Chapter 22

“Thank you, Mr. Galvez! We owe you our lives,” the thugs’ voices trembled with fear and gratitude. Terrified, especially of the cold-blooded Mr. Preston, whose ruthless reputation preceded him, they were tempted to flee.

Watching the confrontation end, Isabel rose and gave Simon a light shove. “Okay, now that you’ve blown off some steam, let’s go.”

“Fine. I’m dying to get out of here,” Simon replied, quickly following her. A few of Tyler’s guards remained to clean up, while Tyler followed Isabel and Simon. Rex and the others limped behind, struggling to keep pace.

Outside, night had fallen, and the outskirts of the city were quiet. Streetlights flickered dimly; many were unlit.

“Simon,” Isabel said, noticing Tyler trailing them. She glanced at Simon. “Wait here a second.”

Confused, Simon nodded and waited. Isabel walked ahead, Tyler immediately falling into step behind her.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Tyler pouted. “Boss…”

“Is this how you run things?” Isabel asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Boss, I have a lot on my plate. I can’t keep tabs on everyone,” Tyler whined, tugging at her sleeve. “Rex is a small fry; I didn’t know he’d angered you. Please, don’t be mad. I’ll do anything!”

Simon and the others, watching from a distance, were astonished. Was this really the ruthless Mr. Preston? The same thought struck them all.

“Ross, please, just slap me once!” Tyler pleaded, almost like a child throwing a tantrum.

Isabel raised an eyebrow, her hand twitching, but she hesitated and stopped.

“Go ahead, slap me! It’s been so long!” Tyler begged with a smirk.

Isabel stared, speechless. She glanced back at Simon and the others, then decided to spare him.

“Stop messing around, Tyler. Let’s go,” Isabel said, turning to leave.

Simon, still in shock, nearly dropped his jaw when Isabel returned and slapped him on the shoulder. “Alright, Simon, let’s head home.” Snapping out of his daze, he rushed to catch up. “Hold up, Isabel! Wait for me!”

Isabel eyed him. “Now you’re coming home with me?”

“You’re the best! You’ve always been my number-one sister,” Simon grinned, linking his arm with hers. Behind them, Tyler shot him a jealous look. Why did Simon get to hold the boss’s arm? I’d never had that privilege, he thought.

“Isabel, you were on fire today! I had no idea you were such a badass! And you know Mr. Preston! What’s the deal?” Simon asked on their way home.

“It’s nothing special. We’ve crossed paths a few times, that’s all,” Isabel said casually.

“Uh-huh. Sure,” Simon said skeptically. Mr. Preston’s earlier behavior didn’t seem like that of a casual acquaintance. Isabel said, “Since it’s over, let’s head back. Mom’s probably freaking out.”

“If I go back like this, I’ll get an earful. Plus, they’ll worry sick,” Simon said, looking at his bruises.

Isabel examined him, then produced ointment. “I’ll put some on your face. It’ll cover the bruises. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”

Simon nodded gratefully as Isabel gently applied the ointment. “Thanks, sis. You’re the best. Honestly, Amelia’s always been such a pain.”

“Did you guys fight often?” Isabel asked.

“Yeah, they’re always at each other’s throats. She insults Mom, picks fights with everyone. I always catch the brunt of it,” Simon sighed. “So when I found out you swapped, I thought you’d be just as bad…”

“Forget the past. From now on, if anyone gives you trouble, just tell me. I’ll be your shield,” Isabel reassured him, patting his back.

Simon’s face lit up. Isabel realized that, despite his height, he was still a younger brother longing for protection.

“Yeah, Isabel, don’t worry. With someone like you, no one’s gonna mess with me,” he said. “But don’t tell Mom and Dad about tonight, alright? They’ll freak out.”

“I won’t. If they knew about all the blood and guts, they’d never sleep again,” Isabel chuckled.

By the time they arrived home, it was late. Hannah had made dinner, and the family awaited their return. “They’re back!” Alex called.

Hannah rushed outside. Seeing they were safe, she sighed in relief.

“Simon, where have you been! We’ve been freaking out!” Hannah snapped, smacking him on the head.

“Mom, Simon just went to hang out with a friend. Don’t worry, he’s fine!” Isabel quickly explained.

Simon lowered his head. “Sorry, Mom. I won’t mess around anymore.”

“Alright, the food’s getting cold. Let’s eat!” Hannah said, ushering them inside.

At dinner, Simon was in full “kiss-up” mode, piling food onto Isabel’s plate.

“Isabel, you’ve got to try this, Mom made it, it’s fire,” he pleaded, placing meat before her.

The family stared in surprise. When had Simon become so attentive?

Hannah and Samuel exchanged glances, feeling a warm sense of pride. Things had been slowly improving since Isabel’s return.

“By the way, Mom, Dad, I bought a place in the city. How about we all move there? Conditions here suck, but the new house is huge and perfect for all of us,” Isabel announced.

Hannah wasn’t thrilled. “Isabel, that house… isn’t that from the Clyde family? We don’t want anything from them.”

“No, no. It’s my house, I bought it with my own money. You don’t need to worry,” Isabel explained.

“If it’s your own money, then keep it. You’ll probably need it more than we do,” Hannah declined. “We’re barely scraping by. You’ll need that money down the road, especially when you’re looking for a job or thinking about getting married.”

“Exactly, Isabel,” Samuel agreed. “As for getting married, Alex is still single, Jack’s in the same boat, and Roy hasn’t even had a matchmaker come around. We can’t drag you down, too.”

“Stop talking like that, Dad. It’s all about fate. No one can predict when the right person will come along,” Isabel smiled, looking at her family. “Besides, my brothers and sisters are all kind and genuine. They’re going to find someone amazing. I’m sure of it. Don’t you think so?”