I froze for a second, then nodded. “If we’re a good match, I’ll be real with him.”

“Ryan must really be lacking in love; otherwise, with all those girls chasing after him, why would he end up with you?” Isabelle was so young and straightforward that she blurted out way more than she should have.

I was honestly surprised. All this time, I’ve only ever gotten to know Ryan himself, not all the stuff going on around him. As for how many girls are into him–honestly, I can’t even begin to imagine.

“Hey, how come you never ask me about all those girls chasing after Ryan?” Isabelle said, sounding bored as she poked at the row of trinkets on my dashboard, tilting her head playfully at me.

“I’m not looking to make myself miserable,” I replied.

“Not even a little bit curious?” Isabelle blinked in surprise. “If I had a crush, I’d be digging up every scrap of info I could find.”

“Why go snooping? Isn’t a little mystery way more fun?” I answered with a smile.

“You’re way too chill about this. You only look a few years older than me, but sometimes it’s like we’re from totally different worlds,” Isabelle said, giving me this look like I was some kind of alien. She clearly thought I was a bit weird.

That cracked me up, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Maybe you’re right. If you get too nosy, you just end up getting all worked up for nothing. I just stick to my own business.”

Isabelle folded her arms and let out a little hum. “Honestly, I think you and Ryan still have a long road ahead. Being together won’t be that simple.”

“Really?” I said, a bit surprised. “Why do you think so?”

“See? You are worried,” Isabelle teased, arching her brows with a smug grin. “The Jennings family isn’t just any family. Ryan’s dad was a huge name in both politics and business—he was a real heavyweight. His grandpa’s a legend, too. Ryan’s basically the direct heir of the whole family. And his uncle… uh, I’m not sure if I should spill that part.”

I really hadn’t expected Isabelle to share all this with me—it totally caught me off guard.

“Let me tell you a secret,” Isabelle whispered, leaning in. “Uncle Ryan and Ryan’s dad? They’re only half-brothers, not full siblings. Uncle Ryan’s pretty awesome too—Ryan’s dad took him under his wing, and his big brother is basically his hero.”

Hearing that, I was honestly stunned. So that’s the real story behind their family ties.

Seeing my reaction, Isabelle immediately slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oops, I probably shouldn’t spill any more secrets. Honestly, I hope you and Ryan work out, but what I really want is to become Uncle Ryan’s wife. I can’t wait for Ryan to call me ‘aunt!’”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Well, I hope your wish comes true.”

Isabelle was a student at the art academy, and when we pulled up to the school, she hopped out of the car. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly asked for my number.

“You make things work with Ryan, and once you do, help me get together with Uncle Ryan!” she called out.

Isabelle, ever the straightforward one, waved her hand and shouted this to me as she left.

Watching her, it was like seeing my younger self—fearless and reckless, back when I didn’t have a care in the world.

But you could tell Isabelle was born with a silver spoon. She never mentioned her family, but being childhood friends with Ryan said it all—she was definitely from the elite crowd.

Even though my relationship with Ryan had taken a step forward, my priority was still my work.

Three days later, Jared came by to check on the progress of our project. After the meeting, he asked to speak with me privately.

We were in the huge conference room, sunlight pouring in through the windows. Jared rested against the desk with his back to me, his voice deep and serious. “Are you and Ryan about to start dating?”