Chapter 72

“Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I have a plan,” Isabel announced.

The second branch of the family grinned, but the matriarch remained doubtful. With Isabel's temperament, could she truly agree so easily?

“Isabel, are you serious? Swear on it,” Old Mrs. Galvez pressed.

“Of course, Grandina. I can’t stand seeing my mother suffer, so I’ll agree. Besides, this engagement was originally Guinevere’s anyway. If you don’t believe me, I can call Blake right now and explain everything,” Isabel replied casually, shrugging.

Hannah and Samuel exchanged anxious glances, clearly puzzled. But the matriarch, now convinced, smiled.

“Good girl. You’re much more sensible than your parents,” she said, throwing a pointed look at Hannah and Samuel.

Isabel texted Blake: [You free!]

In his office, Blake saw Isabel’s pizza avatar. His eyes lit up. Holy crap, she texted first!! He replied: [I’m here, sweetheart! Miss me! Cute/Cute]

Isabel sighed at the playful emojis. He’s such a child sometimes. She texted: [I’m at the Galvez estate. Get here now.]

Blake replied: [On my way! Anything for you, babe!!]

To be sure, Isabel forwarded her location. Blake replied with a kiss emoji and left.

Back at the estate, the tension eased. Old Mrs. Galvez even had a chair brought out for Hannah. Everyone waited for Blake’s arrival.

“Mom, is this real? Am I really marrying into the Yates family?” Guinevere asked, incredulous. The “cripple” she’d dismissed was now healthy, and she deeply regretted giving him up.

“Of course! Once Blake arrives, the engagement will revert to you, as it should have been. Isabel has no business being in the Yates family,” Emily said with a smirk.

Guinevere’s spirits soared. She didn’t care much for Blake personally, but the Yates family’s global fortune was a prize worth chasing. The Yates name far surpassed the Galvez family’s.

While they basked in their dreams, Hannah looked distressed. “This engagement is cursed,” she muttered. “First, the Clyde family tried to steal it, and now our own relatives. Why does Isabel always have to deal with this?”

“It’s not up to them,” Samuel said calmly. “It’s up to Blake. If he doesn’t agree, what can they do? Let him handle it.”

Chapter 72 (continued)

He exuded confidence; his demeanor, formal yet warm, was unlike anything seen in years. His every step radiated composure. All doubts about him vanished instantly. No one expected someone so polished and noble.

Guinevere’s heart skipped a beat. He was a fine sight. She couldn't take her eyes off him. Across the room, Isabel noticed Guinevere’s dreamy gaze and smirked. Pathetic… Though she had to admit, Blake had only become more striking since his recovery. His sharp features, commanding presence, and ocean-blue eyes were a combination few could match—even in Nollywood. Thomas Yates’s aristocratic lineage, his mother being nobility, gave Blake a touch of refined nobility. Everything about him—demeanor, features—exuded elegance. Especially his eyes, deep oceanic blue, could mesmerize anyone who gazed too long. Of course, Isabel wasn't easily swayed; her self-control was far above average.

“Mrs. Galvez,” Blake said smoothly, nodding politely. “Thank you for having me.”

The old woman lit up. Such respect from the Yates heir! She was already impressed.

“Blake, welcome to our home,” she beamed, glancing meaningfully at Guinevere. “Guinevere, why don’t you bring Mr. Yates some tea?”

Guinevere, dazed, sat frozen until her mother discreetly elbowed her. Blake caught Isabel’s frosty look and her parents’ tense expressions. Something felt off. Had someone upset his wife?

Blake turned to Isabel, lowering his voice. “Is something wrong?”

“You’ll see,” she said flatly.

Blake couldn’t help feeling wronged; he hadn’t done a thing!

When Guinevere returned, she offered him tea with a shy, almost trembling smile. “Mr. Yates, your tea.”

Blake accepted it with a polite nod. “Thank you.” Her heart practically burst. So perfect, wealthy, powerful, and devastatingly handsome. He’s everything.

The moment was cut short by Emily, who cleared her throat. “Isabel, isn’t it time you explained everything?”

Chapter 72 (continued)

Emily, admiring Blake’s looks, thought if she were twenty years younger, she’d make a move herself! Isabel turned to her aunt, eyebrows raised. “Wow, you couldn’t wait, could you? Fine.” She turned to Blake, her tone sharp.

“Why are you staring at me?” Blake asked, confused.

“Blake, here’s the deal. They think you’re with the wrong person. Apparently, the fiancée your family originally wanted was Guinevere,” she said, gesturing toward the girl beaming at him. “And they’d like me to return you.”

Blake blinked, silent for a moment, before the corners of his mouth twitched. He almost laughed out loud. So this was what he’d walked into. When he was bedridden and discarded, none of these people even looked his way. But now! Suddenly, everyone wanted a claim.

Sensing his silence, the matriarch stepped in. “Blake, you must understand, this was all a mix-up. The original arrangement was with Guinevere. Surely, it’s time to make things right?”