Chapter 61

University of Ardenfall

Isabel finished class when her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message. She glanced at it, then turned her head. Blake was casually leaning against his car. With a flourish, he produced a bouquet of sunflowers.

"These are for you, sweetheart!" he grinned.

The sunflowers were vibrant and fresh. Isabel asked, "How did you know I like sunflowers?"

"Because your WhatsApp profile picture is a sunflower," he replied matter-of-factly.

Isabel was surprised. She'd designed the picture ages ago. She preferred sunflowers to roses for their brightness. "Blake," she said, "check out my profile picture," he added with a mischievous smile.

Isabel checked her phone. She was dumbfounded. His profile picture was cow manure, steam rising from it. She was speechless.

Unfazed, Blake smiled. "A beautiful flower deserves fertile soil, Isabel. I'm willing to be the manure to nurture you."

Isabel stared, exasperated. "You're disgusting."

"Say whatever you want," he said, "I like you too much."

Isabel was utterly speechless. She thought, If this were anyone else, they'd be plastered against a wall.

Richard, who'd been watching, interjected, "Uh… Mr. Blake, Miss Clyde, perhaps you'd like to get in the car?"

"Sure, let's go." Blake opened the car door for Isabel.

Richard rolled his eyes. After Blake's hardships, his personality had done a complete 180. Once cold and distant, he was now shameless and full of outrageous lines. Comparing himself to manure!

As the car drove off, Isabel's classmates, including Yvette, emerged from the university.

"Hey, Yvette, look! I think Isabel just got into that car. Isn't that a Bentley?"

Yvette scoffed. "Hmph, probably some rich guy she's gotten involved with."

"Really? Isabel doesn't seem like that kind of person. Maybe it's her boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend? As if," Yvette sneered. "She has a fiancé, a lowly delivery guy. You think he could afford a Bentley? She's probably fooling around with some rich man behind his back. What a disgrace!"

The classmate nodded, convinced.

Meanwhile, in the car, Blake grabbed Isabel's hand. She tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

"Isabel," he said seriously, "I need to talk to you. Taking you to meet the Yates family might not be easy."

Isabel frowned, unsure.

"I wanted to give you a happy family," Blake began, "but that might not be possible. My family is complicated. My father married three women, and they all live under the same roof. It's a never-ending drama, full of schemes and power plays. I'm worried they'll target you, but I promise I'll do my best to protect you."

Isabel thought, So that's what he's worried about. She smirked. "Do you think I'm someone who's easy to push around?"

Blake laughed. "Hahaha. I knew you'd say that! We're a perfect match! Today, we'll join forces to take on the world. If anyone gives you trouble, just fire away. I'll back you up."

Isabel rolled her eyes but didn't respond.

They arrived at the Yates residence. Blake held her hand as they entered. The hall was nearly packed with the entire Yates family. Both branches seemed particularly intrigued by Blake's young fiancée. Every pair of eyes fixated on them as they walked in.

"Dad, Mom, everyone, this is Isabel Clyde," Blake announced.

"Blake, introduce us properly," his father, Thomas Yates, urged.

Blake began, introducing his father first. "Isabel, this is my father."

"Hello, Mr. Yates," Isabel said politely.

"Hello. You and Blake seem like a good match. I heard your family took care of him during his recovery. Don't worry, the Yates family won't forget your kindness," Thomas replied warmly.

"Thank you, Mr. Yates."

Blake then led her to Thomas's first wife. She looked frail. "This is Madam Connie, my dad's first wife."

"Hello, Madam Connie."

Connie gave a soft wave. A servant presented an antique box. "This is a jade bracelet I cherished. Now it's my gift to you. May you and Blake have a harmonious and loving marriage," she said softly.

"Thank you, Madam Connie."

A sharp voice interrupted.

"Oh my, Connie, you really went all out! Giving away something so precious? That jade bracelet is a family heirloom, passed down since ancient times."

Isabel hesitated. "Madam Connie, this bracelet is far too precious. Please take it back. I really can't accept this."

Connie gently held her hand. "Once I give away something, I don't take it back," she said softly. "Isabel, I like you. You're a good girl."

Her voice was kind, far more pleasant than the sharp one earlier.

Blake smiled. "Since Madam Connie has given it to you, Isabel, you should accept it."

Blake led Isabel to the source of the sharp voice—Thomas's second wife. "This is Madam Penny, my dad's second wife."

Penny looked at Isabel with disdain.

"Hello, Madam Penny."

Penny scoffed, handing over a small, ornate box. "Here. A necklace for you," she said condescendingly.

A servant opened the box, revealing an elegant necklace. Isabel froze.

Penny sneered, thinking Isabel was overwhelmed by luxury. "You've probably never seen something this exquisite," she taunted. "This necklace is called 'Starlight.' It's a masterpiece by Lily from the Dely Studio. It was part of a limited edition released two years ago. Now, practically a one-of-a-kind treasure."

Isabel remained calm but thoughtful. Blake looked at her, curious. Just as he was about to confront Penny, Isabel spoke.

"Madam Penny," she said casually, "I think you've been duped. This necklace is a fake."

"What did you just say? Fake?" Penny's voice shot up, trembling with outrage. "You, a country girl, dare to call my necklace fake! You have no idea what you're talking about! Don't spew nonsense!"

Her anger was palpable. But Isabel smirked inwardly. The Starlight necklace? She'd designed it years ago. If anyone could spot a fake, it was her.