Chapter 43

“I see. Good job,” Isabel complimented Tyler, a rare occurrence.

“Seriously? You praised me?” Tyler was excited. Isabel was in a good mood; she finally felt she had gotten even. Then she pondered. Ethan was the reason the Clyde family clung to the Clyde Group. Since he was a top showbiz star, he had taken on many endorsements to make money and fill the financial hole. In other words, the Clyde family wouldn't fall for now.

Ethan entered showbiz because the Clydes initially invested in promoting him. He then became famous after starring in a popular TV drama, but in reality, he possessed poor acting skills and had numerous affairs. In short, he was a scoundrel.

Lost in thought, she saw Liam standing by the school gate. “Keep an eye on the Clydes,” she instructed Tyler before hanging up.

Liam had come to see Isabel. Seeing her, he stepped forward, greeting, “Isabel.”

“Anything I can do for you, Mr. Swanson?” Isabel asked indifferently. She had been brought back from the village and learned Liam was her fiancé, yet she wasn't fond of him at all.

“I’m here to pick you up,” Liam said with a smile.

“Seems the Clyde family’s affairs haven’t impacted you. You’re actually here for me,” she said sarcastically.

“Come on. What happened isn’t a big deal. Don’t believe the online rumors. Trust me. It’s over between Amelia and me. Deep down, I have feelings for you. I can’t forget you, Isabel,” Liam said with a deeply affectionate look.

Amelia had a miscarriage on their wedding night, yet it meant nothing to him. What a scoundrel.

“Mr. Swanson, who is it that you can’t forget?” Blake appeared unexpectedly. He stepped forward and took Isabel’s hand.

Isabel was stunned, surprised to see him. Snapping back to reality, she tried to free her hand, but his grip was firm, surprising her again. He’s recovered well. He’s so strong already, she thought.

“Who are you?” Liam asked Blake, jealousy evident. This guy is holding Isabel’s hand? When I was pursuing her, I couldn’t even get close, let alone hold her hand. She’d always been aloof, yet this guy had won her over so easily?

Blake curled his lips, looking smug. “I’m Isabel’s fiancé, Blake.”

“Blake?” Liam was shocked. Amelia had told him Blake was a cripple.

“Mr. Swanson, you’re married, and Isabel has returned to her family. Stay away from her, or I can’t promise what I’ll do,” Blake warned sternly. His oppressive aura instantly pressured Liam.

After speaking, Blake looked at Isabel. “Isabel, let’s go home.” He patted the electric bike beside him, gesturing for her to get on. Isabel found the electric bike familiar.

“It’s Roy’s. She’s not delivering food anymore, so I borrowed it,” Blake explained.

Blake, a man of noble temperament, riding a shabby electric bike, was no longer so high and mighty. Liam felt a renewed sense of pride. The Galvez family is poor. They can’t even afford a car. And Blake calls himself rich? He’s nothing compared to me, he thought. He approached, saying sarcastically, “What is it? You’re the Yates heir, and you can’t even afford a car? Even my servant can.” Blake remained silent. Liam was at a loss for words. “Isabel, let’s go,” he said.

However, Isabel didn't get on his electric bike. Instead, she walked toward Liam's luxury car. Liam thought, Just as I expected. They always want to look good. Getting on Blake's electric bike is humiliating. Of course, she fancies my convertible. “Let me take you up, and be impressed,” Liam offered flatteringly. Isabel didn’t look at him. Instead, she walked up to his car and gently touched it.

“See? Blake, you lost. Isabel chose me,” he said arrogantly. He was wrong. Isabel got on Blake’s electric bike. “Blake, let’s go.”

Meanwhile, Liam thought, What’s going on? Wasn’t she going to get in my car? What the hell was she playing at?

As the electric bike sped through the wind, Isabel’s hair fluttered. But she felt great. “Why did you come here?” she asked.

Blake looked at her pretty face in the rearview mirror, feeling overjoyed. “You’re my fiancée. Of course, I should pick you up. I’ll pick you up from class whenever I’m free. But you really don’t mind the electric bike!” He knew she’d lived with the Clydes and her life must have been better then; she’d never ridden an electric bike.

“It’s Roy’s. Why would I mind? It’s my first time, and it feels pretty good,” she said truthfully. Luxury cars were enjoyable, but riding an electric bike wasn't less fun. She was happy, and that's all that mattered.

“This is my first time, too,” Blake chuckled.

Isabel felt a bit odd, wondering if she was overthinking. “By the way, why did you go up to Liam’s car?” he asked curiously.

“Nothing. I was just looking at his luxury car,” she said.

He said with certainty, “You aren’t interested in luxury cars. Be honest.”

Did I put nails in his tires? Blake said nothing. After a moment of stunned silence, he smiled, thinking she was mischievous.

“Hey, this isn’t the way home. Where are we going?” Isabel asked, realizing they were headed in the opposite direction.

“I want to take you to meet someone,” Blake said mysteriously.

Meanwhile, Liam, dissatisfied after being rejected, thought, My luxury car lost to an e-bike? This is preposterous. Isabel has no taste at all. He turned, got in his car, and slammed on the accelerator. There was a bang from under one of the tires, followed by smoke. The car shook. A flat tire? But I just bought this car! Fuck!

Meanwhile, Amelia, observing from another car, cursed, “You deserve it, Liam.” She felt bitter. I’m dissatisfied with Liam. He’s no match for Blake. If it were me, I’d choose Blake’s electric bike, too. I’ve got to win Blake back. He was supposed to be my fiancé.