Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Isabella found herself momentarily speechless. She was taken aback by Kristine’s priorities. The idea that Kristine could so easily let go of everything else, including her parents, yet cling fiercely to a man struck Isabella as profoundly misguided. If their parents knew about this, they would be devastated, she thought.
“Kristine, if you truly believe that, think about how Mom and Dad have raised you. How can you prioritize a man over your family?” Isabella asked gently, hoping to stir some reflection in Kristine.
Kristine’s expression tightened, her defensive reflex kicking in. “That’s not what I’m saying. Mom and Dad are your biological parents, and I wouldn’t dream of competing with you for their affection. But Andre is different; he’s my boyfriend. He’s just being nice to you to get under my skin. I needed to clarify that.”
“Is that so? Then why don’t we just call Andrew now and see if he actually considers himself your boyfriend?” Isabella challenged, pulling out her phone, ready to dial.
Kristine was visibly shaken by Isabella’s forthright approach. She couldn’t do that! Kristine lunged in a desperate attempt to snatch the phone away, but Isabella deftly evaded her grasp, her expression cooling into a disapproving glare that made Kristine feel utterly vulnerable and mortified.
With her pride wounded, Kristine clenched her teeth. “We may not be officially together yet, but it’s just a matter of time. Isabella, can’t you just let me have this? I’ve loved Andre for so many years!”
“If he reciprocates your feelings, I would never stand in your way,” Isabella responded evenly, her voice steady and sincere. “But if he doesn’t feel the same, you can’t blame me for that.”
Leaving the conversation there, Isabella turned and walked further into the living room, leaving Kristine to contemplate her words.
Inside, Elaine was comfortably settled in front of the TV and brightened up immediately upon seeing Isabella. She beckoned her over with a warm smile, taking her hand affectionately. “How was your day, dear?”
As Isabella recounted the events of her day, including the dinner, Elaine’s interest was piqued.
“You had dinner together? Andrew is a good person. I’d be so relieved if you two ended up together,” she mused, her eyes twinkling.
While Isabella and Elaine were deep in conversation, Glenn, feeling a bit left out, looked for an opportunity to join in. He casually mentioned, “Isabella, I’ve secured the Hyde Grand Hotel for your welcome banquet. Do you think it suits the occasion?”
The Hyde Grand Hotel was renowned for its elegance, setting the standard for luxury in the city. Glenn’s choice showcased his flair for selecting only the finest venues.
“That sounds wonderful,” Isabella replied, her smile showing genuine appreciation for Glenn’s efforts.
At that moment, Kristine approached. The familial bond she observed between Isabella and their parents intensified her feelings of isolation. She clenched her fists, fingernails digging into her palms.
Jealousy gnawed at her as she felt increasingly sidelined. The fear of losing Andrew on top of this only compounded her distress.
“Kristine!” Elaine greeted her warmly, breaking into her thoughts. “Oh, you’re back too.”
“Yeah,” Kristine responded tersely, not stopping as she made her way upstairs, her expression unreadable.
Elaine watched her go, a frown creasing her forehead. What had gotten into Kristine lately?
Lynda entered the scene a short while later. Unmarried, she still lived at the Patton family’s residence. At the sight of the scene in the living room, she asked, “Has Kristine stepped out?”
“No, she just went up to her room,” Elaine responded.
Feeling compelled to check on Kristine, Lynda made her way to her door and knocked.
Shortly after, the door swung open, revealing Kristine with tears streaming down her face.
“Kristine, are you okay?” Lynda asked, taken aback by her distress.
“Auntie!” Kristine exclaimed, collapsing into Lynda’s arms in a burst of sobs.
With a heart heavy with concern, Lynda guided her inside. “Tell me what happened,” she urged gently.
Having taught Kristine to dance from a young age, Lynda had come to see her almost as a daughter.
“It’s like I don’t belong here anymore!” Kristine spoke between sobs. “After Isabella came back, it’s as if Mom and Dad don’t even see me. Even Andre… he’s so nice to her. I feel overshadowed by Isabella. It’s like everyone loves her more, and they’ve forgotten about me.”
Lynda’s heart ached for Kristine’s sense of isolation. She soothingly stroked Kristine’s hair, trying to offer comfort. “Sweetheart, you should never think like that. Your parents are probably trying to make up for not being able to care for Isabella in the past. And Andrew… don’t forget that no matter what happens, he comes from the Klein family, and Isabella, she grew up in the countryside. It’s improbable that Andrew would seriously consider her. Even if he seems taken with her now, he’ll see the differences over time. He’s exceptional and will surely choose someone as exceptional as you.”
