Chapter 112

Isabel scoffed inwardly. It seemed those novel clichés were everywhere. Art truly did imitate life.

Three million dollars? The Yates family was undeniably the wealthiest in Ardenfall. Even Isabel couldn't help but smile, having guessed correctly. They threw millions around to get rid of someone.

Yolanda pressed, looking down at her. "What's so funny? Do you think it's too little? Three million dollars is more than enough for someone from your family. Take it and live a good life with your parents. Blake is right for you, and the Yates family is definitely good for you. I needn't say anything else, do I?"

"Mrs. Yates," Isabel began, but Yolanda cut her off. "You were about to say you and Blake are in love, right? You want me to leave?"

"Ms. Galez, let me give you some advice. Love is nothing without money. Don't even think about what you can't have."

Yolanda believed this would deter Isabel, leaving no room for argument.

Isabel let out a mocking laugh. "Mrs. Yates, why are you in such a hurry? I wasn't finished. But don't worry, we're on the same page. You're right—love is nothing compared to cold, hard cash. Three million is a lot of money. I've never seen so much in my life. You're really generous. But..." Isabel paused, looking meaningfully at Yolanda.

"But what?" asked Yolanda.

"For me, three million dollars is a lot. But compared to what Blake has, it's still not enough. If I stay with Blake, my worth will be more than..."

"So, Mrs. Yates, offering me just three million to get rid of me is a bit stingy, don't you think?"

Yolanda's face flushed with anger. "You're actually bargaining with me? You're using your relationship with Blake to negotiate!"

Isabel, compared to Yolanda's fury, remained calm. "Yes, you said it yourself, Mrs. Yates, love isn't as important as money. So why can't I negotiate? Isn't this a deal we're making? And if it's a deal, then we can discuss the terms."

Yolanda was speechless. Marcy stepped forward, gesturing for her to calm down. Isabel realized that despite Yolanda's usual air of superiority, she wasn't as composed as her servant.

"Fine," Yolanda conceded through gritted teeth. "I knew I was right about you, Isabel. How much do you want? Name your price."

"Fifteen million dollars," Isabel replied smoothly.

"Fifteen million dollars! Why don't you just rob a bank?" Yolanda slammed her hand on the table.

"Mrs. Yates, fifteen million dollars isn't that much. I didn't ask for thirty million. I'm already compromising. If you think fifteen million dollars is too much, then forget it," Isabel said, shrugging.

Yolanda glanced at Marcy, who nodded subtly. With a sigh, Yolanda agreed. "Fine, fifteen million dollars it is." Getting rid of Isabel was all that mattered. The worst kind of woman was one who refused money and stubbornly pursued true love. Isabel, at least, was smart enough to negotiate.

Isabel smiled and asked, "So, when will you give me the money?"

"Are you that eager?" Yolanda snapped, even more annoyed. Isabel's behavior had taken her by surprise.

"It's not me who's eager, it's you. Don't you want to buy out my relationship with Blake as soon as possible?" Isabel countered.

"Fine, but you have to promise me that once you get the money, you'll leave and call off the engagement," Yolanda insisted.

"Deal," Isabel agreed immediately.

Yolanda instructed Marcy to transfer the funds.

Isabel checked the text message, counting the zeros. "One, two, three..."

Yolanda rolled her eyes. She'd thought Isabel was above such things, but it turned out she was just as materialistic as everyone else. Fifteen million dollars was enough to get her off their backs.

"Did you get it?" Yolanda asked coldly.

Isabel smiled and put her phone away. "Got it. Thanks, Mrs. Yates."

Just then, Blake burst through the door. "Isabel!"

He pulled Isabel behind him, protectively.

Yolanda's temper flared. "What do you think you're doing? Do you have any manners at all? Don't you know how to knock?"

"What did you call Isabel here for?" Blake demanded.

Isabel laughed. "Blake, Mrs. Yates just invited me for coffee. She didn't hurt me. See? We're totally cool now." She'd even made a deal.

"Blake, how dare you?" Yolanda snapped. She felt her son was completely bewitched by this girl.

Blake looked at Yolanda, a hint of mockery on his lips. "You know you're my mom, huh?" He grabbed Isabel's hand and started to leave.

"Wait!" Yolanda called out. "Isabel, don't forget what you promised me!"

Isabel glanced back calmly. "I won't."

Outside, Blake, worried, asked, "What did you promise her?"

Isabel shrugged. "Nothing much. She just gave me fifteen million dollars to leave you."

Blake looked furious. "And you agreed?"

"Yeah," Isabel said, expecting his anger. He looked about to explode.

But then, he pulled out his phone. "I'll give you thirty million dollars and buy you back."

Isabel's phone buzzed. A bank notification showed a thirty-million-dollar transfer.

"Blake, you..." Isabel was speechless.

"Let's go. I bought you back. You're not leaving me now," Blake said, taking her hand.

Then, Isabel's phone rang. Hannah had been in a car accident and was in Havencrest Hospital.

Isabel rushed to the hospital, shocked to find Amelia there as well. Hannah was being cared for by Amelia, who had a bandage on her head.

"Isabel, you're here?" Hannah said.

"Mom, what happened?" Isabel asked.

Hannah explained, "I was crossing the street and got distracted. A motorcycle came out of nowhere. Luckily, Amelia was there. She pushed me out of the way and got hurt herself."