Chapter 26
The passenger door swung open, and in the next moment, George slid into the seat
Isabella raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at him, puzzled. “Didn’t you drive here yourself?”
George, however, was too busy inspecting the car to answer directly. His eyes gleamed as he looked around, and instead of responding to her question, he asked with excitement. “This is a limited–edition custom model? Where did you get this?”
To buy such a car, one needed not only money, but also connections.
Isabella’s expression flickered slightly before she quickly turned her head away, forcing a playful scold, “Why do y
you
care?
She couldn’t tell George that the car was a gift from Samuel, or he’d start imagining all sorts of things. George was too captivated by the car to notice her evasiveness. He continued to admire it, running his hands over every surface with a look of pure excitement. “One day, I’m going to get myself a car like this.”
He thought it was beyond cool. George had a passion for collecting high–end cars, a very expensive hobby. So now, sitting in Isabella’s car, he was in awe.
Knowing George’s love for luxury cars, Isabella couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, since you’ve been working so hard running errands for me, you can take this for a spin.”
George immediately leaned closer, grabbing Isabella’s arm in excitement. I knew it! Queenie, you’re the best!”
As he moved closer, Isabella pushed him back, jabbing a finger at his forehead, teasing, “Best? Keep your distance, don’t forget
you’re a man.”
George laughed heartily. “I thought you didn’t see a difference between men and women?”
But even as he joked, he was already moving out of the passenger seat, jogging over to the driver’s side. Isabella shot him a look. That’s only with patients. Do you want to be one of mine?”
At the thought of Isabella’s expert needlework, George visibly shuddered, shaking his head vigorously. “No, no, absolutely not. He knew if he hesitated, her syringe might already be coming for him.
Seeing
g him so nervous made Isabella smile, but she still got out of the driver’s seat to let him take over.
George hummed excitedly the whole way as he felt the thrill of the top–tier sports car flying down the road. “This is incredible!
Isabella couldn’t help but smile, but just then, her phone suddenly rang.
She reached over and patted George’s shoulder, reminding him, “Slow down and close the window. I need to take this call.” George obliged without question.
When Isabella saw the caller ID, her heart seemed to skip a beat–it was Samuel. The memory of last night flashed in her mind, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.
George noticed she hadn’t answered yet and urged, ‘Aren’t you going to answer?
He was eager for her to finish the call so he could get back to experiencing the speed of the car. He was already completely captivated by the roar of the engine.
With no other choice, Isabella picked up the phone. Her voice instinctively softened a little. “Hello,”
What took you so long to answer? Samuel’s voice was deep and magnetic, with a soothing tone.
Isabella glanced at George, who was focused on driving, before replying, “Oh, I was driving. What’s up?”
But then, she froze at his next words.
“Get ready, we’re going to the Howerton residence tonight,” Samuel said.
1:00 PM
Chapter 20
Isabella couldn’t help but blurt out, “Tonight?!”
She wasn’t ready for this at all. Her expression turned complicated. She had never met Samuel’s parents before. Their marriage had been rushed, and with her past hanging over her, the thought of this meeting made her anxious..
Samuel, on the other end, could practically picture her reaction. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he reassured her, “Don’t worry, my mother’s really looking forward to meeting you”
Isabella stared out the window, trying to calm her nerves. She knew this day would come eventually, and there was no use panicking now.
Normally, she was composed, but since meeting Samuel, she found her emotions were often out of control.
Taking a deep breath, she finally replied, “Okay. I’ll see you tonight then.”
“Okay,” Samuel responded.
After hanging up. Isabella got lost in thought, trying to figure out how to handle the evening. But George, who had been quiet this whole time, couldn’t resist asking. “Whose mother is looking forward to meet you? Who’s this guy?”
Isabella glanced at him, seeing the curious look on his face. She quickly turned away, trying to appear calm. “Nothing. Just a
friend.”
George frowned, suspicion written all over his face, but seeing that Isabella didn’t want to explain further, he didn’t press the matter. “Oh, okay.”
Then, as if switching gears, he shouted with excitement, “Alright, let’s speed up again!”
With that, George slammed on the gas, and the car shot forward like an arrow from a bow.
Isabella finally exhaled in relief. She wasn’t even bothered by George’s reckless driving anymore; her mind was too occupied with how to handle meeting Samuel’s parents that evening.
Night fell quickly.
In the heart of Draxenport, a quiet estate lay hidden amidst the bustling prime district. Tall greenery surrounded the grounds, tempting passersby to pause and try to catch a glimpse of what lay inside.
Samuel’s car passed through the estate’s gates without any obstruction, drawing curious glances from onlookers.
Isabella sat in the passenger seat beside Samuel, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window.
She had always known the Howerton family was powerful, but seeing it with her own eyes still left her awestruck.
Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, mostly about how she would handle the impending encounter with Samuel’s parents. Sensing her unease, Samuel glanced at her and reassured her, “Don’t worry!”
Isabella turned away from the window, looking back at Samuel and nodding. “Alright,” she replied, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
When they both got out of the car, Samuel didn’t move right away. Instead, he bent his arm slightly. Isabella hesitated for a second before realizing what he wanted. She quickly slipped her arm through his.
They were a married couple, and in front of Samuel’s parents, they had to appear affectionate. Yet, despite her best efforts, Isabella couldn’t shake the awkwardness.
Samuel looked down at her and said gently. “You’ll need to get used to this quickly.”
Isabella bit her lip and nodded again.
The estate’s grounds were vast, each step revealing meticulously maintained gardens that clearly took considerable time and money to maintain.
Samuel led Isabella into the grand living room. The interior was just as luxurious as the outside. The furniture was carved
1
Chapter 26
from pearwood, with sofas and coffee tables displaying intricate designs.
Classical oil paintings adorned the walls, framed in delicately carved gold frames. Below them sat half–height cabinets and a fireplace with a blazing fire crackling inside.
Isabella immediately noticed the lady sitting on the sofa. Dressed in an elegant dark green suit, she was clearly well–preserved for her age, though a few wrinkles on her face hinted at the fact that she would be turning sixty in two months.
Samuel was the youngest of four children, born when his parents were much older.
Samuel’s mother, Gwenna, was quietly observing Isabella. Today, Isabella had chosen a simple yet elegant white satin dress that highlighted her graceful figure. Her hair was neatly tied up, adorned with a minimalistic and tasteful hairpiece.
She wore light makeup, her forehead smooth and clean, and her eyes bright and clear. With just one glance, Gwenna felt a strong liking for her, her smile growing warmer and more satisfied.
Just as Isabella, still a bit stiff, was about to formally greet her, Gwenna broke the silence with excitement, “You little rascal! You finally let me meet my daughter–in–law!”
0
