Chapter 109

“I don’t know,” Alex said. “Cora called earlier; her period was over, and she wanted me to cheer her up. I thought she might be uncomfortable.”

“Before going, I bought her a bouquet of white lilies. But she got really mad and kicked me out, saying she didn’t want anything to do with me,” Alex continued, his face innocent. He looked genuinely confused.

Isabel remained silent. Hannah raised a hand, as if to strike Alex, then lowered it. “How can you be so naive? What were you thinking?” she exclaimed, her frustration evident. She couldn't believe he didn't understand the meaning of white lilies, or what flowers were appropriate for a girl.

Isabel smiled. “Mom, don’t be angry. Alex is innocent. He hasn’t dated anyone before Cora. No wonder he doesn’t know about flowers.”

Alex mumbled, “I don’t get it. White lilies are white and pure. They reminded me of Cora’s innocent face. I sent them wanting to tell her she’s as pure as the flowers in my heart. What’s wrong with that?”

Isabel patted Alex’s shoulder. “Alex, you messed up. White lilies are often used in funerals. Sending them to your girlfriend is the last thing you should do. No wonder she was upset.”

“I never knew that,” Alex said, scratching his head. He finally understood his mistake.

“How about this, Alex? Send Cora a message and explain,” Isabel suggested. “I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

“Okay,” Alex agreed. He took out his phone and began typing a long apology, but then stopped. “Cora blocked me! It looks like she wants to break up with me,” he said anxiously.

“Let me see,” Isabel said, noticing the red circle on the screen. It was clear Cora was furious. “Call her and explain,” she advised.

Alex tried to call, only to find his number was blocked. “She’s really mad. She’s breaking up with me,” Alex cried, collapsing.

Isabel and Hannah didn’t know how to comfort him.

At the Yates residence, Blake returned home from a long day of work. He found Yolanda waiting. “What do you want?” he asked indifferently.

“Day in and day out, you’re either at the company or the Galvez residence. Is your home the Galvez residence or the Yates residence?” Yolanda scolded.

Blake laughed coldly. “Of course, it’s the Yates residence. In our large family, with so much love and harmony, how could I not come home? Otherwise, why would I be here?”

Sensing the sarcasm, Yolanda became even angrier. Marcy quickly intervened to calm her.

After a moment, Yolanda said, “I called you because I have something to tell you. You should call off the engagement with that girl from the Galvez family.”

“What are you saying?” Blake asked incredulously.

Yolanda explained, “I’ve found you a more suitable match, a young lady from a family more like ours. The Galvez family is insignificant. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Blake scoffed. “Do you think I don’t know what you’re up to? You and Dad forced this engagement on me, and now you want to break it off? What do you take me for?”

“The engagement was arranged by your father based on a fortune teller’s words. I opposed it from the start, and I still do. I’ve discussed it with your father, and he agrees,” Yolanda insisted.

Blake clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, but said nothing, storming out instead. “Stop right there! What kind of attitude is that?” Yolanda shouted after him. But Blake ignored her. He had changed since returning from Riverstone.

He went straight to Thomas’s study, finding Timothy there. He held back his words, noticing Timothy’s welcoming smile.

“Blake, what’s the rush? You actually dared to barge into Dad’s study without permission,” Timothy teased.

Blake glanced at Timothy but remained silent. Thomas asked, “Blake, what’s going on?”

“Dad, are you really calling off my engagement with the Galvez family?” Blake asked.

Thomas said, “Yes, your mother suggested it. She said the Galvez family isn’t a good match for us. She wants to find you someone more suitable. I thought it was for your own good, so I agreed.”

“I disagree! Dad, the Galvez family saved my life. I love Isabel. Since she was chosen by the fortune teller, we can’t just change things,” Blake insisted.

Timothy laughed. “Blake, what’s so great about Isabel? She’s just a country girl. Dad is trying to find you a proper match, and you’re not…”

“Shut up!” Blake shouted.

Timothy was taken aback, cursing under his breath. If Thomas hadn’t been present, he would have responded more aggressively.

“Alright, stop arguing. Can’t you two get along as brothers?” Thomas said, glancing at them.

After calming down, Blake said, “Dad, let’s talk about work. The Flynn Family is willing to cooperate with us on the D project.”

“What did you say?” Thomas asked, surprised. He couldn’t believe it. John Flynn had always looked down on the Yates family, avoiding cooperation for decades.

Blake said, “Yes, but Mr. Flynn gave me a condition.”

“I knew it. That old fox would never agree easily. What condition?” Thomas asked. He wouldn't agree to anything that involved trading something from the Yates family.

“Mr. Flynn’s condition was that I must take good care of Isabel. I agreed. But you guys want to ruin this cooperation,” Blake explained.

“What? Is that his condition?” Thomas was shocked.

“Absolutely. Isabel has a great relationship with the Flynn family. Mr. Flynn treats her like his own daughter,” Blake confirmed.

Thomas’s attitude changed instantly. He patted Blake’s shoulder. “Blake, I always thought it was a bad idea to call off the engagement with the Galvez family. They’ve been loyal and supportive. They’re a good match for us.”

“So, you’re saying…” Blake began.

“So, you should be with Isabel. The engagement was my idea, and it seems I was right. Even the fortune teller’s words can be wrong sometimes. Once the project is done, I’ll throw you and Isabel a big engagement party. Let the whole of Ardenfall know,” Thomas declared.