Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
“Dane, what’s so urgent that it couldn’t wait until after lunch?” Waylon asked, a note of bewilderment in his voice.
Dane looked at his younger brother, his expression a mixture of frustration and pity. Beyond his good looks, Waylon seemed to lack the cunning that was a hallmark of the Patton family.
“Just see for yourself,” Dane said, handing over the phone.
Waylon’s eyes narrowed as he scrolled through the photos. “Someone has been snooping on Isabella?” His voice grew sharp with anger.
“I’ve already initiated an investigation. Whoever is responsible won’t escape easily. But tell me, don’t you think there’s something questionable about how close Isabella and Andrew have become?” Dane pressed, his gaze intent and probing.
Waylon, tinged with confusion, replied, “Perhaps a bit, but isn’t it just normal for Andrew to dine with her? After all, he did promise to look after her.”
Dane was taken aback by Waylon’s simple view of the situation.
Waylon, noticing his brother’s silence, continued, “I know you’re not Andrew’s biggest fan, but he’s been a reliable friend to me. He wouldn’t betray my trust by pursuing my sister!”
Dane, realizing the futility of the argument, simply remained silent and walked away, resigning himself from the conversation.
Waylon, left standing alone, scratched his head in bewilderment, struggling to grasp Dane’s perspective. It was Dane who harbored unnecessary suspicions about Andrew, yet now he was the one who got upset. Shaking his head, Waylon returned to the dining table.
As lunch concluded, the younger attendees drifted towards their respective entertainments, while the older ones settled into games of chess and cards.
Isabella observed Andrew from a distance and noted that his behavior towards her hadn’t changed; he was as courteous as ever, likely oblivious to what he had said in his inebriation two days ago.
Andrew, despite his aloof nature and high social standing that naturally commanded attention, maintained a cold exterior that kept others at bay. Only Waylon, undeterred, beckoned him to join in a card game.
A young lady seized the opportunity and chimed in enthusiastically, “Can I join you guys?”
The game commenced shortly after.
Uninterested in the card game, Isabella decided to retreat upstairs to be with Howard. She found Howard in his old bedroom, painting. The image he created was vibrant and seemed to dance in the streaming sunlight.
Isabella stood transfixed by the vibrant colors and lifelike forms on Howard’s canvas.
“Isabella?”
Howard’s voice broke the silence. He turned, his expression shifting to surprise upon seeing her. “What brings you here?”
“Howard, is this your work?” Isabella asked, stepping closer to get a better look at the intricate artwork.
“Yeah,” Howard responded, his voice gentle. “When I find some spare time, I like to draw. It helps me unwind.”
His talent was undeniable, each stroke on the canvas speaking of a deep, innate skill. Isabella’s admiration for Howard deepened as she observed the passion and precision evident in his work.
“You’re really good at this,” Isabella said. “I think you could excel at anything you put your mind to.”
Howard offered a gentle smile, a hint of modesty in his response. “You’re saying that because you’re family.”
Isabella realized she knew little about Howard’s professional background, prompting her curiosity. “What did you do before the accident?”
“I was in research and development,” Howard replied, his tone reflecting a mix of pride and nostalgia. “I spent some time at the National Science and Technology Bureau.”
Isabella was taken aback by his revelation. Her brothers were indeed exceptional; working at the National Science and Technology Bureau was a distinction reserved for the top minds in the country. If not for his injuries, he might have reached even greater heights by now.
Howard, touching his face, shifted the topic to a more personal concern. “By the way, my skin feels quite warm after I took the medicine you gave me.”
“That’s completely normal,” Isabella reassured him with a smile. “It won’t be long before your skin starts to heal.”
Howard looked surprised. “Really?”
“Yes,” Isabella affirmed confidently. The pills she gave Howard had only been created by her team recently. If Howard weren’t her brother, Isabella wouldn’t have given them to him.
Their conversation continued a bit longer before Isabella decided to return downstairs. As she re-entered the living room, she noticed a woman leaning in close to Andrew, their arms nearly touching in what seemed like an intimate gesture.
Just then, Susan appeared beside her, a look of concern etched on her face. “Isabella, bad news!”
“What happened?” Isabella inquired, sensing the urgency in Susan’s voice.
