Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
“What did you tell him?” Elaine was curious.
“I said yes. If he thinks business is simple, let him try. I’ll set up a separate department for him to see what he’s capable of,” Glenn explained calmly. If Rowan managed to prove himself, Glenn wouldn’t hinder his success.
Isabella remained silent throughout, continuing to eat. She sensed that Rowan would soon regret this choice.
The following day, after Isabella wrapped up her work, Andrew arrived to take her to the banquet. The event was hosted at a lavish hotel in Ansport, where the grand setting lent an air of luxury.
The banquet hall was buzzing with guests engaged in lively conversations and enjoying their drinks. Though the conversations seemed light and casual, everyone had their own agendas, quietly probing for information they were curious about.
Courtney arrived in a light blue dress, looking both elegant and refined. Standing next to Tatiana, she maintained a somewhat distant demeanor in front of the crowd.
Word had gotten out about Rowan’s entry into the Patton Group, sparking curiosity among the guests. “Courtney, is your father aiming to take control of the Patton Group?”
“Why has your father decided to work at the Patton Group? Could there be a shift in leadership?”
Courtney kept her composure, her eyes betraying a hint of pride. “Don’t read too much into it. My father belongs to the Patton Group, so it’s only natural he works there. He’s been following his passions for years, and now he’s ready to make his mark in the company.”
Everyone exchanged knowing looks, pondering the implications. If Rowan assumed leadership at the Patton Group, Courtney’s influence would undoubtedly grow. They all realized it might be wise to stay on her good side. As a result, everyone treated Courtney with extra warmth and enthusiasm.
Courtney, not having been the focus of attention recently, relished the spotlight. Yet, as time went on, she began to feel uneasy. She turned to Tatiana and asked, “Didn’t you say Andrew was coming?”
“Yes, why isn’t he here yet?” Tatiana replied, peering towards the door.
Courtney frowned, frustrated. One of the main reasons she had come was to see Andrew. She was resolved to marry him. She wanted him to see her in only the best light.
Just then, a commotion at the entrance caught everyone’s attention. As Andrew entered, he naturally captured the room’s attention. But the woman beside him also turned heads.
As soon as she appeared in her red dress, the hall seemed to dim around her. While Andrew’s dignified aura usually outshone others, Isabella was an exception. Far from being overshadowed, she shone even brighter next to him, enhancing their joint appearance.
The hall was captivated by the sight of Andrew and Isabella together. Soon, guests gravitated towards Andrew, and before long, everyone was familiar with Isabella, too.
Courtney observed their interaction, her grip tightening on her glass to the point of nearly breaking it. She was furious!
Why did Isabella always have to be around Andrew? Her anger boiled over. What a shameless witch! How dare she cling to a man when she lacked real talent! Courtney fumed silently, spotting her chance when Isabella moved toward the buffet, leaving Andrew momentarily alone.
Seizing the opportunity, Courtney approached him. “Mr. Klein, may I propose a toast?” Courtney said, feigning shyness. “I’m really sorry about what happened last time.”
Andrew didn’t even glance Courtney’s way and kept talking to others. This caused those around to give Courtney meaningful looks. Her cheeks turned red. She bit her lip, thinking Andrew hadn’t heard her. “Mr. Klein, may I offer a toast to you?” But Andrew continued to ignore her.
Some laughter from behind made Courtney incredibly embarrassed. She sensed someone was mocking her. Feeling wronged, she moved closer to Andrew and said, “Mr. Klein, there are some misunderstandings between us; I’m really innocent. If Isabella hadn’t hurt me first, I wouldn’t have acted that way.”
Courtney started to feel sorry for herself and began to sob.
“Are you an idiot?” Andrew finally spoke, but his words were harsh, and his gaze was filled with disgust. “Why would you come to your cousin’s boyfriend and speak ill of her?” Andrew’s mocking tone nearly crushed Courtney.
She had thought Andrew was simply uninterested in her, but she hadn’t anticipated such cruel words from him. This shifted the crowd’s gaze to even more scornful looks.
Just as Courtney felt she might collapse, Tatiana stepped in and said, “Andrew, she just wanted to explain to you personally. Please, don’t misunderstand her intentions.”
Andrew showed no interest in continuing the conversation. After Tatiana and Courtney walked away, Courtney still felt the sting of mockery from those around her. Unable to hold back, she burst into tears.
Tatiana tried to console her, saying, “Don’t be upset. This is just how Andrew is. He doesn’t care about anyone’s feelings, and you were a bit rash just now.”
Courtney bit her lip and remained silent. She believed she was a better woman than Isabella. Why did Andrew detest her so much? It must be Isabella’s doing. She glared at Isabella and suddenly approached her.