Lynda, who had initially sympathized with Isabella’s past hardships, now saw a different side of the coin. She hadn’t anticipated Isabella to be so scheming. Within just a few days, Isabella’s presence had significantly shaken Kristine’s sense of security.
While she recognized that Isabella, having just returned, naturally craved her parents’ affection and perhaps exerted her presence more forcefully, the apparent rift Isabella was driving between Kristine and the family suggested a more calculating and disruptive character.
Kristine wiped away her tears. “Okay,” she murmured, a new determination in her eyes. She was certain that she and Isabella were not equals. In time, Andrew would recognize who truly matched his stature.
“Auntie, Isabella’s welcome banquet is coming up, and I want to buy a new dress, but I’m a bit short on funds…” Kristine murmured, her voice tinged with hesitance.
Without hesitation, Lynda responded supportively, “I’ll cover it. Get something that makes you feel beautiful.”
She quickly transferred one million dollars to Kristine’s account, believing firmly that financial issues should never stand in the way of confidence and opportunities.
After confirming the transfer, Lynda shifted the conversation towards Kristine’s career. “And remember, your upcoming promotion depends on how you perform in the finals. Give it your all.”
“I will. I’m determined to do my best,” Kristine replied, nodding with renewed focus.
Lynda stayed a moment longer, offering words of encouragement and reassurance, then left Kristine to her preparations. Energized by Lynda’s support, Kristine immediately placed an order for the latest design from Chanel, a dress that flawlessly matched her style and aura.
The dress wasn’t just a garment; it was her armor, her statement. With it, she was convinced she could outshine everyone, especially Isabella, and tilt the balance of attention back in her favor.
Kristine felt a surge of confidence. She was ready to reclaim her place in the spotlight.
In the living room, Elaine and Isabella were deeply engaged in a heartfelt discussion, losing track of time. Eventually, Glenn chimed in, noting the hour, “It’s getting quite late. Isabella, perhaps it’s time for you to turn in.”
“Oh my, it’s already eleven! You really should go to sleep, Isabella,” Elaine exclaimed, playfully tapping her own forehead as she looked affectionately at her daughter.
Reunited with her daughter after so many years, Elaine was eager to savor every moment they could share.
Isabella returned her smile warmly. “I love our chats, Mom, but I’ll head to bed now. You should get some rest too.”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Elaine responded, her voice filled with joy.
As Isabella ascended the stairs, she encountered Lynda.
“There’s something important I need to discuss with you,” Lynda stated, her tone calm but serious.
Isabella paused, intrigued. “What is it, Auntie?”
“Isabella, since you’ve returned, I know there might be some tension, particularly with Kristine around. You might be worried about her influence on your parents’ affection. But I want to reassure you, your place in their hearts is secure. Your parents adore you immensely, and Kristine’s presence won’t change that,” Lynda conveyed with sincerity.
Isabella’s expression shifted slightly, revealing her confusion at Lynda’s words.
“Don’t worry, Aunt Lynda. I appreciate your concern,” she reassured softly.
With a gentle sigh, Lynda continued, her voice filled with a tender sadness, “Kristine’s story is quite tragic. Her father, who heroically saved your dad, suffered long-term health complications and eventually died because of them. Soon after, her mother, overwhelmed by grief, also passed away. Our family owes them a great debt.”
Hearing this for the first time, Isabella felt the weight of the story settle on her. “I see,” she responded quietly.
Lynda noticed Isabella’s reflective mood and chose not to add more. “Get some rest,” she suggested before leaving.
Later, in the solitude of her room, Isabella checked her phone and found new messages in a high school group chat.
Isabella and Eliza had coincidentally attended the same school but were not in the same class. Their interactions had been limited, just brief encounters that never evolved into anything substantial.
It wasn’t until much later, when a classmate organized a group chat for their graduating year, that Isabella became aware of Eliza’s presence in her high school years.
Eliza’s latest message read, “Hey everyone! Super excited to invite you all to my welcome banquet. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!”
The group chat buzzed with replies, brimming with anticipation.
“Eliza is the best; count me in!”
“You, get lost. Eliza has always been my favorite since high school. Even back then, I thought Eliza had an extraordinary aura, and it turned out she’s the real heiress of the Chapman family.”
“Enough with the nonsense. You were all over Isabella back in high school!”
“That was a blunder. Who would’ve guessed she was a fake?”
“Poor Eliza, having her life occupied by someone else for so many years.”
“Where’s Isabella these days, anyway?”
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