After the day’s shooting ended, Isabella didn’t have any scenes the following day.
Normally, when she didn’t have scenes, she wouldn’t obediently stay on set. She’d always find a way to sneak back home.
Unfortunately, she ended up caught in traffic. Isabella boredly listened to music in the car, her mind wandering. At this time, what could Andrew and Asher be doing? Oh, she almost forgot about how he intercepted her call last time; she hadn’t settled that score yet.
Every 12th of the month, James would send the company’s financial statements to her, usually along with a call to explain things.
And coincidentally, the day Andrew put her to sleep under the pretext of blow-drying her hair was the 12th. James called in the morning, but she was sound asleep and didn’t hear it. Who would’ve thought that Andrew would answer the call for her, almost as if he wanted everyone to know they had slept together?
James subtly inquired, and Isabella didn’t conceal anything. For adults in relationships nowadays, sleeping together was quite normal.
James’ expression didn’t seem too pleasant. He advised her, in his words and in-between, to be more cautious.
She let James’ words go in one ear and out the other. Her former fiance seemed to worry too much.
She was stuck in traffic for nearly an hour. Pushing open the door, ready to vent her frustration, she noticed there was an extra person in the living room.
A man around fifty years old, although older, had handsome features, an erect posture, and extraordinary demeanor.
Asher was sitting on his lap, his chubby little hands grabbing at the gold buttons on his collar, giggling nonstop and calling out, “Grandpa, grandpa!”
“Asher likes this?” Joshua smiled affectionately, reaching over to unbutton his collar and hand it to Asher to play with.
“Give him what he likes, but don’t spoil him.” Andrew said from the side.
Asher hugged his grandpa’s neck, as if he had found a reliable support, then turned and stuck his tongue out at Andrew.
Andrew gave his son a serious look, and Asher leaned directly into his grandfather’s arms.
“Alright, the child is still young; you don’t have to look so stern all the time, you might scare him.” Joshua lovingly reached out to pat Asher’s small head.
Then, he noticed Isabella standing at the entrance to the living room, looking somewhat bewildered.
“Hey, Asher’s back,” Joshua turned to Isabella with the same kind gaze, but within that kindness was a hint of authority.
She smiled somewhat awkwardly, her gaze shifting to Andrew, with a hint of inquiry.
Andrew smiled warmly as he stood up, taking her hand to introduce her. “This is an uncle from Schenectady town.”
“Oh,” she nodded politely and respectfully greeted, “Uncle.”
Joshua discreetly scrutinized Isabella, his gaze neither making her uncomfortable nor intrusive. However, despite sitting, he gave off an air of superiority. She felt that his demeanor was faintly similar to Andrew’s in certain respects.
Isabella stood beside Andrew, wearing a faint smile, completely allowing Joshua’s inspection.
Joshua nodded in satisfaction. Andrew had a good eye, regardless of the girl’s other qualities; at least, she didn’t seem small-minded at all. Her upbringing was commendable. Whether Andrew’s partner was human or a werewolf, he wouldn’t object as long as he loved her.
He took out an envelope, smiling warmly as he handed it to Isabella, “As a token for our first meeting, consider this a gift from your uncle.”
She looked at the not-so-thick envelope and didn’t reach out for it. Instead, she subconsciously looked to Andrew, seeking his opinion.
Seeing him nod, she smiled and reached out, “Thank you, Uncle.”
“Please have a seat,” Joshua said.
Isabella sat down on the nearby sofa, but her mind was racing: This feels like her home. This host-turned-guest acted so naturally as if it were expected.
Joshua held Asher and casually asked Isabella a few questions about her work and family situation. She answered in a standard manner, earning a few more points of satisfaction from Joshua.
“Uncle, if you’re not busy, please stay for dinner at our place,” Isabella politely offered as Joshua seemed to have finished his inquiries.
Joshua nodded, “I’d be intruding.”
“Not a bother at all, it’s only right,” Isabella stood up and walked into the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, she opened the fridge and started pondering. Having elders over for dinner was one thing, but not being able to cook was a headache.
Should she quickly make a couple of simple dishes or just order takeout? While she hesitated, Andrew walked in.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, watching her with a half-smile in his eyes.
“I’m thinking about what dishes to make,” she replied.
“Have you decided?” he inquired.
“Yes,” Isabella nodded.
She listed a series of dishes, all of which were Andrew’s specialties. Afterward, she enthusiastically tied an apron around Andrew, grinning, “I’ll assist you.”
Andrew chuckled helplessly, casually rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. An inadvertent movement, yet elegant and dignified.
He cooked the meal, she set the table, and then they invited Joshua to eat.
After finishing the meal, it was already dark outside.
Since Joshua couldn’t stay longer, Andrew personally escorted him to the door.
Joshua’s car was parked in front of the building, a relatively low-key Audi A8. However, there were two military jeeps following behind, each with security personnel inside, ensuring his safety.