Isabella was on the verge of an emotional outburst when a strong hand suddenly pressed on her shoulder. The warmth between the palms inexplicably reassured her.
Andrew naturally pulled her close, his sharp blue eyes calmly fixed on David. “Mr. David’s deep affection for his ex-wife is truly touching. However, regardless, there’s no reason for an ex-husband to attend his ex-wife’s funeral. If your current wife were to find out, it wouldn’t be conducive to the stability of your current family. It’s getting late; please leave.”
Isabella heard Andrew speak at such length for the first time. Usually, he is quite reserved and economical with words.
David was left speechless, his face turning livid.
The atmosphere became cold and tense.
William didn’t want any unpleasantness in front of Eleanor’s grave.
“David, thanks for taking the time to come and offer condolences. My sister has been laid to rest; you may leave now.”
In reality, David and Eleanor had been divorced for many years, and their relationship was long past.
But David seemed unwilling to back down. The more polite William was, the more David took advantage. “William, we haven’t seen each other in many years. If you have the time, let’s have a drink and catch up.”
“My sister just passed away; I’m not in the mood for drinking. There’s no need for catching up either. I’m about to take office, and it’s better to avoid any suspicion at this time.”
David, feeling unwelcome, left in a huff.
The group then left the church.
The weather was gloomy, and a few black Audi cars were neatly parked at the entrance. Andrew personally opened the car door and half-embraced Isabella into the car.
As soon as she sat down, before Andrew got in, William walked over.
“Isabella, you go ahead. Mr. Andrew and I have something to discuss.” William stood by the car and said.
Isabella hesitated. What could her uncle and Andrew have to talk about? Could it be a way to make things difficult for someone?
She leaned out, a bit worried, and asked, “Uncle, do you have anything to instruct?” As she spoke, her hand was gripping Andrew’s hand, protective, as if William would eat him.
William couldn’t help but frown, a bit annoyed.
Seeing this, Andrew gently reached out and rubbed her head. “It’s okay; don’t worry.” Then, he instructed the driver in front, “Take she back first, drive steadily.”
Andrew watched as the car slowly started and drove away. After a distance, he withdrew his gaze and turned to look at William.
His deep, navy-blue eyes remained calm and steady. Because William was the elder, his tone was still polite. “If you have anything to say, go in and say it.”
At this time, the church hall was empty, and they chose a corner to sit down.
“How should I call you? Andrew or Mr. Turner?” William asked.
William, with a sharp gaze, scrutinized the young man in front of him. Dressed in a black shirt, well-ironed trousers, and presenting himself in a low-key yet formal manner, Andrew exuded a cold and assertive aura, the kind that belonged to someone in a higher position.
In all likelihood, only Isabella would consider him a vagrant.
“Whichever you prefer,” Andrew replied casually.
He reached deep into his pocket, took out a cigarette box, and handed a cigarette over.
William took it graciously, lit it with a lighter, and as they smoked and talked, the atmosphere eased compared to before.
“Andrew, may I ask, what is your relationship with my niece?”
“It’s the relationship you see.” Andrew inhaled the smoke, and a faint mist escaped his lips. As the mist dispersed, a subtle curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Listening to this, William, gripping the cigarette, couldn’t help but tighten his hold. He thought, indeed, this man is shrewd. Such an answer, revealing nothing yet remaining ambiguous. One could think he admitted to having a special relationship with Isabella, but in reality, he didn’t commit to anything.
The more this went on, the more William couldn’t find peace of mind. However, with Andrew’s identity, who would dare to confront him?
After pondering, William decided to play the emotional card first. He sighed lightly, took a drag from his cigarette, and said, “Isabella has had a tough life. Her parents divorced when she was young. For these years, she’s been making a living under Charlotte, enduring a lot of grievances. For her father, David, is even worse. He’s only concerned about the little family legacy my father left for Isabella, with the sole intention of claiming it as his own.”
Andrew listened in silence, not interrupting. He knew a bit about the Harris family’s situation. If Isabella hadn’t been manipulated, she wouldn’t have ended up in his bed.
“I don’t know what intentions you have towards Isabella, but she’s my only niece. As long as I’m here, I won’t allow anyone to toy with her feelings.”
William, a veteran in the business world, knew how to balance authority and benevolence.
Upon hearing this, Andrew merely twitched the corner of his lips, smiling indifferently.
He lightly flicked the unburned end of the cigarette with two fingers, and the butt dropped to the ground, the sparks gradually extinguishing.
He stood up and left, never giving William a clear answer from start to finish. With his status and aloof personality, he didn’t feel the need to explain to anyone.
After Andrew left, Emma walked in and quietly sat beside William.
William put out the cigarette in his hand and sighed deeply.
“He’s from the Turner family, right?” Emma said. Although it was a question, her tone was affirmative.
At her age, she had seen countless people. Andrew’s entire demeanor indicated a wealthy and noble background. Since his surname was Turner, it wasn’t difficult to associate him with the leading Turner family among the four major families in Ithaca town.
“Our Isabella, how did she get involved with someone like him?” William furrowed his brows.
The distance between Isabella and the Turner family is not a matter of social climbing; it’s simply out of reach.
“In the town, there are many young ladies from prominent families who aspire to marry into the Turner family. However, Isabella doesn’t stand a chance. Andrew is unlikely to marry her; it’s probably just a passing fancy for him. But with his father being a top figure in the military and political circles, given his current status, if he wants to play with someone, we don’t even have the right to resist.”
William nodded, his expression troubled. “Regarding matters of the heart, as her uncle, I can’t directly ask. Find some time to talk to Isabella. If she can willingly distance herself from Andrew, even though the Turner family is influential, they can’t force a transaction against her will.”
“You can rest assured; I’ll definitely keep this in mind and have a good talk with Isabella.” Emma reassured William verbally, but in reality, it was just to comfort her husband.
At Eleanor’s funeral, she observed keenly. Isabella’s dependence on Andrew had reached the point of almost unquestioning obedience. Even if there wasn’t a deep-seated emotional attachment, they were not far apart.
They had come back too late. Trying to intervene in their relationship now would be difficult!