Of course, the highlight of the Oscars is the most popular male and female lead awards. This has nothing to do with Isabella; she’s just here for the show.
On the other hand, Victoria starred in ‘Irreversible Past,’ which grossed thirteen billion and received numerous awards. She also earned a nomination for Best Actress of the Year with this film.
Isabella sat beside her. Despite Victoria’s facade of nonchalance, her hands were tightly clasped together, unable to hide her nervousness.
Isabella sneered subtly. Before they came, Olivia had already mentioned that she probably wouldn’t win the Newcomer Award, and Victoria was destined not to get the Best Actress of the Year.
Back at the hotel, Isabella casually placed the crystal trophy on the dressing table and eagerly made a video call home.
When the phone connected, Amelia appeared on the screen. She had seen Isabella winning on TV and cheerfully congratulated her.
“Asher keeps asking to come inside and find you after seeing Mom on TV,” Amelia said, holding Asher in front of the phone’s camera. Asher, upon seeing Mom, excitedly waved his chubby little hands.
Isabella grabbed the crystal trophy and waved it in front of the camera. “Asher, Mom won an award! Is Mom amazing?”
During that call, Andrew happened to walk in and overheard. He couldn’t help but think, ‘The amazing one is Dad.’
Through the phone, Isabella and Asher shared a tender moment until Amelia took the sleepy child back to their room. Then Andrew took the phone.
“How does it feel to win?” he asked.
Resting her chin on her hand, she pondered for a moment before replying, “It’s like suddenly having a steamed bun fall from the sky, craving to eat it, but feeling anxious while taking a bite. Do you think there might be some big shot who has a crush on me and is silently supporting me behind the scenes?”
Andrew: “… You’re overthinking. Go wash up and sleep early.”
Isabella hung up, obediently took a shower, and went to bed. But lying there, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Though they say revenge is a dish best served cold, she couldn’t wait for ten years to settle the score with Victoria. She’d suffocate by then.
After the plane landed, Isabella and Olivia exited the airport separately.
At the exit, many reporters and fans had already gathered, reminiscent of the sports day events at school.
“I’ll handle that crowd; you go through the underground parking. I’ll arrange for two bodyguards for you in a few days,” Olivia said.
Isabella nodded, feeling, “Fame brings trouble indeed.”
Wearing sunglasses and a mask, she entered the underground parking via the secure route.
After Olivia stashed her luggage in the trunk, both got into their respective cars.
“You didn’t take me to Paris, and I’ve been bored these past two days,” complained Olivia while driving.
“I’ll take you next time if I get the chance,” Isabella lazily replied from the passenger seat, intending to catch up on sleep. However, an abrupt ringtone startled her from her nap.
Somewhat annoyed, she fished out her phone from her purse and answered it.
On the line was James, sounding anxious, “Isabella, can you help me find Emily? I need to see her.”
Isabella was briefly surprised, then furrowed her brows. Last time she offered to help James find Emily, he declined. Now he was asking for help again, treating her like a servant. It irked her a bit, but listening to James’s hoarse and subdued voice, she felt a twinge of sympathy. Well, let’s help out in the end.
After hanging up the phone, she instructed Olivia to check Emily’s whereabouts.
Olivia gripped the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead, and casually replied, ‘No need to ask, it’s definitely about Mr. Brown being hospitalized.’
“Mr. Brown is sick?” Isabella was slightly surprised. In her memory, he was a cheerful old man, always in good health.
“The Brown family went bankrupt, many people are after their debts. Mr. Brown was forced to jump from the third floor, landed quite badly, and now lies in the hospital waiting for money to save his life. James is probably seeking money from Emily.”
Though Emily had called off the wedding, she hadn’t returned the engagement gifts, which was quite unfair.
Isabella started to feel some sympathy for James. Even if he saw Emily, he was destined to be disappointed. Charlotte and her daughters were typical of those who only received but never gave back. Once the money went into their pockets, it was impossible to get it out.
Olivia knew Isabella had a soft spot, so she bluntly said, ‘You’re not thinking of being a soft touch and giving money to the Brown family, are you? James brought this upon himself; he’s not worthy of sympathy.’
Isabella nodded in agreement. Therefore, she planned to offer help to James after he hit a wall with Emily. That way, he would remember this favor.
Olivia’s car stopped at the entrance of Maple Leaf Road Apartments, and Isabella dragged her luggage upstairs.
Inside, Amelia was feeding Asher. The baby, upon seeing Mom return, joyfully danced around, chubby little fingers pointing to his small bowl, ‘Mommy, feed.’
Isabella adored her son’s playful demeanor. She took off her coat, washed her hands, and took Asher’s small bowl from Amelia’s hands, feeding him with a spoon.
With Amelia free, she started to pack Isabella’s belongings.
She opened the suitcase, which was chaotic inside. Clothes, worn and unworn, were all mixed up, wrinkled, rendering the unworn ones unwearable. Cosmetics, skincare products, and daily items were scattered, falling out of the box when opened, creating a mess on the floor.
Amelia couldn’t help but shake her head. Isabella was good at many things, but her self-care skills were lacking. If she couldn’t take care of herself, how would she manage to care for her husband and child in the future?