Chapter 115
If it were Darryl, he would have cherished Isabella, afraid she’d get hurt. Isabella waved her hand, finally stopping the cough. Her eyes fell on Darryl as she placed the tissue on the table and said, “It’s alright. I can handle these things.” Her response didn’t surprise Xavier at all. After all, he had asked before and didn’t expect that today Darryl would actually agree with his previous thoughts.
Darryl sighed helplessly. He knew that Isabella was a strong-willed kid. He originally wanted her to become his daughter-in-law, which would have been very beneficial for them. It would also make Isabella’s current situation a bit easier. But Isabella didn’t agree, and there was nothing he could do.
Xavier didn’t care about those things. He just looked at Isabella and said softly, “This seafood soup is pretty good. You should try it.” He even set the table with Isabella’s utensils as well.
Isabella nodded politely and said, “Thank you.” She took a small taste, her eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded. It’s really not bad. The seafood was fresh, and the flavors were perfectly balanced.
Darryl was somewhat relieved to see Xavier and Isabella interacting like friends. This was nice. Getting closer to Isabella could only bring benefits, with no downsides. The two of them chatted lightly, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
Isabella looked at Xavier, who seemed much less aloof and more easygoing than before. She said calmly, “Give me your hand. Let me take a look.” Since the last cure session, she hadn’t checked Xavier’s condition and wasn’t sure how his recovery was progressing. Xavier wasn’t hesitant and placed his hand on the table. Isabella gently rested her hand on his wrist, feeling Xavier’s pulse.
Darryl looked at Isabella a bit anxiously. Although Xavier had seemed fine recently, having Isabella check always made him feel more at ease. A few minutes later, Isabella finally let go of Xavier’s wrist, her eyes resting on him as she chuckled softly. “Nothing serious. Just a bit of internal heat. Drink more water.”
At that moment, Darryl felt completely relieved. He looked at Isabella with slightly damp eyes. Picking up his glass of red wine, he said with a slightly choked voice, “Ms. Stout, thank you. You truly are the savior of our family.” If it weren’t for Isabella, he couldn’t even imagine what state Xavier would be in now.
Isabella smiled softly at Darryl and said, “Mr. Cox, that’s nothing. Helping Xavier was just the instinct of a doctor, especially since you also paid for my services. So there’s no need to be so polite.”
Chapter 115
She also understood the mindset of the family members of her patients. The relief and joy of surviving an ordeal made them unsure how to express their gratitude, except by repeatedly thanking the doctor. So every time, Isabella would patiently reassure them.
Isabella stood up with a gentle smile and said, “Enjoy your meal. I’m going to the restroom.”
Darryl watched Isabella head to the bathroom and let out a long sigh, “You lazy boy. It would be great if Queenie became my daughter-in-law.” It was a pity that she wasn’t interested. Xavier turned his gaze to Darryl and put down his knife and fork. “Dad, you should drop that thought.”
Darryl gave Xavier a pat on the shoulder, glaring at him. “Hmph, you’re such a disappointment.” Xavier wasn’t angry; he simply replied calmly, “With her aura, do you think she’d settle for anyone?” Even if she would, Xavier couldn’t imagine what kind of outstanding man the guy would be. Usually, girls who achieved so much at a young age preferred to stand out on their own.
Darryl thought for a moment and agreed. He lifted his glass of wine for a small sip, then paused to say, “You know, I actually have someone in mind. Samuel.” With that, both of them fell into deep thought.
Xavier pressed his tongue against his molars, thinking it over carefully. They really could be a great match. It was just a top-tier family like the Howerton family probably wouldn’t be interested in Isabella’s background. Xavier couldn’t help but twitch his lips and said, “Aren’t you overthinking this?”
Darryl agreed with him. He picked up the glass again and took another small sip.
In the bathroom, Isabella stood in front of the mirror, fixing her appearance. She rushed out this morning, so even her hair was a little messy. However, in the next moment, a familiar figure appeared in the mirror. Ivana stood behind her, arms crossed, wearing a fitted white dress, glaring at Isabella.
