Chapter 110

A weight lifted from Blake's shoulders. "Thanks, Dad," he said.

Thomas added, "Also, I have some good news. I've decided to officially appoint you as the CEO of Yates Corporation. From now on, the company is yours to manage."

"Yes, Dad," Blake replied. It seemed Thomas was also keen on collaborating with the Flynn family; after all, they were prominent in Ardenfall.

"Dad, what about me!" Timothy asked jealously, unexpectedly witnessing Blake's triumph. Blake's return to the CEO's seat infuriated him.

Thomas put an arm around each son's shoulders. "Timothy, you're also doing a great job. You'll be the vice president and will support Blake. You're both my good sons, and you must work together to manage Yates Corporation for me."

"Yes, Dad," Blake and Timothy replied, each with their own thoughts.

Leaving the study, Blake felt completely relaxed. As long as he secured his engagement to Isabel, everything would be fine.

Seeing his smile, Yolanda asked, "What did you talk to your father about?"

Blake replied, "Dad appointed me CEO of Yates Corporation. Also, he said that once the company's projects are complete, he'll hold an engagement ceremony for Isabel and me."

Hearing this, Yolanda almost stumbled, but Marcy caught her.

"What?" Blake asked Yolanda, smiling.

"I'm your mother, and I'm doing all this for your own good! Why do you always oppose me?" Yolanda said.

"I used to be naive, but the old Blake is dead. You can't control me anymore," Blake said angrily, storming off with a pang of unspeakable pain in his heart. He didn't want to treat his mother this way. He remembered Yolanda gently patting his head, caring for him and his brother. He recalled her words: "Blake, hurry up and eat your meal," and, as he grew up, "Blake, take your brother to the company more often to gain experience. We're a family; he's your only brother, and you should be kind to him." He remembered Connie and Penny pushing them hard, especially Penny, urging him to make her proud. He also remembered Yolanda's complaints: "Why don't you suggest to your father that Zack should also join the company? Why isn't he suitable? I think you're just being selfish," and, "You ungrateful son, how can you be so selfish and not care about Zack's safety! As the eldest brother, you should protect him even if it costs your…"

These memories flashed through his mind. Even so, he had trusted Yolanda until his abandonment in Riverstone. That's when he felt utterly hopeless, until Isabel saved him. After his second chance at life, he realized he couldn't earn Yolanda's genuine love; all she offered was manipulation. From then on, he didn't care about her anymore.

Seeing Blake's rebellious attitude, Yolanda was so angry she almost fainted. "Blake is ungrateful! He's becoming more and more uncontrollable; he won't listen to a word I say!" she said indignantly.

Marcy said, "Mrs. Yates, don't be angry. It's not entirely Blake's fault. After all, he was left in Riverstone for two years. Understandably, he's upset. But you are his biological mother. Once he comes to his senses, he'll naturally listen to you."

A flash of ruthlessness crossed Yolanda's eyes. "But Isabel is not a good match for him. If a woman like her enters our family, she'll be another troublemaker." From the first time she met Isabel, Yolanda knew what kind of person she was. One rebellious Blake was enough; did she need another? If Isabel listened to her, Yolanda could accept it. But Isabel clearly didn't take her seriously.

Marcy whispered an idea into Yolanda's ear. Yolanda smiled, thinking the plan feasible.

That night, Blake was alone on the terrace, the wind howling. It was pitch black, starless. After much thought, he dialed Isabel's number, then hung up, fearing he might wake her.

Isabel saw her phone light up. Blake hung up before she could answer. Puzzled, she thought, "What is he doing? It's already eleven o'clock. Isn't he asleep yet?" She suspected he had something on his mind and called him back.

"Isabel, are you still awake?" Blake was pleasantly surprised. Isabel was always aloof, and he knew her childhood story, yet he was taken aback by her call.

"What's up?" Isabel asked.

Blake, smoking and grinning, replied, "Nothing, I just missed you. I missed you so much I couldn't sleep."

"Are you crazy?" Isabel teased.

"Yeah, I'm crazy. I have a disease called 'missing Isabel.' Isabel, I really want to hold you right now," Blake said.

Isabel didn't want to listen to sweet nothings late at night. "Alright, I'm going to sleep. We have work tomorrow," she said before hanging up.

The unease and loss in Blake's heart were soothed. With Isabel, life felt beautiful. Everything else didn't matter; all he needed was her. He texted: "[Goodnight, Isabel. Love you.]"

Seeing the message, Isabel smiled, then shook her head. Feeling thirsty, she went downstairs for a drink before bed. She saw Alex on the sofa, wiping tears.

"Alex," Isabel called.

"Yes," Alex replied, sniffing.

"Alex, what's wrong? Why aren't you sleeping so late?" Isabel asked.

"I can't sleep," Alex replied.

Isabel understood; he was still heartbroken. "Are you missing Cora? If you can't get her back, just let it go. Later, we can ask Mrs. Lester to introduce you to someone else."

Alex shook his head. "No, I only like Cora."

Isabel sighed, surprised by his devotion. She poured two glasses of water, adding a pill to one. The pill dissolved instantly, leaving no trace. She had made it herself. She handed it to Alex.

"Alex, drink some water. Your tears are all dried up. A real man shouldn't be so upset over a little thing like this," she said.

Without thinking, Alex drank the water and collapsed onto the sofa. Isabel shook her head, got a blanket, and let him sleep there; she was too lazy to move him upstairs.