Chapter 139

Isabella understood that Jayden had been contacting her frequently because he lacked worthwhile projects. She thought, "What a cunning man! Jayden and Ivana really are a perfect match!"

Isabella suddenly stood up, her cold eyes landing on Jayden, and said in a firm tone, "I'm busy."

In the past, Isabella used to do such things for Jayden because she loved him. But now, Jayden had no right to demand anything of her. She found his request absurd.

Jayden's face became very stern, and his hand tightened into a fist beneath the table, veins protruding from the strain.

For the sake of his projects, Jayden could only gently pacify Isabella: “Bella, don’t do this, okay?”

Isabella shot a cold glance at Jayden. Just looking at him was irritating. She ignored him and turned to walk away.

Jayden was really angry, but he knew that if Isabella left today, it would be nearly impossible to ask her out again. He quickly caught up with Isabella and grabbed her arm, whispering, “Bella, are you really this distant now?”

Isabella looked at Jayden's hand gripping her arm and felt nothing but disgust. Whenever Isabella needed Jayden, he always said she was unreasonable and inconsiderate of his feelings. Now, she had taken his advice and stopped bothering him, yet he called her distant—it was ridiculous.

Struggling to break free from Jayden's grip, Isabella said seriously, “Jayden, the way you’re holding onto me right now is just pathetic.”

Jayden’s hand immediately released her. With a gloomy expression, Jayden gritted his teeth as he glared at Isabella and said, “At the very least, I saved you that day.”

He thought, ‘She doesn’t even care about my past favors. She’s totally ungrateful!’ Jayden clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked.

Isabella felt disgusted and said coldly, “If you hadn’t saved me, I wouldn’t have even stepped into this booth.” After that, she left Jayden alone and walked outside.

Jayden watched Isabella leave with a furious gaze. He thought, ‘Great. It seems Isabella has lost sight of who she truly is. One day, she might find herself begging for my mercy. Isabella, we’ll see how you handle that situation!’

At that moment, Ivana swiftly entered the booth. A brief, triumphant gleam appeared in her eyes before vanishing just as quickly.

With a worried look, Ivana tried to calm Jayden, saying softly, “Hayden, don’t be mad. Isabella is just like that. She didn’t mean to upset you.”

Ivana’s hand barely touched Jayden’s arm before he pushed it away. Jayden paid no attention to Ivana. With a grim look, he put his mask back on and hurried out of the café.

Ivana was so frustrated that she stomped her foot and shouted, “Jayden!” She thought, If it hadn’t been for Isabella, Jayden wouldn’t have ignored me! That damn bitch!

Ivana wanted to quickly catch up with Jayden, but a waiter stepped into her path and respectfully said, “Miss, please settle the bill. The total is 200 dollars.”

Ivana’s expression instantly radiated hatred. Ivana was shaking with rage. After paying the bill, she glared at the waiter and bellowed, “Is everything settled now? Move aside!”

After receiving the payment, the waiter nodded respectfully and stepped aside. By the time Ivana ran out, Jayden’s car was nowhere to be seen.

Ivana was furious, thinking, ‘Damn it! It’s all that bitch’s fault; otherwise, Jayden wouldn’t have left like that!’

For two days, Jayden neither called nor texted Isabella. In his absence, Isabella felt a sense of relief, as if the air had become fresher and more invigorating. When she was in a good mood, time flew by quickly.

Soon, it was Friday night, and the evening at Riverside Villa brought a sense of peace and tranquility. In Isabella’s room, fresh pink roses had been placed on the cabinet by the wall. A gentle breeze carried a light fragrance through the room.

Isabella sat in the rocking chair, gently inhaling the floral scent in the air, and felt much more at ease. Friday nights always made her relaxed.

Holding her phone, Isabella realized she hadn’t been in touch with Samuel for a few days. As his wife, she felt she was rather neglectful. Thinking for a moment, Isabella supposed that Samuel should be done with work and resting now, so she called him.

The conference room at the Arishire branch office of the Howerton Group was brightly lit, filled with executives eagerly discussing the project’s progress. Samuel’s phone suddenly rang, instantly drawing everyone’s attention to him. The others were all secretly relieved that it wasn’t their phone ringing; otherwise, they might have gotten scolded.

Samuel’s cold gaze landed on his phone, and when he saw it was Isabella calling, his eyes turned tender before he answered. The conference room became very quiet. Everyone else watched Samuel, as it was the first time he had taken a call during a meeting. They were curious, but they were unaware that Samuel had also taken calls in the headquarters meeting room.

What surprised them more was Samuel’s gentle voice when he said, “Hello, what’s up?” Only Perry was unfazed by it.

Isabella placed the book she was holding to one side and said gently, “Just realized I haven’t called you in ages.” Ever since Samuel went on a business trip, Isabella and he had both been busy. They hardly got enough time to sleep, much less call each other.

Samuel replied, “Yeah, did you have dinner?” He raised his hand, signaling his team to continue their work. The group members were gathered in hushed clusters, discussing the project’s progress quietly, yet their gazes frequently strayed towards Samuel. Samuel, usually stern and strict, now seemed caring and tender. It was the first time they had ever seen this side of Samuel. Their eyes were filled with disbelief.

Isabella nodded instinctively and said, “I’ve had dinner. How about you?” They were having a casual chat, but Isabella felt their conversation was too awkward, so she cleared her throat.

Samuel frowned slightly and inquired in a low voice, “Is your throat bothering you? Remember to drink plenty of water. There’s medicine in the drawer; if it’s really bad, have Charles take a look at you.” Samuel spoke at length in one breath, recognizing…