. He appeared uninterested in his surroundings.
“This is my daughter, Courtney. She has looked up to you for a long time,” Rowan introduced her.
Courtney stepped up, her eyes on Hutton, and said enthusiastically, “Mr. Marquez, your work inspired me to pursue painting. I never imagined I’d actually meet you. It’s truly an honor.” She bowed respectfully.
Hutton remained unimpressed and indifferent. Although he seemed to look down upon everything, his high standing in the art world ensured he never made others feel annoyed.
“If you hadn’t argued with your father, we might have met much sooner,” Hutton said to Rowan.
Rowan’s smile stiffened. He understood Hutton’s implication and replied, slightly embarrassed, “Indeed, that was my mistake. I never expected my father’s health to decline so rapidly… I’ve felt guilty about that for years.”
Rowan and his father had had a strained relationship, often arguing. Not long after their last disagreement, his father passed away. Rowan had wished to meet Hutton earlier, but Hutton had been unwilling due to that incident.
“We regret it deeply, but there’s no bringing Nolan back. Rowan visits his grave several times a year,” Sarai added as she stepped forward. “Mr. Marquez, please take a seat.” Hutton sat down, and Courtney promptly served him water. Hutton said directly, “Show me your paintings.”
“Okay.”
Courtney quickly brought out the paintings she was most proud of. Hutton examined them with a neutral expression. Courtney sat beside him, her heart racing uncontrollably. She was incredibly nervous, yet filled with self-confidence. Hutton was a master in painting. If he appreciated her work and took her on as his student, she could surpass everyone in the art community. The possibility thrilled Courtney.
“Not bad,” Hutton remarked calmly.
“I’m not particularly talented; I just put in a lot of effort. If I could study under you, Mr. Marquez, I’d work even harder,” Courtney said quietly.
Hutton looked at her and said, “Merely working hard is not sufficient for a career in painting.”
“You are right,” Courtney nodded.
The atmosphere was tense; everyone was anxious about Hutton’s decision.
“I’ll give it some thought,” Hutton finally said.
This statement sparked a wave of excitement among those present; it was promising that Hutton was even considering the matter.
Rowan and his family continued conversing with Hutton. Glenn, seated apart, was noticeably ignored but seemed indifferent, simply sipping his water.
At lunchtime, Rowan hosted a meal for everyone. Elaine and Isabella returned to join them.
Hutton, usually so reserved, visibly brightened upon seeing Isabella, his eyes widening.
“Mr. Marquez, it’s good to see you,” Elaine greeted him warmly.
“Oh, Mrs. Patton, it’s been a while,” Hutton responded with a smile before affectionately asking, “Is this your daughter?”
Elaine was caught off guard by Hutton’s unexpectedly warm demeanor. They had met Hutton several times before, and he had always been distant and arrogant. Yet now, his warmth towards her was surprising. “Yes,” Elaine replied, gently patting Isabella. “This is my daughter, Isabella.”
“Your daughter is as lovely as you are, Mrs. Patton,” Hutton complimented with a warm smile.
Everyone present was taken aback by Hutton’s sudden warmth. Was this the same reserved Hutton they had seen moments ago? It was as if he had transformed into a completely different person.
Courtney said softly, her tone tinged with subtlety, “My cousin is indeed lovely. But her story is quite touching. She spent a long time in the countryside before my uncle found her and brought her back. Had she been discovered earlier, perhaps she might have had the chance to study painting under you, too, Mr. Marquez.” Her implication was clear: Isabella was merely a country girl, undeserving of such attention from Hutton.
To her astonishment, Hutton looked at her as if she had said something foolish. Courtney was stunned. What did Hutton mean by looking at her like that…?
“Hello, Mr. Marquez,” Isabella said courteously.
Hutton internally chuckled, amused by her politeness. He then deliberately asked, “Since you are cousins, have you ever considered learning to paint?” His question left the room in stunned silence. What did it mean to be Hutton’s student? Such a position would secure one’s place in the art world.
Many aspired to be his student, including Courtney, who had made significant efforts to connect with Hutton. Yet, despite her attempts, he hadn’t committed to taking her on. But upon his first meeting with Isabella, Hutton posed such a question.
Rowan and his family speculated that perhaps because Courtney was so skilled, Hutton assumed Isabella might be equally talented.
Courtney responded calmly, “Mr. Marquez, my cousin actually doesn’t know how to paint…”
But Hutton dismissed this with a wave of his hand, saying, “She won’t know if she doesn’t try.”
Everyone was stunned. Since when did Hutton become so accommodating? It was truly surprising!
Courtney felt even more frustrated. Isabella seemed to be exploiting her skills! Hutton likely believed Isabella was talented simply because she was related to Courtney. Elaine, however, was thrilled. It would benefit Isabella to have Hutton as her mentor. Isabella was angry with Hutton in her mind, but when she saw Elaine’s excited eyes, she held back and changed her response. “I’ll give it some thought.”
Silence fell over the room once more. Hutton had just said the same thing to Courtney, and now Isabella was saying it to Hutton.
Courtney clenched her fists in frustration, her heart heavy with pain and bitterness. It felt unjust. Why was Isabella exploiting her?
Throughout lunch, Courtney struggled to keep her anger in check. After the meal, she took Isabella aside.
With disdain, Courtney demanded, “Isabella, why did you tell Hutton you would give it some thought? Just reject him!”
“Why?” Isabella asked calmly.
Courtney was surprised by Isabella’s question and was clearly exasperated. “The reason is simple: you don’t know anything about painting. Hutton wanted to take you as his student because you’re my cousin. He assumed you’d be as talented as I am, but the reality is, you don’t know how to paint at all.” She was extremely irritated. She disliked Isabella and refused to let her take advantage of the situation.
Isabella found Courtney’s words amusing. “Just because you can paint, does that mean I can’t?”
Courtney’s contempt was evident. “I know you were down and out before. How could you possibly paint? Even if you could, it wouldn’t be good.”
As Isabella looked at Courtney, her eyes grew increasingly cold. Although she wasn’t fond of Courtney’s family, she didn’t harbor any resentment. But looking at Courtney now, Isabella could clearly sense her and her family’s selfishness and vanity.
Isabella remarked, “Hutton was invited by my father. Do you have any gratitude at all? Even if Hutton wants me as his student, it doesn’t concern you.”
“Bullshit! Hutton is my grandfather’s friend!” Courtney shot back. “Besides, if Hutton hadn’t seen my paintings, how would he even consider you as his student?”
Isabella asked coolly, “If Hutton is your grandfather’s friend, why didn’t you invite him here earlier?”
Courtney was at a loss for words. But she quickly added, “If I become Hutton’s student, it will benefit everyone. Please stay out of it, Isabella. Just turn him down.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.