Chapter 44

Blake took Isabel to a club. The people at the entrance stared strangely as he rode his electric bike. They entered a private room and saw a man who rose quickly upon seeing Blake.

“Mr. Yates,” he greeted.

“Vince. I’m not the CEO anymore. Just call me Blake,” Vince corrected.

“Alright. Blake, you’re finally back on your feet! I’m so happy for you. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Vince Dawson said happily. He then added, looking at Isabel, “And this is…”

“My fiancée, Isabel,” Blake introduced. “This is my friend, Vince.”

Vince was surprised. “I heard your father chose a fiancée for you. She’s even prettier than I imagined.” Turning to Isabel, he said, “Hello, Miss Galver. Blake has told me a lot about you. He wouldn’t be here today without you.”

“No worries,” Isabel replied flatly.

Vince sensed Isabel’s aloofness, reminding him of Blake’s past. Vince and Blake then sat down to discuss business while Isabel listened. They didn’t exclude her.

Vince wondered aloud, “Blake, I’ve always wondered why you invested thirty million dollars in Skycross Games. It seemed to have no future and offered low returns.”

Isabel was stunned. Thirty million dollars? I also had Tyler invest sixty million. No wonder Martin suddenly acted so differently, buttering up Jack. He had significant investment from both Blake and me.

“Not important. I can afford it. Let’s expand into the domestic market,” Blake said.

They chatted further, and Isabel grasped the situation. Blake was pursuing his own business, separate from the Yates family. His ability to thrive abroad without their knowledge demonstrated his capabilities.

“Isabel, let’s go,” Blake said.

Isabel nodded and left with him.

“Ask me anything you want to know,” he said, sensing her curiosity.

“I never knew you were so rich,” she said, gazing at him.

He smiled. “My money is all yours. My life is yours, too.”

She asked, “Since you’re so capable, why did you choose to live in that shabby village and let a caregiver pick on you?”

“Back then, I was completely disabled. Even with money, what could I do? Doctors said I might never walk again; my muscles and bones were severely damaged. Something happened, and I had a mental breakdown. I saw no reason to live and arranged my funeral. I asked Vince to go abroad and never return. He’d been my subordinate and friend for years, and I didn’t want anyone to see me so despondent. I expected to die alone. But then I met you…” he said, looking at her.

Isabel had brought light into his despair. She’d healed him and given him the will to live. He was deeply grateful.

He continued, “Through it all, I’ve learned that some things are illusions. I shouldn’t cling to them; they never truly belonged to me. Now, I have only one goal: to live for myself and for you. Only when I’m strong can I protect myself. And now I have people I want to protect: you, your parents, Alex, Jack, Roy, and Simon.” His eyes were filled with sincerity. From now on, he had a purpose: to protect Isabel and her family.

“Actually, you don’t have to do this. I saved you because…” Isabel began to explain.

Chapter 11

He interrupted, “I don’t care why. You saved me. From now on, my life is yours. That’s my promise.”

She was speechless. I’ll tell Mr. Harper I’ve cured Blake and completed his task.

“By the way, Isabel, didn’t you ask why I’m crippled? I’ll tell you,” Blake said, looking at her.

He continued, “A few years ago, I fell into someone’s trap. My brother Morris and I were kidnapped, and our mother… chose to save him.”

“I know she never liked me, but I don’t know why. No matter what, she’s my mother. I tried to please her, becoming CEO of Yates Corporation, but she never…”

“Later, I was cast out and left alone in the village. I was completely abandoned by my family. It meant nothing to her. I’ve thought it through. I don’t want them anymore. I won’t try to please her. I’ll protect the one I truly love.”

He looked at Isabel with unwavering determination. Only then did she understand his disability.

Seems we have something in common, she thought. I tried to please Rosy and Caius, but they never cared. They’re heartless.

She felt sorry for Blake; she understood the disappointment of unrequited effort.

After Blake finished, he took her hand, his eyes full of affection. “Isabel, let me protect you. I love you.”

She was speechless. He’d just confessed!

“What are you doing?” she said, shyly trying to withdraw her hand. It was the first time a man had held her hand so affectionately.

“I mean it. We’re meant to be together. You cured me, and I’m your fiancé,” he said, looking into her eyes.

“But I don’t have feelings for you,” she said bluntly.

He was a little sad but soon smiled. “It’s fine. I love you. That’s enough. Let’s go home.”

She was speechless. I saved him because Mr. Harper asked me to, and now he’s pestering me.

Blake beamed, radiating youthful energy. “Come on, I’ll take you to buy a car,” he said happily.

“What for?” she asked, puzzled.

“I hate seeing you on that electric bike. I’ll take you to a US store to buy a fancy car,” he said.

She shook her head. “No need. The bike is fine.”

He didn’t insist. “Alright. As long as you’re happy.”

He rode the electric bike and gestured for her to get on.

“Hold me tight,” he tilted his head and said.

“What?” she was stunned.

He repeated, “Hold me tight.”

“What’s wrong with you?” she blurted out. Why should I? It’ll look like we’re a couple. I didn’t agree to be his girlfriend!

“Just hold me, okay, Isabel?” He almost sounded like a willful child.

Before she could react, he continued, “My life and body are yours. If you hold me, it’s like you’re holding yourself.”

She was speechless, stunned by his ridiculous logic.