Isabella was completely confused, not knowing which play they were acting out. However, out of politeness, she respectfully greeted the couple, considering their seniority.
Mrs. Miller seemed particularly enthusiastic, grasping Isabella’s hands and meticulously scanning her from head to toe, satisfied with her manners and appearance. She smiled and said, “You can call me Auntie, and I’ll call you Isabella. It’ll make things feel more familiar.”
She forced a smile, tugging at the corners of her lips, thinking, “What Auntie? What Isabella? How well do we even know each other?”
Subsequently, Victoria and Isabella took their seats.
Isabella was seated next to Mrs. Miller, who bombarded her with questions, asking about her age, school graduation, hobbies, and more. She patiently answered each one.
Victoria occasionally chimed in, “Isabella is the brightest star in our family. Dad spoils her; even Mom pays more attention to her than to me. I often feel envious of her.”
Charlotte, on the side, placed her teacup down and affectionately pinched Isabella’s nose. “Are you ashamed saying that? You’re the elder sister; being considerate to your younger sister is only right.”
The mother and daughter laughed together, and Mrs. Miller’s smile grew wider.
Isabella subtly distanced herself from Mrs. Miller, watching Charlotte and Victoria banter, feeling a cold sneer inside.
“Why haven’t Caleb and Luke arrived yet? I thought these men were the busiest,” Victoria said jokingly. As she finished speaking, the door to the private room opened once again.
Luke and Caleb entered together. Victoria welcomed Luke first and then linked arms with Caleb.
“Now that everyone’s here, let’s have the servers bring out the dishes,” Victoria said, sitting down next to Caleb.
Beside the dining table was the only empty seat, obviously reserved for Luke.
He confidently took his place beside Isabella.
If Isabella was confused earlier, now she was clear on Victoria and Caleb’s intentions. This so-called family dinner was a disguised matchmaking session.
Andrew had mentioned that Luke’s father was recently appointed as the deputy mayor in charge of urban development, and Caleb’s family ran a construction company, greatly valuing connections in urban development. Thus, Caleb and Evelyn’s marriage was a complete exploitation of the Lewis family.
Now, they had shifted their focus to her.
At this moment, Isabella wanted to take a good look in the mirror and see if she had a face that was easily manipulated.
“Luke, I guess there’s no need for me to introduce you to Isabella,” Caleb joked.
“Back when we were on set, you took care of Isabella the most. Even I, as her older sister, can’t compare. Now that you’re both on the same set again, having you look after her, our family can rest assured,” Victoria and Caleb harmonized perfectly.
Isabella felt they were like two slick salesmen.
She glanced sideways and caught sight of Luke’s handsome profile, deep and reserved, rarely smiling, just a slight redness in his ears.
What Isabella couldn’t figure out was Luke’s attitude. Did he willingly come for this matchmaking, or was he, like her, coerced into this?
In this matchmaking banquet, Isabella and Luke were the protagonists but hardly exchanged a word. It was Victoria and Caleb who animated the atmosphere.
Victoria and Mrs. Miller engaged in lively conversation, surprisingly all about Isabella. Victoria was exaggerating so much to promote Isabella; it felt like she was praising her to the skies.
Caleb focused entirely on Logan. He was quite adept, speaking differently depending on the person. Initially wary of him, Logan ended up chatting amicably with Caleb after a while.
Caleb was clever; he didn’t bring up anything about work and even adeptly avoided sensitive topics whenever they came up.
Caleb obviously understood the saying “more haste, less speed.” As long as Logan’s wariness towards him was alleviated, achieving his purpose was only a matter of time.
Thinking about the Lewis family’s fate, Isabella felt a sense of anxiety for Logan and Luke.
The matchmaking banquet was undoubtedly a gathering of hosts and guests.
Logan almost felt a sense of kinship with Caleb and had a good conversation with David too. David had always had a good attitude towards Logan.
Supervising urban development had always been a lucrative position, and David evidently wanted a piece of the pie.
Isabella was utterly speechless, almost wordless. Ironically, this attracted Mrs. Miller’s attention, who adored quiet and gentle girls. Victoria’s versatile charm might be delightful, but it wasn’t suitable for marrying into the family.
Before departing, Mrs. Miller grabbed Isabella’s hand and insisted on giving her the white jade bracelet she wore on her wrist.
Not well-versed in jewelry, Isabella could still discern the bracelet’s good quality. It was made of fine white jade, almost priceless.
The implications behind Mrs. Miller giving her such a valuable item were evident. Isabella hastily declined, repeatedly saying, “Auntie, this jade bracelet is too precious; I can’t accept it.”
However, before she could return the bracelet, Charlotte intervened, holding her hand and, following Mrs. Miller’s wishes, forcibly placed the white jade bracelet on Isabella’s wrist. Charlotte’s grip made Isabella’s delicate wrist turn red.
Isabella’s face turned pale, barely containing her anger. If she were to remove the white jade bracelet in front of Mrs. Miller and let it fall to the ground, it would undoubtedly lead to a showdown between the two families, resulting in an unsightly situation for everyone.
Satisfied, Mrs. Miller departed with Luke, while David, Charlotte, Caleb, and Victoria, a group of four, eagerly watched them leave.
Isabella couldn’t stand their fawning expressions.
After the Miller family departed, David’s gaze towards her seemed much more content.
Having held the position of deputy mayor for many years, any official aspired for further advancement. The Miller family’s influence was not insignificant and would undoubtedly assist him at crucial times.
“Luke is young and promising, and though the Miller family isn’t an aristocratic household, they are well-off. Mrs. Miller also likes you. If you marry into their family, your life won’t be lacking. Your mother in heaven would also feel comforted,” David said solemnly.
Isabella’s delicate features remained impassive. Her golden eyes, however, grew colder. If her mother were still alive and knew she was being treated as a commodity, traded for their benefits, she would probably have been mortified.
Charlotte was astute and adept at reading people’s expressions. Naturally, she wouldn’t waste this opportune moment to please and flatter David.
She affectionately grasped Isabella’s hand, her face full of kindness. “Isabella, you must thank your elder sister and brother-in-law properly. They’ve been worrying about your affairs. The Miller family, such a good household, your sister’s first thought was for you.”
Isabella’s smile was insincere. Thank? Fuck thanks!