When the doctor stitched Andrew’s wound with seven stitches, Isabella sat beside, her hands propping up her chin, gazing at him with a look of admiration.
Her mind replayed the recent scenes over and over.
He smiled and said, “A kiss, and I’ll handle those people for you.”
After dealing with those people, he stood under the dim streetlight, lowered his head, and kissed her, asking for his reward.
Just the thought of his gentle yet domineering kiss, the cool touch of his lips, and his slippery tongue made her cheeks flush.
“Does it hurt?” She looked at his blurry wound, pouting slightly as she asked.
“I had anesthesia. Do you think it hurts?” He raised an eyebrow in response. In truth, this slight pain meant nothing to him. Moreover, a werewolf’s healing ability was swift.
Isabella wished she could knock herself out; what a ridiculous question she had asked.
Andrew and Isabella returned to the apartment, already past midnight.
As he opened the door to the master bedroom, she eagerly followed. “Are you taking a bath? Need help?”
“Are you sure?” He raised a suggestive eyebrow.
Isabella felt that every casual move or expression of his was cool and charming. He was like an idol, a perfect idol.
“Um, how about I use a scarf to cover my eyes to avoid taking advantage of you?” She blinked her clear eyes, speaking earnestly.
Andrew smiled helplessly. If this topic continued, he might not resist pulling her into the bathroom to have some fun.
“I can manage on my own. You go to bed.” He extended a long finger, gently brushing her nose tip.
….
Three days later, Isabella’s friend invited her to dinner at a restaurant. These two friends were a couple, and after not seeing each other for a long time, the three of them were engrossed in conversation.
Isabella was so full that she burped while walking.
At that moment, a red Maserati was parked at the restaurant’s entrance. Seeing them come out, the car door opened, and Victoria stepped out from the driver’s seat.
She wore a black bodycon dress with a white blouse, exquisite makeup, and an elegant and noble demeanor. She stepped gracefully in red high heels toward Isabella.
Even if Victoria’s appearance was a six, her dressing style was a ten, enough to make up for any lacking features. She was a woman who knew how to dress herself very well.
This was completely different from Isabella, a typical lazy woman who often didn’t put much effort into her appearance.
“No calls, no messages. I’ve been running around to find you,” Victoria scolded in a gentle tone, displaying her elder sister’s demeanor.
Isabella, somewhat indifferent, knew that Victoria looking for her was never for anything good.
“I turned off my phone while taking photos. What’s up?”
“There’s a family gathering tonight. Dad asked me to bring you along for dinner.”
“I’m already full,” Isabella replied and even burped right on cue.
Victoria couldn’t help but frown but quickly smoothed her brow; she wouldn’t easily ruin her dignified image in public.
“The family gathering isn’t just about food; it’s about the family sitting together, chatting. It would be nice to talk.” Victoria’s smile became more gentle.
Isabella felt nauseated by her smile. Family? She couldn’t understand how Victoria could say that with a straight face; they’ve never treated her like family.
“I have work. I won’t be going back today. Please explain to Dad for me.” She said with a stern face.
“A family gathering isn’t an international summit; it’s not mandatory to attend.”
Upon hearing this, Victoria maintained a smile, but cracks began to show in her perfect expression. She had come personally to pick her up, and Isabella’s refusal made her think that she might not get away with it this time.
“Isabella, you know Dad’s temper. He doesn’t allow any absence. Even if my schedule is full today, I’ll obediently go home. Have you grown wings now? Can you disobey Dad?” Victoria arched her eyebrows, her tone gentle but with an obvious hint of threat.
Isabella couldn’t help but frown; it seemed like she really couldn’t avoid going today.
It wasn’t that she was afraid of David; it just wasn’t the time to break out in a confrontation. If she were thrown out by David, the Harris family’s house would become entirely Charlotte and her daughter’s territory.
But why? That villa was left to her by her grandfather; it was her home.
With a cold face and clenched lips, she reluctantly got into Victoria’s car.
The red Maserati smoothly traversed the road, turning right at the signal.
Isabella sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window, her beautiful eyebrows furrowing deeper. Although she wasn’t very familiar with the roads, she knew this wasn’t the way back. Moreover, the places the car passed were becoming increasingly remote, and she was genuinely worried that Victoria might sell her off.
“I thought it was a family gathering? Where are you taking me?”
“Who said a family gathering must be at home?” Victoria replied with a smile.
The car continued, eventually arriving at Versailles Manor.
It was an open estate covering an area of about 40, 000 square meters, somewhat similar to an upscale hotel but priced at least ten times higher.
Isabella had been here only once when her grandfather was alive. She knew David’s character very well; he wouldn’t host a family gathering in such a luxurious place without ulterior motives. If there were no ghosts, Isabella wouldn’t believe it.
After Victoria parked the car, a hostess in a beautiful wrap dresses respectfully led them into the manor. She seemed quite familiar with Victoria, as they chatted and laughed along the way, even taking photos together with enthusiasm.
Accompanied by Victoria, Isabella arrived at the door of a private room. The hostess knocked and then opened the door, respectfully inviting them in.
Inside the private room, the decor was antique, with windows made of carved mahogany. Precious items and antiques adorned the room, each piece a beautiful work of art.
With graceful steps, Victoria smiled and said, “Sorry for being late.”
She reached out to hold Isabella’s arm, displaying an appearance of deep sisterhood.
Isabella looked coldly at the people inside the room. Sitting at the long table were David and Charlotte, opposite them was a pair of unfamiliar middle-aged couples. The man wore a formal suit, displaying an air of authority without much smiling.
Beside him, the woman was exquisitely dressed in an embroidered wrap dresses, her smile seemingly gentle, but her keen eyes were scrutinizing Isabella.
She frowned slightly, somewhat displeased, and turned slightly aside.
“Not late at all. You actors are all busy people; we elders understand,” Charlotte stood up with a smile, warmly taking Isabella to meet the couple.
“Isabella, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Miller, and this lady is Mrs. Miller.”