32

A few days later, Eleanor’s surgery was scheduled, and one of the world’s top cardiac surgeons was invited.
Samuel told Isabella, “For this type of surgery, the general success rate domestically is around 80%. However, Professor Mason is my mentor, and his cardiac repair surgery is top-notch internationally, with no failed cases. You’re very lucky; he happens to be in Ithaca town for an exchange, and only after numerous requests did he agree to perform the surgery for your mother.”
“Samuel, thank you, really thank you so much,” Isabella said excitedly, grabbing his hand.
However, Samuel seemed to have touched an electric switch and immediately withdrew his hand.
He and Andrew had known each other since childhood. Although Andrew was sometimes mysterious, Samuel understood him somewhat. Andrew was extremely protective, and if he found out that Samuel had touched his woman’s hand, he might just cut off his claws.
“Well, as a doctor, no need to thank me. Go back and take care of the patient,” Samuel said earnestly, placing his hands behind his back.
He watched Isabella return to the ward before turning back to his office.
Upon entering, he found Andrew sitting idly on the sofa, his long legs crossed, and an unfinished game of chess on the table.
Samuel’s only hobby, besides surgery and consultations, was playing chess. He had a set in his office and played when he had free time.
“Is it my turn?” Samuel, in a white coat, sat down in the chair opposite Andrew, his eyes on the chessboard. However, he hesitated before making a move.
“Eleanor’s surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow,” Samuel said while staring at the chessboard. “Although Professor Mason is my mentor, it took a lot of effort to get him to agree.”
“I owe you a favor,” Andrew picked up the tea cup at hand and took a sip.
“What favor or no favor? you don’t have to care it. We’ve known each other for so long. But, are you a bit too concerned about Isabella? Some time ago, when her blood test was positive, you used all your connections to change the official test results. Now, her mother needs surgery, and you, who usually never asks for help, made a special trip to the hospital.
Back then, you didn’t treat Scarlett with such dedication; otherwise, she wouldn’t have had an affair…”
“General.” Andrew slammed the ‘rook’ on the chessboard, interrupting Samuel’s words with a sound that was neither loud nor soft.
Samuel widened his eyes, looking at the chessboard. “How did I miss this move? Mistake, mistake. Another game?”
“No, I have business in my company.” Andrew stood up, picking up his suit jacket draped over the back of the sofa.
“Hey, your mother-in-law’s surgery is scheduled the day after tomorrow. Won’t you come and show filial piety?”
Andrew’s hand gripped the doorknob, and behind him, Samuel’s voice came again, half joking and half teasing.
In Samuel’s words, ‘mother-in-law’ naturally referred to Eleanor.
Andrew only paused for a moment, then opened the door and left.
…
Eleanor’s surgery lasted a full four hours. When the lights above the operating room door went out, and the doctor came out, telling Isabella the surgery was successful, she was so excited that she almost cried.
After Eleanor’s surgery, Isabella stayed in the hospital to take care of her until her mother’s condition stabilized.
Olivia also called, urging her to get back to work.
Olivia said, “The promotion period for ‘Mermaid Princess’ is about to begin, and the first stop of the national release conference is in Ithaca town. It’s your first official appearance in front of the public and the media, so prepare well.”
Those journalists were always tricky, and Isabella had no experience in this area. Olivia had prepared a thick stack of materials in advance, listing all the questions reporters might ask during interviews, and provided standard answers.
As long as Isabella did her homework and memorized these answers, she could smoothly handle the interviews.
On the day of the promotion, Olivia specially hired a designer to do her makeup and styling.
Her current image was positioned as pure and lovely, so the makeup on her face was light, and the dress she wore was a simple silver fishtail gown.
Olivia accompanied Isabella to the venue ahead of time. The press conference had not started yet, and the director and cast were resting backstage.
“Go in first; I’ll take a call,” Olivia’s phone suddenly rang before entering. Calls from home usually concerned her son.
Isabella walked into the temporary resting area alone. Just as she took a step in, a sharp female voice pierced through the air.
“Isabella, how dare you show up!” Evelyn’s piercing voice resonated, causing pain in Isabella’s eardrums. Before she could figure out what was happening, Evelyn rushed up and slapped her.
Caught off guard, Isabella couldn’t dodge in time, feeling her cheek tingling from the impact.
“Evelyn, have you taken the wrong medicine?” Isabella, annoyed, pushed Evelyn away.
Evelyn stumbled back, and if Caleb hadn’t promptly caught her, she might have fallen quite awkwardly.
Only then did Isabella notice that Caleb was also present.
Evelyn leaned against Caleb, pointed her finger at Isabella’s nose, and sternly questioned, “Isabella, what have you done since leaving the cast?”
“What I do doesn’t need to be reported to you,” Isabella found it ridiculous.
“You certainly wouldn’t dare to say because during this time, you’ve shamelessly and desperately tried to seduce my boyfriend in every possible way,” Evelyn shouted sharply.
Isabella felt Evelyn was like an irrational mad dog, biting wildly. She didn’t bother to argue and coldly turned her gaze to Caleb.
“I shamelessly and desperately tried to seduce you?” Her tone was full of disdain.
Caleb’s expression seemed amused, as if he were watching a show and staying out of the matter.
Without him speaking, Evelyn had already pulled out a phone from his suit pocket. After unlocking it, she gestured for everyone to see. “Caleb’s phone is full of explicit and cheesy messages you sent him.”
Isabella glanced briefly at the phone screen without reading the message content, only seeing a Instagram interface.
“I don’t even have Caleb in my Instagram contacts. How could I send him suggestive messages?” Isabella said.
“Who knows if you’re guilty and deleted it before joining the cast,” Evelyn said. “Moreover, your sister Victoria accidentally revealed it. She has seen Caleb coming to the set to visit me multiple times. When no one was around, you took the opportunity to seduce him. He rejected you, but you shamelessly clung to him.”
Isabella, hearing this, cast an icy gaze at Victoria.
She really underestimated her sister, who had taken the initiative. Victoria lightly bit her lip, looking like an innocent victim, hiding behind Evelyn.
“Isabella, don’t think of threatening Victoria. Although she’s your sister, she won’t help you,” Evelyn protected Victoria.
Isabella was almost driven crazy by her stupidity.
At this moment, the cast and crew had gathered around, and all eyes were on her.
Obviously, Victoria and Caleb had set her up, but for a moment, Isabella couldn’t produce compelling evidence to refute.
“No words to say, right? There are so many men in the world. If you can’t stand loneliness, go pick one up on the street. Why do you have to steal my man, you shameless bitch!”
Evelyn cursed while crying, especially loudly. She seemed unashamed.
“Evelyn, calm down,” Caleb half embraced her, looking guilty. “Evelyn, we’ve been together for so long, and I genuinely love you. I just made the mistake that all men would make.”
“Evelyn, men also make mistakes sometimes. Just forgive Caleb once.” Victoria stepped forward and said, “You and Isabella have always been at odds since childhood. She was just confused for a moment. Caleb is so excellent; she was probably jealous, which made her want to snatch him away. For my sake, forgive her.”
Caleb and Victoria echoed each other, leaving Isabella speechless.