Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Silently, they left the restaurant, the eyes of the diners following them out. Once outside, Eliza, still reeling from the shock, asked, “What the hell is going on?”
Eliza had previously boasted to her friends about securing a table at this prestigious restaurant, and now, being escorted out was not just unexpected but deeply embarrassing.
“I’m not sure either, but I’ll find out,” Gilbert assured her.
“Fine…”
Inside the plush VIP room, Isabella relaxed into the comfortable ambiance, coffee in hand, as Andrew returned. Handing her the menu, he said, “Take a look and see what catches your eye.”
Isabella skimmed through the menu, adorned with vibrant images of each dish. The offerings were nothing short of spectacular, each seeming to cater perfectly to her palate. The VIP exclusives were particularly tempting, sparking a hint of indecision in her.
Andrew observed her wavering, a smile tugging at his lips. Unlike many ladies who would feign modesty, Isabella was refreshingly genuine about her preferences. “How about I surprise you?” he suggested, his voice deep and enticing.
“Surprise me?”
“Let me pick out something for you.”
Isabella nodded, figuring it was best to let Andrew decide since she couldn’t make up her mind. She watched as Andrew confidently talked to the server.
After the server left, Isabella broke the silence with a personal query. “You and Waylon are quite close, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ever since childhood. We practically grew up together. Our grandfathers were close friends and fought in the war together,” Andrew explained, then added with a slight hesitation, “It led them to arrange a marriage between our families.”
He paused, studying Isabella’s reaction to this revelation. Somehow, he felt a slight nervousness stirring within him as he awaited her response. However, Isabella remained calm and unperturbed. She thought wealthy families truly favored arranged marriages. However, she harbored no intentions of stealing someone else’s love.
“Before I returned, Kristine was my father’s only daughter. Were you two…” Isabella began to ask, hinting at a possible past engagement.
“I never considered her my fianc?e,” Andrew replied swiftly, wanting to clarify any misunderstandings immediately. It was evident that while Kristine might have harbored feelings for him, the sentiment was not mutual. So, what was the point of bringing the arranged marriage up? Looking earnestly into Isabella’s eyes, he reassured, “Of course my family would never force anything on me.”
“Hmm…”
Interrupting Isabella’s thoughts, the server started to set down their ordered dishes before them. As Isabella gazed across the generous array of dishes, astonishment touched her voice. “This is quite a feast. Surely we can’t finish it all.”
“Enjoy as much as you can,” Andrew suggested lightly, a slight shrug accompanying his words. “Anything left over, I’ll take to the stray dogs.”
This glimpse of kindness behind Andrew’s usually reserved facade surprised Isabella. Her expression softened as she looked at him. She shared her own experiences with animal care, and their conversation naturally veered towards the welfare of strays.
During their discussion, Andrew picked up some food for Isabella. Isabella’s delight was palpable as she tasted it—each bite surpassed the already excellent culinary standards she was accustomed to at the Patton’ residence, seeming almost custom-prepared for her.
Amid their dining, the buzz of Isabella’s phone interrupted—a video call from Waylon. “Are you in a restaurant, Isabella?” Waylon appeared on Isabella’s screen, dramatically attired as an ancient nobleman on a film set, his demeanor captivating.
“Yes,” she answered simply.
“Who’s accompanying you? Is it a man?” Waylon’s eyes conveyed a mix of curiosity and concern.
Waylon’s tone was tinged with protectiveness. After all, he had just been reunited with his sister, and the last thing he wanted was for her to be taken away by another man. Isabella hesitated briefly, catching Waylon’s attention, prompting an increase in his watchfulness. She glanced at Andrew, who gave a reassuring nod, and she confessed, “I’m having lunch with Andrew.”
“How did that come about?” Waylon asked.
“We bumped into each other on the street, and he invited me to join him,” Isabella explained.
Waylon’s anxiety eased slightly with this information. Andrew was reliable and honorable—a far safer company for Isabella than most. Considering his ongoing film shoot would keep him occupied for a while, Waylon recognized the importance of Isabella having someone trustworthy by her side. Pondering this, Waylon suggested, “You should hang out more with Andrew. If you need anything and I can’t be there, he’s the one you should turn to.”
“Okay,” Isabella replied.
After a bit more casual conversation, Waylon ended the call to return to his filming duties. Simultaneously, Andrew’s phone vibrated with a new message from Waylon. “Keep an eye on my sister. Make sure no other guys mess around near her!” Andrew promptly responded, “Absolutely!”
Waylon’s reply came quick. “You’re a true friend. You know what? I owe you a dinner when I’m back.”