“Isabella, are you happy now?”
Isabella was eating her steak when someone suddenly blocked her view. Looking up, she saw Courtney and said, “Please, no drama.”
Courtney replied bitterly, “Isabella, have you been talking about me behind my back to Andrew? Why else would he despise me so much?”
“You’ve earned his disdain,” Isabella responded flatly.
Courtney was so furious that she felt a headache. “Do you really think you’re more suited to be with Andrew than I am? I suggest you break up with him. I’m the only one who should marry him.”
Isabella gave Courtney a thorough look. She hadn’t expected that Courtney, who once feigned innocence and elegance, would so openly reveal her true, greedy intentions.
“You?” Isabella looked at her skeptically and said, “And you think you’re worthy?”
“I excel in every way! What about you?” Courtney’s voice grew louder. “I’m more attractive and more intelligent than you. I won’t embarrass myself like you do…”
Isabella stood and moved closer, saying, “Isn’t that enough?”
“You! Those things don’t matter.” Courtney clenched her teeth.
“Courtney, Isabella.” Tatiana’s voice broke in as she approached with a smile, saying, “There you both are. The organizers have brought in a piano. Who wants to play a piece?”
Courtney’s eyes sparkled. “My cousin! Isabella. She’s immensely talented, beautiful, and artistically gifted. Everyone knows she’s now Hutton’s student, right? She’s skilled in so many things!”
Tatiana gasped, covering her mouth. “Really? Isabella, you’re incredible!”
Isabella crossed her arms and watched them intently.
Courtney continued, “Yes, Isabella. Please, play for us!”
Their exchange caught the attention of everyone around them. They all thought Isabella must have been exceptional to earn the guidance from Hutton. Besides, everyone knew she was with Andrew.
“It would be an honor to hear Miss Patton play a piece. It will surely make my day brighter,” someone said.
“Miss Patton, no need to be shy. Go ahead.” Everyone gathered around Isabella.
Courtney’s mood lifted, and her spirits brightened as she watched Isabella. Isabella was skilled in painting and assessing antiques. It seemed unlikely she knew how to play the piano. Besides, her fingers were slender and fine, not the robust type usually seen in pianists, who often have well-worn joints from frequent practice.
“If you don’t want to play, then don’t,” Andrew said as he came over and put his arm around Isabella.
Many looked at them with envy. Previously, Andrew had shown little interest in women! Who would have guessed he would change so much?
“Thanks to Miss Patton, we get to see a softer side of Mr. Klein,” someone quipped, laughing. “Mr. Klein is right. If Miss Patton feels like playing, she will. If not, then let it be. I’m sure there’ll be another opportunity to hear her play a piece.”
The guests were offering Isabella an opportunity to gracefully decline, but Courtney wasn’t ready to drop the issue. “Isabella is incredibly talented. She seems hesitant today, so how about I play first to give her some time to get ready?” Courtney proposed, flashing a warm smile.
“That sounds wonderful,” Tatiana replied, her eyes sparkling. “It’s been too long since we last heard you play, Courtney. I’ve really missed it!”
With a calm smile, Courtney moved towards the piano. The crowd began to clap. Some knew of Courtney’s impressive piano skills, while others recognized her as Isabella’s relative. After all, Isabella was now Andrew’s girlfriend, making Courtney a future relative of Andrew. They couldn’t afford to offend either of them.
Thus, the compliments began to flow.
“I once had the privilege of hearing Courtney play the piano, and it was memorable. We’re lucky to have the chance again today.”
“Truly! We are lucky today!”
Courtney’s lips twitched into a smile as she positioned her hands on the piano keys and started to play. Her fingers released melodious and smooth notes. Isabella observed, admitting silently that Courtney’s piano skills were indeed formidable. The piece Courtney chose was notably intricate, featuring complex and expert maneuvers that held the audience spellbound. As the last note lingered, thunderous applause filled the hall.
“Courtney is truly remarkable!”
“I almost forgot how multi-talented she is.”
“Such exquisite music! It’s like a melody from heaven!” The crowd’s praise for Courtney was heartfelt.
Courtney gracefully smiled and bowed to the audience, then turned to Isabella. “Isabella, you’re up next.” Her look carried a strategic challenge. She had intentionally showcased her skills, aiming to outshine Isabella and demonstrate to Andrew that Isabella couldn’t match her.
Isabella observed Courtney with a look of amusement. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely, Isabella. I can’t wait,” Courtney responded, maintaining her smile.
“Unfortunately, I’m not great at playing the piano,” Isabella said casually.
“Isabella, there’s no need for modesty. Please, go ahead,” Courtney said with a teasing grin.
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