Chapter 105

“Isabel, I already stood up for you. To thank me, how about a ride in my car?” Liam said with a smile.

“Okay,” Isabel agreed.

Liam thought he had misheard. He couldn't believe Isabel agreed so readily. Isabel reached out, snatched the keys from Liam's hand, opened the car door, pulled Amara in, and said, "Let's go."

Amara was still in shock when she was yanked into the car. Isabel skillfully started the engine, accelerated, and the sports car sped off.

"Hey! Wait! I'm not even in yet!" By the time Liam realized what was happening, all he could see were the taillights. He was left speechless.

Isabel drove to the coastal road, where the sea breeze tousled their hair. Amara, exhilarated by the thrill of speed, exclaimed, "Isabel, you're so cool! You can drive a sports car!"

Isabel replied, "Not really, just a little bit."

Amara thought, This is far from a little bit. Watching Isabel's moves, she is incredibly cool. "Where's Mr. Swanson?" Amara suddenly realized Liam wasn't in the car.

Isabel said, "Forget about him. After all, it was his idea to go for a ride in the first place. It wasn't our fault."

Amara thought Liam was a sucker.

After a long drive, Isabel's phone rang. It was Seraphina.

"Where are you? Want to hang out tonight?" Seraphina asked.

"Sure," Isabel replied. With nothing better to do, she decided to bring Amara along.

They left Liam's sports car by the roadside and called the police to report a found vehicle, asking them to contact the owner. Then they headed to Phoenix Rising.

Phoenix Rising was a famous entertainment and leisure spot in Ardenfall. It boasted everything—food, drinks, and fun. A considerable amount of money was required even to enter; there was an entrance fee, regardless of spending inside.

When Isabel pushed open the door to the private room, Seraphina hugged her, exclaiming, "You're here!"

Isabel asked, "Why are you drinking again?"

A few other people were inside, friends of Seraphina's from a recent poker game.

Seraphina said, "I missed you. You've been so busy lately, I hardly see you."

"I've been pretty occupied lately. This is my friend, Amara," Isabel introduced.

Seraphina's eyes lit up. "You have friends?" she asked.

"Why not?" Isabel retorted.

"It's not that. Since I've known you, you've never seemed to have other friends besides me," Seraphina said with a smile, knowing Isabel's personality well. It was surprising she'd made a friend.

"Because I'm just that amazing. Besides you and Amara, everyone else is jealous of me and won't hang out with me," Isabel said.

Seraphina thought, Is this not a bit of humblebragging? "Come on! Don't be so full of yourself. Amara, nice to meet you. I'm Seraphina, Isabel's friend. We're gonna be good buddies now," Seraphina greeted Amara.

Amara felt a bit awkward but smiled and nodded. However, she had to admit that Isabel's words made sense. After spending time with Isabel, Amara truly felt that Isabel was outstanding.

Yvette and the other classmates were all jealous of Isabel. Even Amara had felt a little envious before.

The others came over and asked if Seraphina wanted to sing. Seraphina told them to go ahead and have fun; she wanted to stay with Isabel and Amara.

The three of them sat at a table, sipping drinks and eating fruit.

"Spill it, what's up?" Isabel asked.

Seraphina sighed, propping her head up with one hand, looking utterly helpless. "It's just that my dad wants me to go home and inherit his fortune. So annoying."

Amara was stunned. "Inheriting a fortune is annoying?" she interjected, bewildered. She didn't understand the world of the rich. Her parents worked hard every day for a few thousand dollars a month, even arguing over money, while Seraphina complained about inheriting a fortune.

"Amara, you don't understand my situation," Seraphina said.

"I don't," Amara admitted.

Isabel, however, asked calmly, "Is there something wrong with your father?"

Seraphina asked, "How did you know?"

Isabel replied, "I know your father. If it weren't for health reasons, he wouldn't rush you to inherit the family business. He must be sick."

"My dad has been in the hospital for days. I don't want him to be so stressed, but I'm not ready to take over the family business yet. I haven't had enough fun," Seraphina said.

Isabel thought for a moment and said, "How about this? I'll go to the hospital tomorrow and see what's wrong with your dad. I'll try to help him get better."

"Great! With you there, my dad will be fine. He might even last a few more years," Seraphina said, excited.

Isabel glanced at Seraphina and remarked, "You're really a filial daughter, aren't you?"

Seraphina replied with an awkward smile.

That night, Blake wanted to pick up Isabel but was told she was with Seraphina. He had no choice but to give up. He hadn't seen Isabel all day, so the next morning, he went to the Golden Villa.

As soon as they met, Blake took Isabel's hand gently. "I missed you yesterday. Did you think about me?" he asked softly.

Isabel was taken aback by his clinginess. Seeing Hannah approaching, Isabel quickly pulled her hand back.

Hannah smiled and said, "Isabel, hurry up and get ready. Blake is waiting for you."

"I know," Isabel replied. Then she looked at Blake and said, "I'm not going to school today. I have something to do."

"What is it? I'll go with you. I'm free this morning," Blake offered.

Isabel hesitated. "I need to visit Mr. Flynn. He's sick."

Blake's eyes flickered with surprise. "I'll be your driver and go with you."

Isabel didn't refuse.

After getting in the car, Blake suggested, "How about we buy some fruit or something to take with us?"

"No need. Mr. Flynn doesn't care about formalities like that," Isabel said.

"Alright then," Blake agreed.

They arrived at Elysian Hospital and were only allowed in after verifying their identities.

Blake felt a bit familiar with the place. "Is this where you operated on me?" he asked.

"Yes," Isabel explained. "Elysian Hospital has top-notch equipment. Though it's not very big, the conditions are first-class."