Chapter 24

“So, with a PhD student like me tutoring you, it’ll be hard for you not to get in,” Blake smiled. Simon, suddenly feeling blessed, replied, “I have such a capable sister and a highly educated brother-in-law. From now on, I’ll listen to you guys.” Simon’s newfound confidence was evident.

That Sunday, Simon barely left his books. His friend, Andy, visited, shocked by the transformation. “Want to go out and play?” Andy asked. “No, bro, I’m getting serious. Don’t ask me to hang out anymore,” Simon refused. “That’s not like you. Since when did you become so studious?” Andy pursed his lips.

To his surprise, Isabel said, “If you want to go out and have fun, go ahead. It doesn’t matter. Studying is about striking a balance between work and rest, not about becoming a nerd. You need to relax properly. Just remember to come back tonight.”

“Isabel, you are so nice. But what about Mom?” Simon asked.

“I’ll take care of her. Just go have fun.”

“You are the best sister in the world!” Simon, truly touched, immediately ran out with Andy.

Isabel Clyde shook her head, pleased with Simon’s newfound balance. Blake watched them leave, feeling a pang of envy. “Don’t worry, you can go play when you get better,” Isabel said to him.

“Really? Then you must accompany me.”

“Accompany you?”

“Yes, I’ll be very happy with you by my side,” Blake said seriously, looking into Isabel’s eyes. Isabel noticed his weight gain; he was no longer skinny. His features were strikingly beautiful, with delicate eyebrows and eyes. When he narrowed his eyes, his charm was captivating. His prominent nose and thin lips were striking. Compared to his messy appearance when she first met him, he was a completely different person, especially when he smiled. His demeanor had improved greatly; even in the dilapidated courtyard, his noble aura was undeniable.

“Isabel, why are you looking at me?” Blake asked. Isabel looked away. “Nothing, it’s just that there’s something I need to make clear to you. I was completely unaware of our engagement. I was only responsible for curing you; I don’t care about anything else. Isabel, do you dislike me too?”

“It’s not that I dislike you. If I did, I wouldn’t bother saving you. It’s just that we don’t have feelings for each other, so the engagement is invalid.”

“Feelings can be cultivated. I don’t care what you think. Anyway, my life is yours, and I… am yours too.”

Isabel was speechless. He’s getting too clingy, she thought. Isabel wanted to respond, but his faint smile was too tempting. She quickly got up and left.

Blake watched her flee and chuckled softly. In his heart, he decided he would cling to her for the rest of his life.

As Simon and Andy stepped outside, a Ferrari pulled up. Simon saw Phillip emerge, immediately feeling wary. I dealt with him yesterday. Is he here for revenge? he thought. “Mr. Galvez, don’t be tense. I’m not here to cause trouble,” Phillip said ingratiatingly.

Simon relaxed. “So what’s the matter?”

Phillip, still bearing injuries from Isabel’s encounter, wore sunglasses. “Mr. Galvez, I’m here to apologize for what happened before. It was my fault. I was so blind. Please forgive me.” He slapped himself. “Please be generous.”

“As long as you don’t cause me any trouble, I won’t cause you any either,” Simon said. “I made that clear yesterday.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare to cause you any trouble. From now on, you are my boss, and I am your lackey,” Phillip said ingratiatingly. Simon and Andy were shocked. Phillip, once a school bully, now offered himself as a lackey.

“I don’t need a lackey. I’ve got things to do. I have to go,” Simon said.

“Mr. Galvez, where are you going? Get in the car. I’ll be your driver. It’s my honor to be your lackey!” Phillip’s enthusiasm was overwhelming, pulling Simon into his car and politely inviting Andy.

The sports car sped down the road. Andy exclaimed, “This is the first time I’ve ever been in a sports car. It’s really cool!” Simon remained silent, but believed he would own one someday through his own efforts.

“Mr. Galvez, if you like this car, I’ll give it to you,” Phillip offered.

“No, thanks,” Simon replied. He didn't want handouts. He had his own dignity.

“Then I’ll buy you a new one.” Andy was thrilled.

“I said no, don’t mention it again,” Simon replied coldly. “Yeah. That’s Mr. Galvez,” Phillip smiled awkwardly, realizing his offer was unwelcome. He was poor but ambitious; Simon's lack of interest revealed Phillip's shallowness.

“By the way, Mr. Galvez, your sister and Mr. Preston… What is their relationship?” Phillip asked, aware of Preston's influence. He hadn't expected Simon's sister to be close to him.

“I don’t know. Maybe they’re friends,” Simon said casually, admitting he didn’t know, and that Isabel wouldn't tell him. He realized Phillip was only being nice because of his sister's connection to Preston—basking in her reflected glory.

Phillip laughed, “Haha, I guess your sister might be Mr. Preston’s girlfriend.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. My sister is engaged. My brother-in-law is at my home now.”

Phillip was speechless and puzzled. “Mr. Galvez, I was talking nonsense. But from now on, I’m your lackey. Anything you need done, just say the word. Please take care of me.”

Simon was speechless. From that day on, Simon realized his luck had improved since meeting his sister.