“That woman over there! I think she’s taken a liking to Mr. Klein. I’ve been observing them while you were upstairs. She’s been making quite an effort to flirt with him,” Susan reported with a serious tone. As Isabella’s devoted friend, Susan was protective and alert, keen on safeguarding her friend’s interests.
Isabella’s gaze turned frosty as she observed the duo. They indeed seemed too close for comfort, stirring an unexpected surge of bitterness and anger within her.
Without hesitation, Isabella approached them and asked, “Mind if I join you?”
“Of course, you can! Here, take my seat,” Waylon responded instantly, offering her his seat.
Dane turned to Susan. “What about you? Would you like to join us as well?”
Susan hesitated, her eyes flicking between Isabella and the table. For her friend’s sake, she decided to stay and agreed. Together, Isabella and Susan joined the game.
The woman fixed Isabella with a smile that was both mysterious and calculating. “Miss Patton, you must be quite good at this. Please, go easy on me.”
“Not at all,” Isabella responded, her expression cool and composed, her features as striking and refined as a figure from a classical oil painting.
As the next round commenced, it became evident that the woman was singling out Isabella, perhaps trying to unsettle her. Yet, Isabella remained stoic, unaffected by the challenge, and soon claimed victory with grace.
The woman’s frustration was palpable as she clenched her teeth, masking her irritation with a strained smile. “Miss Patton, you seem to carry quite a bit of luck.”
Without pause, another round began, and the woman’s tactics grew more aggressive. However, Isabella, adept and perceptive, continued to dominate the game, reading the table like an open book and securing another win effortlessly.
Leaning closer to Andrew, the woman adopted a sweet tone of grievance. “Mr. Klein, did you see that? Miss Patton is so good, I simply can’t compare.”
Isabella’s grip tightened around her cards, bending them sharply as she observed the flirtatious exchange. Andrew, typically distant and reserved with women, unexpectedly responded with a smile. “Indeed, a bit more practice might do you good.”
“Mr. Klein, will you help me practice more in the future?” the woman asked, her voice dripping with suggestion.
“I’ll think about it,” he replied noncommittally.
A wave of anger surged through Isabella at the interaction, her emotions roiling as she had never seen Andrew be nice to another woman like that. Why was he displaying such kindness toward this particular woman, especially in her presence?
A sharp ache pierced Isabella’s chest as she watched him interact with the woman. Her emotions, a tangled mesh of disappointment and confusion, prompted a cold declaration. “I’m done,” she announced abruptly, her tone icy as she dropped her cards and exited the room.
Susan, always attentive to her friend’s moods, quickly excused herself and followed Isabella, concerned.
Waylon remained at the table, a frown creasing his brow as he watched Isabella leave. “What’s gotten into her? Why is she mad—she won, didn’t she?”
Dane, who had been observing quietly, stood up sharply, his voice firm and resolute. “Keep playing if you like. I need to sort something out.”
Waylon was puzzled. He couldn’t understand Isabella’s and Dane’s irritation. Waylon settled back into his seat, ready to resume the game when Andrew abruptly stood up and said, “I have something to take care of as well. Excuse me.”
Waylon was at a loss for words. He was baffled. How did everyone suddenly become so busy in just minutes?
Isabella stepped outside for some fresh air and slowly relaxed. Susan observed her and said, “It’s the first time I’ve seen you act jealous.”
“Jealous? I’m not jealous. I don’t like him,” Isabella blurted out without thinking.
Susan just smiled and remained silent, finding Isabella’s defiant attitude endearing. Isabella was known for her strong will. No one could really keep up with her. It would be wonderful if Andrew could uncover what made her unique. Moreover, he seemed capable of looking after Isabella effectively.
Suddenly, someone tapped Susan on the shoulder. Startled, she turned to find a familiar face behind her. She quickly understood the situation and left without a word.
Isabella felt frustrated. She kicked a stone and muttered, “We’re just friends. He looks after me only because of Waylon. Anyway, I don’t like him.” As she spoke, Isabella began pulling at some grass by the roadside.
The person beside her remained silent. Feeling slightly guilty, Isabella raised her voice, saying, “I said I don’t like him.”
Turning around, she didn’t see Susan but Andrew instead, sporting a subtle smile. She was mortified. Realizing what she had just admitted, she felt overwhelmingly embarrassed. Oh, God! It was so embarrassing!
“When… When did you get here?” Isabella stammered, trying to regain her composure.
“I’ve been here for a bit.”