Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Her eyes grew moist, and she smelled a sweet fragrance as Andrew moved closer.
With a mix of resignation and slight complaint, he whispered, “Everyone has already given you presents. What can I possibly give you?”
Isabella found his demeanor quite endearing, noticing his deep gaze fixed on her. He murmured, “Maybe I should just give you myself?”
Isabella was startled.
Before she could respond, Andrew had already started a conversation with Glenn. They quickly delved into business talk, clicking instantly.
Isabella began to question if she had misunderstood him.
Nearly finished with her meal, she casually browsed the news online.
Articles about her winning first place were circulating on the internet.
Her phone suddenly rang. She saw who it was and quickly declined the call.
Yet, the caller was persistent, and her phone rang again.
Irritated, Isabella stepped outside to answer, her voice showing her annoyance. “What is it?”
“Isabella,” Phyllis said, her voice soft yet strained, as she tried to hold back her irritation. “I heard about your first place in the dance contest. Incredible! Seems my training and support weren’t wasted after all.”
“Is there a reason for this call?” Isabella’s tone was icy and detached.
Phyllis felt more irritated.
How could Isabella speak to her that way?
But recalling her purpose, Phyllis softened her voice further. “It’s been so long since you last came home, and your dad and I really miss you. Maybe come over for a meal sometime?”
Hearing her suddenly ingratiating tone, Isabella felt somewhat bewildered.
Back then, she had yearned for her former parents’ affection, but she had never received it before parting with the Chapman family.
Now, because she had won first place, they were suddenly extending it so readily.
Isabella scoffed. “Now that I won the championship, you find me worthwhile and want to mend things? But it seems you’ve forgotten—we’re not family anymore! Don’t contact me again, and move on with your life!”
“Isabella,” Phyllis blurted out in a frantic tone as she sensed Isabella was about to disconnect, “what can those country bumpkins you call parents provide for you? Come back and live as our daughter! With the support of the Chapman family, you could marry well. Without us, your parents will only hold you back from joining a wealthy family, no matter your achievements!”
Isabella lost interest in listening and disconnected the call.
Almost immediately, her phone rang again. This call was from the National Dance Association.
Trevor phoned to offer his congratulations and then hesitantly proposed, “Bella, how would you feel about joining the National Dance Association? I’d be more than willing to make way for you!”
“No thanks, I’ve got my hands full,” Isabella replied briskly. “However, I am working on a new dance choreography that I’ll be sharing with you soon.”
Trevor felt a twinge of disappointment but quickly recovered, exclaiming, “Wonderful!”
Bella’s new dance choreography was sure to provide ample material for study!
Lorpond was fortunate to have a talent like Bella!
After ending the conversation, Isabella walked back into the private dining room where the lively chatter and dining continued. Glenn chimed in, “We haven’t hosted a party in forever. With Isabella winning the championship, it’s the perfect reason for a big celebration.”
“Sounds like a plan!” Elaine chimed in enthusiastically, always keen on lively events.
Dane had no objections.
Isabella was indifferent but seeing the joy it brought everyone, she nodded in agreement.
As the evening wrapped up and people started to leave, Andrew prepared to depart as well.
Noticing he was slightly tipsy, Isabella escorted him to his car.
“Make sure to rest up once you’re home,” she warned him, then instructed the driver, “He’s had a few drinks. Please drive carefully.”
“Understood, Miss Patton,” the driver responded.
As she was opening the car door to help Andrew in, he leaned close and murmured in her ear, “So, have you considered my earlier suggestion?”
Isabella froze for a moment. What was he talking about?
Then it dawned on her—he was referring to his earlier offer to give himself to her.
His breath warmed her ear, causing her cheeks to turn a soft pink.
She remained silent for a few moments before responding, “You’re drunk.”
“I am not drunk,” Andrew retorted, slightly lifting his head. His dark eyes shimmered with sincerity. “I mean it. Please think about it.”
Isabella paused again for a few moments before giving a nod. “Okay. You should go home and rest now.”
Not too far off, Dane and his family were near their vehicle. Noticing the closeness between the two, Dane exclaimed, “Mom, did you see that? Andrew is definitely scheming something with my sister.”
“Is he now? I find him rather charming. You seem to view every man as a threat,” Elaine chuckled.
Dane was left speechless. Was this really his mother speaking?
Biting his lip, Dane insisted, “Men understand other men. Andrew has his sights set on my sister. I don’t think we should allow him over anymore.”
“Andrew is a fine young man. Stop jumping to conclusions. Even if he likes your sister, that’s perfectly fine by me. Who else in Gemond is a better match? Moreover, our families have a marriage agreement,” Elaine replied calmly.
Dane was at a loss for words.
He glanced desperately at Glenn for support.
Surely Glenn would agree with him.
Elaine also looked at Glenn. “Honey, don’t you think so?”
“Absolutely,” Glenn replied, his frown quickly turning into a nod of agreement.
Dane couldn’t believe that his father wasn’t backing him up.
Was he the only one in this family who still had a grip on things?
His thoughts quickly turned to his brother, Howard.
If only Howard were here, they’d be on the same page, no doubt.
Dane couldn’t help but think how much better things would be if Howard could just recover and return.
The heaviness of it all made him sigh deeply.
Trying to push aside his frustration, Dane said, “Dad, Mom, why don’t we invite Howard to join us when we throw the celebration party? It’s been such a long time, and he’s been on his own for too long. Maybe he’s ready to reconnect.”
At the mention of her second son, Elaine’s eyes immediately welled up with tears.
The thought of him was a wound that never fully healed.
She nodded, her voice soft. “Alright, I’ll go check on him.”
A heavy silence settled over the family, thick with unspoken emotions.
Just then, Isabella approached and immediately noticed her mother’s tear-streaked face. Concerned, she asked, “Mom, what happened? Why are you crying?”