Chapter 29
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Cwenna was truly angry. She had never expected the usually well–mannered Sarah to be so aggressive today.
Sarah looked at her mother in surprise, confused by Gwenna’s rare outburst. ‘Is she really angry with me over Isabella?” she thought, bewildered. ‘Even if she’s eager for Samuel to marry, shouldn’t she be more selective?”
But Sarah remained seated, showing no intention of leaving. Instead, she calmly continued, “Mom, I hope you’ll reconsider. Marriage is a serious matter. Do you really want Samuel to marry a woman who can’t do anything?”
A woman with nothing but looks would never be accepted by the Howerton family.
Sitting upright, Sarah turned the ring on her finger with a haughty expression. “Even though our family is wealthy, I’ve never relied on our family’s influence, nor do I spend their money. I’ve always earned my own.”
She had successfully launched her own business while still in college, and now owned her own company. It was her greatest pride.
Samuel’s eyes darkened. No one else knew, but he was well aware that Bella was, in fact, Queenie Lovett–the very woman the entire Howerton family had long been eager to meet.
His voice was cold as he said, “Bella can make her own money, too.”
Sarah shot a mocking glance at Isabella. “How? By becoming your secretary?”
Isabella smirked slightly. She hadn’t expected to hear so much today.
Samuel’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Sarah. “You’re out of line, Sarah!”
Gwenna, clearly upset, glared at her daughter. “Did you forget everything I’ve
thing I’ve taught you?”
She felt embarrassed. After finally getting Samuel to bring Isabella home, she hadn’t anticipated this level of conflict.
Sarah laughed lightly, her gaze settling on Isabella. She said coolly, “You see, Ms. Stout, your presence is already causing problems in our family. I’m a straightforward person, so let me tell you this–don’t think that marrying my brother will guarantee you a life of luxury. A woman needs to stand on her own two feet.”
Her words were direct and confrontational. Isabella’s calm gaze fell on Sarah, and she smiled slightly. “Ms. Howerton, I believe mutual respect is fundamental in any relationship. I respect you because you’re Samuel’s sister. But I hope you can also show some respect for Samuel.”
Though Isabella’s words were neither forceful nor aggressive, her quiet dignity was undeniable. Everyone seemed puzzled by her composure, as Isabella slowly stood and said softly, “Because Samuel is the one who chose me.”
Sarah’s face instantly darkened, and she glared at Isabella in shock. “You-!” She was stunned by Isabella’s sharp tongue.
But Isabella paid no further attention to her. She turned her head toward Gwenna and gave her a slight nod. “Mrs. Howerton, perhaps today wasn’t the right time for us to meet. Let’s try again another day.”
Gwenna wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat.
Her husband and daughter had already said too many hurtful things to Isabella, and anything Gwenna said now would be pointless. With an apologetic look, she said, “I’m sorry, dear. I never expected things to turn out like this. I owe you an apology”
Sarah’s face twisted. “Mom, what are you saying?” She couldn’t believe Isabella was deserving of Gwenna’s apology. Isabella quickly smiled and shook her head. “Mrs. Howerton, there’s no need to apologize. None of this is your fault.” Sarah’s disdain became more apparent, and she scoffed inwardly, thinking, Isabella’s playing the long game, retreating to advance. Impressive.
Samuel stepped forward, taking Isabella’s hand. He turned to Sarah and said firmly, “Sarah, I don’t want today’s events to ever happen again.”
Sarah’s gaze turned icy, but before she could respond, Samuel looked at Cwenna, who seemed hesitant to speak. “Mom, I’ll
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Chapter 29
come visit you again in a few days.”
Gwenna sighed. “Go ahead.”
What happened just now made today one of the most humiliating days of her life.
Samuel gave a slight nod and led Isabella toward the door.
Suddenly, Sarah stood up abruptly, her eyes fixed on their retreating figures, her hands trembling with fury.
She pointed at Samuel, her voice thick with emotion. “Samuel, I raised you. I can’t watch you go down this path. If you insist
on marrying her, then I’ll cut ties with you!” Her tone had grown heavier, filled with desperation.
Gwenna had been in poor health ever since giving birth to Samuel, so it was often Sarah who took care of him. Now, Sarah felt that Samuel was making a big mistake, and her anger boiled over.
“Sarah, haven’t you said enough?” Gwenna sharply grabbed her daughter’s hand.
Samuel, who had been walking forward, suddenly stopped, Isabella looked up at him, while Gwenna and Sarah instinctively met his cold gaze.
Then, Samuel spoke.
“This woman, Isabella,” he began, his voice steady, though everyone could sense the weight in his words. “She is the one I will protect with my life.”
For a moment, everyone stood frozen, stunned by his declaration.
Isabella looked at Samuel in disbelief, though she quickly recovered. She knew he was making a stand, but given their short history, she doubted he truly meant that he would guard her with his life.
Sarah and Gwenna, on the other hand, were visibly shaken. This was the first time they had heard Samuel speak with such conviction. He was usually indifferent, detached from most matters, but now he had declared something with absolute certainty.
Before either of them could fully process what had happened, Samuel was already leading Isabella toward the door again.
But just as they reached the entrance, Hoy, who had been silently sitting on the sofa, spoke up. His deep voice cut through the air, aimed at Isabella’s back.
“Ms. Stout, I hope you understand the situation. Don’t think that marrying into the Howerton family will give you an easy rise to the top,” he said.
Samuel didn’t break his stride, but Isabella came to an abrupt stop.
Turning back, Isabella met Hoy’s gaze with a calm, unwavering expression. She lifted her chin slightly and replied firmly, “I don’t believe the Howerton family is that powerful. But Samuel is the man I’ve chosen. I hope you can respect your son. Hoy’s face darkened, and a powerful, intimidating presence filled the room. Isabella’s words had clearly angered him. But before Hoy could respond, Isabella had already turned on her heel and walked away with steady, deliberate steps, Samuel watched her retreating figure, and to everyone’s surprise, a faint smile appeared on his face.
On the way back, Samuel drove while Isabella sat in the passenger seat.
The atmosphere in the car was particularly heavy. Isabella remained silent, gazing out the window.
Samuel glanced at her, his usually cold voice softening slightly. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
Isabella offered a small smile. “It’s nothing”
In truth, she didn’t mind it much. What she had said to Hoy and Sarah earlier was meant to lighten Samuel’s burden, to show that they were in love, making their relationship appear flawless.
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Chapter 29
Samuel’s eyes flickered. He found her wise and composed, with many admirable qualities. After a moment, he said gently, “From now on, I’ll handle these things. My father and Sarah’s presence today was unexpected.
Isabella chuckled sofily and turned to him. “Samuel”
She paused deliberately, sensing the weight of the moment.
Samuel pressed the brakes, slowing down as he listened to her serious tone.
“I truly don’t care about what happened today; please don’t feel any burden. Ever since I was young, I’ve faced various attacks and judgments, and I’ve learned to brush them off. As long as I’m strong enough, what others say can’t hurt me,” she said.
A complex expression crossed Samuel’s face. While her words sounded independent, he could hear the underlying pain from her past. If she hadn’t experienced such despair, she wouldn’t have gained such insights.
Some independence isn’t inherent; it’s a forced response to relentless destruction.
Isabella smiled lightly. “Although we’re not in a contractual marriage, we also don’t have any emotional foundation. Their words can’t hurt me. I’ll support you moving forward.”
The atmosphere in the car suddenly became chilling.
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