Isabella turned to head outside. But as she lifted her foot, Ivana was already in front of her, blocking her way. Ivana sneered, “Isabella, what a tactic you’ve got there, winning over Xavier and Darryl from the Cox family.”
Isabella lifted her eyes, her icy gaze resting on Ivana. A moment later, without uttering a word, she moved aside to leave. Dealing with someone as clueless as Ivana, even saying a single extra word made Isabella feel irritated.
Ivana’s expression instantly darkened, and she blocked Isabella’s path again, saying in a serious tone, “Isabella, didn’t you hear me talking?” She had originally planned to discuss business with Xavier and Darryl today. However, she got annoyed when she saw babella entering the restaurant, talking and laughing with them. She had waited for so long. Yet Isabella took away her opportunity. Ivana was quite angry.
Initially, Ivana couldn’t believe Isabella had gotten involved with Xavier and Darryl. But then she recalled that Isabella was Queenie. It was Isabella who treated Xavier’s illness.
Chapter 113
However, Ivana must choose this deal today. Isabella let out a cold laugh. “Already losing your cool?” Ivana gritted her teeth, trying hard to control her emotions, yet she still stood unyieldingly in front of Isabella. She spoke up directly. “Isabella, Dad wants to negotiate a collaboration with the Cox family! For the sake of family, Isabella didn’t dare to disobey her. After all, Isabella was always like that. Isabella was terrified that Hudson would reject her.
Isabella was momentarily stunned, then she laughed mockingly and said, “What does it have to do with me?” She thought. Could you actually be hoping I’d speak up for Hudson?
Ivana wasn’t angry. She shrugged and said, “I know you hate us, but this concerns the future of the Stout family. Just keep your words to a minimum.”
Isabella got it. They were afraid she might cause trouble. Ivana raised her head and warned Isabella, “You know Dad is really unhappy with you because of what happened before. If you stay in line, he might consider letting you come back home.”
Ivana tossed out that remark and walked straight out of the restroom. Her superior air made it seem like she was doing Isabella a favor. Isabella laughed. She didn’t expect Ivana to be so shameless.
At the door of the restroom, just as Isabella came out, she saw Ivana pulling her white top into an off-the-shoulder style, revealing her shoulders. With a shy smile, Ivana walked over to Xavier, who had just left the booth, and coyly said, “Mr. Cox.”
Xavier’s brow furrowed immediately. He always disliked women who would throw themselves at him. Isabella’s eye twitched, feeling a chill down her spine. That voice was so syrupy. But in the next moment, she curved her lips slightly and also stepped forward, catching Xavier’s gaze.
Ivana’s brow moved subtly, giving Isabella a warning look. Isabella watched her with a playful smile.
Ivana’s smile froze immediately. She turned back, glaring intently at Isabella and said in a low voice, “Isabella, don’t you want to come home?”
From the start, Isabella had never thought about coming home. As for the Stout Group, it was hers all along. Isabella stepped up to stand in front of Xavier, with a slight smile. “Mr. Cox, I haven’t introduced her yet. She is my half-sister, Ivana.”
Ivana looked at Isabella incredulously. She wondered why Isabella would be so generous to introduce her. Xavier’s gaze paused for a moment. Even though his investigation had uncovered some information, seeing the two of them together was still a surprising contrast. Ivana was too petty, clearly not presentable. But Isabella was poised and graceful, shining like a goddess.
But since Isabella introduced Ivana, he gave a slight nod to her, whose eyes lit up instantly. She had tried to approach Xavier before, but he had walked past her without a glance. She’d never thought that today she’d have the chance to talk to him.
Feeling a surge of excitement, she was about to use her charm when Isabella calmly interjected, “She’s here today to discuss a partnership with you.”
Ivana was momentarily stunned as she looked at Isabella again, puzzled. She wondered if Isabella was afraid of Hudson and…
Chapter 113
…wanted to help with the negotiation to take the credit. She snickered inwardly, thinking how even after twenty-some years, Isabella could still be so naive. Ivana always took all the credit for her work. Ivana wasn’t in a hurry anymore. She just stood there, waiting for Isabella to perform her role. But the next moment, Ivana’s smile froze suddenly.