Chapter 26

The passenger door swung open, and George slid into the seat. Isabella raised an eyebrow and glanced at him sideways, puzzled. "Didn't you drive here yourself?"

George, however, was too busy inspecting the car to answer. His eyes gleamed as he looked around. Instead of answering her question, he exclaimed, "This is a limited-edition custom model? Where did you get this?"

To buy such a car required not only money but also connections. Isabella's expression flickered before she quickly turned away, forcing a playful scold. "Why do you care?" She couldn't tell George the car was a gift from Samuel; he'd start imagining all sorts of things. George, captivated by the car, didn't notice her evasiveness. He continued to admire it, running his hands over every surface with pure excitement. "One day, I'm going to get myself a car like this."

He thought it was beyond cool. George had a passion for collecting high-end cars—a very expensive hobby. Sitting in Isabella's car, he was in awe.

Knowing George's love for luxury cars, Isabella chuckled. "Alright, since you've been working so hard running errands for me, you can take this for a spin."

George immediately leaned closer, grabbing Isabella's arm excitedly. "I knew it! Queenie, you're the best!"

As he moved closer, Isabella pushed him back, jabbing a finger at his forehead. "Best? Keep your distance; don't forget you're a man."

George laughed heartily. "I thought you didn't see a difference between men and women?"

But even as he joked, he was already moving to the driver's seat. Isabella shot him a look. "That's only with patients. Do you want to be one of mine?"

At the thought of Isabella's expert needlework, George visibly shuddered, shaking his head vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not." He knew if he hesitated, her syringe might already be coming for him.

Seeing him so nervous made Isabella smile, but she still got out of the driver's seat to let him take over.

George hummed excitedly as he felt the thrill of the top-tier sports car flying down the road. "This is incredible!"

Isabella smiled, but her phone rang. She reached over, patted George's shoulder, and reminded him, "Slow down and close the window. I need to take this call." George obliged.

When Isabella saw the caller ID—Samuel—her heart skipped a beat. The memory of last night flashed in her mind, causing her cheeks to flush.

George noticed she hadn't answered and urged, "Aren't you going to answer?" He was eager for her to finish so he could get back to experiencing the car's speed. He was captivated by the roar of the engine.

Isabella picked up the phone. Her voice softened. "Hello,"

"What took you so long to answer?" Samuel's voice was deep, magnetic, and soothing.

Isabella glanced at George, who was focused on driving, before replying, "Oh, I was driving. What's up?"

She froze at his next words.

"Get ready, we're going to the Howerton residence tonight," Samuel said.

1:00 PM

Chapter 20

"Tonight?!" Isabella blurted out. She wasn't ready. Her expression turned complicated. She had never met Samuel's parents before. Their marriage had been rushed, and with her past hanging over her, the thought of this meeting made her anxious.

Samuel, on the other end, could practically picture her reaction. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he reassured her, "Don't worry, my mother's really looking forward to meeting you."

Isabella stared out the window, trying to calm her nerves. She knew this day would come, and there was no use panicking.

Normally composed, since meeting Samuel, she found her emotions often out of control. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Okay. I'll see you tonight then."

"Okay," Samuel responded.

After hanging up, Isabella got lost in thought, trying to figure out how to handle the evening. George, who had been quiet, asked, "Whose mother is looking forward to meeting you? Who's this guy?"

Isabella glanced at him, seeing his curious look. She quickly turned away, trying to appear calm. "Nothing. Just a friend."

George frowned, suspicion evident, but seeing that Isabella didn't want to explain further, he didn't press. "Oh, okay."

Then, with excitement, he shouted, "Alright, let's speed up again!"

George slammed on the gas, and the car shot forward. Isabella finally exhaled in relief. She wasn't even bothered by George's reckless driving; her mind was too occupied with meeting Samuel's parents.

Night fell quickly.

In the heart of Draxenport, a quiet estate lay hidden amidst the bustling prime district. Tall greenery surrounded the grounds.

Samuel's car passed through the estate's gates unobstructed, drawing curious glances.

Isabella sat beside Samuel, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window. She had always known the Howerton family was powerful, but seeing it with her own eyes still left her awestruck.

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about how she would handle the encounter with Samuel's parents. Sensing her unease, Samuel glanced at her and reassured her, "Don't worry."

Isabella turned to Samuel and nodded. "Alright," she replied, taking a deep breath.

When they got out of the car, Samuel bent his arm slightly. Isabella hesitated before realizing what he wanted. She slipped her arm through his.

They were a married couple, and in front of Samuel's parents, they had to appear affectionate. Yet, despite her best efforts, Isabella couldn't shake the awkwardness.

Samuel looked down at her and said gently, "You'll need to get used to this quickly."

Isabella bit her lip and nodded.

The estate's grounds were vast, each step revealing meticulously maintained gardens.

Samuel led Isabella into the grand living room. The interior was just as luxurious as the outside. The furniture was carved from pearwood, with sofas and coffee tables displaying intricate designs. Classical oil paintings adorned the walls, framed in delicately carved gold frames. Below them sat half-height cabinets and a fireplace with a blazing fire.

Isabella noticed the lady sitting on the sofa. Dressed in an elegant dark green suit, she was well-preserved for her age, though a few wrinkles hinted at her approaching sixtieth birthday. Samuel was the youngest of four children, born when his parents were much older.

Samuel's mother, Gwenna, was quietly observing Isabella. Isabella wore a simple yet elegant white satin dress that highlighted her graceful figure. Her hair was neatly tied up, adorned with a minimalistic hairpiece. She wore light makeup, her forehead smooth and clean, and her eyes bright and clear. With one glance, Gwenna felt a strong liking for her, her smile growing warmer.

Just as Isabella, still a bit stiff, was about to greet her, Gwenna broke the silence excitedly, "You little rascal! You finally let me meet my daughter-in-law!"