Chapter 80

When Isabel turned to look at Rex, his face was etched with fear. Realizing she was Tyler's lover, Rex knew he was in grave danger.

"Miss, you seem quite charming," the thug began. "If you serve me well today, I might just let you go…" Before he could finish, Rex stepped forward and punched him.

"Have you lost your mind, saying such nonsense!" Rex fumed.

A chill ran down his spine as he recalled Tyler's earlier threat. Tyler's brutal strength was unmatched; when he said he'd disable a man's arm, he meant it. Rex was terrified.

His subordinate, unexpectedly struck, looked confused. "Wasn't it you who told me to do this, Rex?" he asked.

"My apologies, Miss," Rex stammered, yanking his subordinate along. "We mistook you for someone else…" They hurried away.

Isabel shook her head, finding the entire situation rather dull. Their hasty retreat surprised her. Meanwhile, Tony, hiding nearby, anticipated a spectacle but instead witnessed Rex and his men fleeing. "Rex, what just happened?" he asked.

Seeing Tony, Rex grabbed him by the collar, dragged him into a private room, and shoved him onto a sofa.

"Rex… what's wrong with you? Rex…" Tony stuttered, shaking with fear at Rex's furious expression. A loud slap echoed across the room.

"Rex, Rex, let's talk this over calmly. What did I do wrong?" Tony protested, visibly upset.

Rex held onto Tony's clothes tightly. "You almost got me killed, do you realize that? Him!"

At Rex's command, several subordinates moved forward, punching and kicking Tony. He fell to the ground, his face swollen and bruised.

Rex, remembering the risk of losing his arm, felt anger boiling within him. It was all Tony's fault for involving him.

Fortunately, he had decided to check things out himself; otherwise, his men might have unknowingly antagonized Tyler's lover, leading to disastrous consequences. It wouldn't just be a lost arm; he could have ended up dead.

"Rex, spare me, please!"

Rex cut off Tony's pleas with a final warning. "Listen closely: from now on, don't say you know me. I have no connection to you. Use your fucking money to buy yourself a coffin!" He then dumped cash onto Tony's head.

Another blow landed before Rex stormed out. Tony sat on the floor, bruised and bewildered. He attempted to confront Isabel but was beaten again. He wondered if Rex had completely lost his mind.

Completely battered, Tony awkwardly made his way to the door. As he opened it, he saw Isabel and Seraphina emerging. Their eyes met.

"What are you staring at?" Tony snapped at Isabel.

"If you don't look at me, how will you know I'm looking at you?" Isabel retorted dismissively. She likely understood the situation—Tony must have angered Rex.

Isabel and Seraphina left Phoenix Rising. "Isabel, do you know that guy?" Seraphina asked.

"Yes, he's from the Galvez family."

"Al, I thought the Yates family was complicated enough, but it seems the Galvez family has its own issues," Seraphina sighed.

"Honestly, being an only child like you is an advantage; there aren't so many troublesome family matters," Isabel pointed out.

Seraphina's parents loved each other deeply; her dad adored her mother and remained fiercely loyal. They didn't prioritize sons over daughters, so even though Seraphina was an only child, her father didn't mind the lack of a son.

Because of this, Seraphina was simple, innocent, and lovely. Since she was little, her parents had spoiled her, giving her a life many would envy.

"Isabel, you don't understand. Because I'm the only daughter, my uncles are the heirs. They act like wolves, ready to pounce. Every family has its struggles. My family worries that without a son, my father will have no…"

"Moreover, I'm frustrated by the pressure to inherit a fortune worth billions! I don't want that kind of burden; managing a company seems like such a hassle!" Seraphina complained, sighing.

"Yes, my dad only has me as a daughter, which adds to my stress! Sometimes, I wish he had an illegitimate son just to ease my load!"

"If your parents ever heard those thoughts, they'd be furious! Do you really think having siblings is a blessing?" Isabel said with a smirk.

Seraphina was oblivious to her own immense fortune. Even if she failed in the outside world, she was destined to inherit a billion-dollar family business. As the sole heir, it was an inescapable fate.

Soon, the school announcement came. Between Isabel and Yvette, Joy Entertainment chose Isabel's designs for their artists' clothing. Yvette watched in anger as Isabel snatched her golden opportunity.

"What's so special about her that they noticed her! Her style is just copying Lily's!" Yvette seethed. She had been sure of victory; Isabel's grades had been low, and her designs unimpressive, yet she was chosen instead.

"Well, it's not entirely her fault; blame Joy Entertainment for their poor judgment," someone offered.

"However, it must be said that Isabel's recent designs show amazing improvement, even Emma has praised her work!" another girl added.

Yvette shot her a glare. "Then why don't you go flatter her and see if she acknowledges you?"

The group fell silent. In her anger, Yvette ripped her design drafts apart.

Hearing of her selection, Isabel felt little happiness. Amara asked, "Isabel, why do you seem so indifferent? Isn't this a huge achievement? You've outdone Yvette!"

"There's not much to celebrate," Isabel replied flatly.

Amara pouted and said softly, "Isabel, this is just your nature; such good fortune and you stay ungrateful. It's probably why others think you're cold and distant."

"Still, I'm lucky to know your true self. You are, in fact, warm-hearted and kind. Your lack of excitement doesn't bother me; I'm thrilled—you can finally take me to meet a celebrity!" Amara smiled brightly.

Isabel only responded with a slight nod. Amara rolled her eyes; indeed, Isabel remained distant.