As Isabella savored her meal, a strand of her long hair slipped from behind her ear. She reached up to tuck it back but was met by Andrew’s hand gently helping her. After assisting her, he signaled for a waiter and requested a hair tie for her.
“Thank you very much!” Isabella expressed her gratitude as she secured her hair with the hair tie.
The meal left Isabella feeling fully content, and upon finishing, Andrew had the leftovers neatly packaged. He handed her a card, saying, “Next time you’re here, use this card so you can dine in this room.”
Grateful for the gesture and the promise of more delightful meals, Isabella said, “Thanks!”
“Where are you headed next?” Andrew inquired.
Isabella pondered for a moment before responding, “To meet with my friend.”
Andrew then dropped her off at Susan’s workplace before proceeding to the Gemond branch office of his company.
“Back so soon?” his close friend remarked, surprised by the items in his hands. “Did you bring me some food?”
“Yeah,” Andrew responded simply.
“I knew you cared about me,” his friend said, delighted by the unexpected treat, yet overwhelmed by the quantity. “Whoa! This is too much. How am I going to finish it all?”
Andrew brushed off the comment and said instead, “Make arrangements to open a shelter for stray dogs.”
“Huh?” His friend looked puzzled. “Why start that now? Haven’t you done enough charity work already?”
“Just make it happen,” Andrew replied, his tone resolute.
Okay… Although perplexed by the request, Andrew’s friend acquiesced.
Meanwhile, Isabella spent a pleasant afternoon with Susan, followed by dinner, before returning to the grandeur of the Patton family’s residence. Upon her arrival, she was warmly greeted by Elaine, who took her hand with evident joy. “Isabella, you’re back.”
Glenn was home too, giving Isabella a welcoming look. “Isabella, we’re setting a date for your welcome banquet. Any preferences on your end?”
“No preferences. I’ll go along with your arrangements,” Isabella murmured softly.
“Alright then!” Glenn nodded before Elaine, with a soft smile, asked, “Did you enjoy your day?”
Isabella shared her day candidly, soaking in the cozy atmosphere of the living room.
Upstairs, Kristine watched quietly from the hallway. After some light conversation downstairs, Isabella ascended the stairs, meeting Kristine’s initially chilly look that quickly warmed into a smile. “Isabella, you’re back,” she said.
“Yeah,” Isabella replied, keeping the exchange short as Kristine went downstairs.
Approaching Glenn and Elaine, Kristine inquired, “Mom, Dad, I’m planning to watch the dance competition the day after tomorrow. Would you like to join me?”
“I have to work, Kristine, so I won’t be able to,” Glenn regretfully informed her.
“And I already have plans with a friend that day,” Elaine said. “If I’d known sooner, perhaps…”
Kristine acknowledged with a nod and a gracious smile, “Okay, no worries.” As she turned away, her fingers subtly tightened into a fist, betraying her disappointment before she headed off to practice dancing. Kristine felt a pressing need to better herself swiftly.
While Kristine was immersed in her dance practice, she noticed a figure at the doorway. “Auntie,” she said, pausing her movements.
Lynda observed her with concern. “Why are you practicing at such a late hour?”
“Well, now that Isabella is back, I need to step up. I can’t become a burden to the family,” Kristine replied, her eyes reddening, giving the appearance of someone who had suffered greatly.
Lynda’s expression softened. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Isabella… I feel she doesn’t like me. And even Mom and Dad seem different,” Kristine confessed, her voice shaky. “I’m starting to wonder if I should just move out.”
“But your parents have always adored you. Why would they change just because Isabella is back?” Lynda questioned, her brow furrowed.
Kristine sighed, “I don’t know. Today, after Isabella returned from her outing, she chatted with Mom and Dad in the living room. When I walked in, it felt like they didn’t want to include me. I invited Dad and Mom to watch the dance competition with me, but they both said they were busy.”
Lynda’s view of Isabella shifted, her tone turning a bit bitter. “Isabella must be trying to get their attention since she’s insecure after returning. But to push you aside? That speaks poorly of her character. Kristine, don’t let this get to you. You are worth so much more. Just focus on your own path. I’ve already discussed with everyone about applying for the position of planning director for you. Your talents make you a perfect fit.”
Kristine’s dance from last night had amazed Lynda. Holding a deep appreciation for genuine talent, Lynda felt especially proud of Kristine, whom she had watched grow up. Kristine’s eyes sparkled with ambition and excitement. It was rare for a woman her age to become a senior member in the National Dance Association. She could almost hear the media’s praise and see the accolades in her future. Her dreams felt tantalizingly within reach.
“Okay,” Kristine responded, her voice tinged with determination.
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