Chapter 79

Cele nervously clutched her shirt, looking at Isabella. “Bella, I’m sorry. I’m doing this for your own good. I just want you to get along well with your family, so you don’t regret it later,” she said. She’d been certain the sedative was harmless before using it.

Isabella felt her head grow heavy, her body weak. While eating, she’d noticed a strange taste. Normally, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but now… she couldn’t hold on and fell.

Celine rushed to her, supporting her onto the couch, fearing a fall to the floor. Isabella gritted her teeth, pushing Celine away forcefully, her eyes filled with disappointment. “For my own good? Who told you to do this?” she demanded.

From the barbecue stand to the private room, Isabella found it ironic—she’d been drugged. She never imagined Celine would do it.

The disappointment in Isabella’s eyes stung Celine with guilt. Tears flowed freely as she confessed, “Ivana told me you were hanging out with shady guys. She was worried you’d go astray, so she asked me to drug you… so you’d go home.”

Celine had initially doubted Ivana, but Isabella's expensive car changed her mind. Even the Stout family's wealth wouldn't cover such a purchase. Celine pleaded, tears streaming, “Bella, listen to them and go back. Those shady guys will be a bad influence.”

Celine knew about the chaos in high society; she didn't want Isabella to become involved. Besides, the Stout family’s wealth ensured Isabella's financial security at home.

Isabella, fighting drooping eyelids, offered a sarcastic smile. “So it was Ivana.” She tried to speak further, but collapsed, unconscious.

Celine rushed over, worry etched on her face. Concerned Isabella might get cold, Celine removed her jacket and covered her. Then, grabbing her phone, she made a call.

Ivana’s eager voice answered, “How did it go?” Ivana, admiring her nails, displayed complete disdain.

Celine's grip on her phone tightened, her palms sweating. Glancing at the unconscious Isabella, she said, “I’ve done as you asked. Can I get the money now?” Her mother’s urgent need for surgery had driven her to this.

The hospital pressed for payment; she’d had no choice. Ivana’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Months ago, while visiting a friend, Ivana had seen Celine caring for her mother. Knowing their close relationship, Ivana had seized the opportunity. She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry. I’ll send the money right away.”

Celine breathed a sigh of relief, ended the call, and knelt beside the sofa. Gently tucking Isabella’s hair behind her ear, she apologized, “Bella, I’m sorry. When you wake up, you can yell at me or do whatever you want, but first, let me save my mom, and then I’ll make it up to you.”

With a complicated expression, Celine left the lavishly decorated karaoke booth.

The Stout family, sitting on a couch, watched Ivana hang up her phone. Hudson eagerly asked, “So, how did it go?”

Ivana exclaimed, “Mom and Dad, it’s done!”

Molly and Hudson exchanged a look, ignoring the fruit in their hands, before standing. Molly pulled Hudson’s arm, excitedly, “Honey, call Mr. Lane now!” She knew this was a rare opportunity.

Hudson, his hand trembling, nodded. “Okay, I’ll contact him right away.”

Dominic answered, “Hello, is this Mr. Stout?” He sat lazily in his study chair, his belly straining his shirt.

Hudson smiled respectfully. “Mr. Lane, I’ve taken care of everything. When will Cameron be coming?” He felt anxious, wanting a quick resolution. He’d worried that notifying the Lanes beforehand might lead to disappointment if things went wrong.

Dominic straightened, glancing at the smoking Cameron. “Okay, send me the address. I’ll have him head there right away.”

Hudson, relieved, nodded repeatedly. After hanging up, Ivana and Molly looked at him expectantly. Molly asked, “How did it…”

Hudson nodded, smiling. “It’s all good. Let’s go and celebrate.”

Ivana couldn't contain her glee. Isabella, aren’t you supposed to be amazing? Turns out you’re nothing, just a pile of mud.

In the Lane study, Dominic looked at Cameron. His eyes gleamed. “Get ready, the Stout family has gotten Isabella for you.”

Cameron, lounging on the sofa, his floral shirt unbuttoned, showed subtle worry. “Dad, the land the Stout family wanted has already been taken by the Howerton Group. If something happens…”

Hudson will just get a bunch of excuses, he thought.

Dominic leaned back. “Why are you overthinking something that’s been handed to you? Just make it official.” I’ve met Isabella before. She's quite pretty; she could barely pass as a daughter-in-law.

Cameron took a drag on his cigarette, then stood, his eyes cold. “Yes, I really want to see how tough this stubborn woman is.” He was aware of her repeated refusals, but there had never been a woman he couldn’t win over. The harder she was to get, the more determined he became.

Dominic tapped the table. “I don’t care how you play your games, but you’re almost forty. Since you’re interested in Isabella, marry her sooner rather than later.” He worried about Cameron’s lack of marriage and offspring.

Taking a deep breath, Dominic left the study, followed by Cameron.

At the karaoke bar, Molly paced anxiously at the entrance, drawing attention. She eagerly watched the entrance. A black car pulled up. Her eyes lit up; she nearly ran outside.