Chapter 82

Amara thought, "Blake has a great personality, is handsome, and drives a fancy car. He and Isabel are truly a perfect pair!"

"Amara, why not join us for dinner?" Isabel suggested.

Amara quickly waved her hand. "No, no, no, I think I'd rather pass!" She couldn't stand the thought of being a third wheel; it would be too awkward.

"Come on, it's no big deal. Didn't we agree to eat together?" Isabel insisted, thinking it wouldn't be a problem to have another person join them.

"I'm not going. You two enjoy your dinner. I have to leave," Amara declared, rushing off. She felt that if she stayed any longer, Blake might overwhelm her. She had seen the look in his eyes.

Amara had discovered a big secret about Isabel: her fiancé was very rich and truly cared for her, but no one in their class seemed to know. It was ridiculous that Yvette was spreading rumors that he was just a delivery man.

After Amara left, Blake took Isabel's hand and led her to the car. "I clearly invited you to dinner; why did you have to bring a third wheel? Isabel, do you still have feelings for me?"

Blake complained slightly. With his company so busy lately, he felt he wasn't spending enough time with Isabel.

"Blake, it's just a meal! Why are you being so petty? Amara is my friend," Isabel retorted.

"I don't care; I want it to be just you and me! Thankfully, your friend seems to have some sense," he said.

Isabel shot him an annoyed look and ignored him. His constant neediness was tiring. Noticing her silence, Blake, thinking she was upset, quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Isabel, what brings you to Joy Entertainment?"

"I'm taking measurements; it's a school project. Joy Entertainment liked my design."

"My darling is truly amazing! Joy Entertainment recognizes your talent! One day, you'll be the next Lily—even better than Lily!"

Isabel was speechless. Richard, their driver, was also surprised by Blake's sweetness; he'd never seen him act this way with any girl before.

Soon, they arrived at a restaurant. Blake carefully served Isabel. "Isabel, try this; I see you've lost some weight lately."

"I haven't lost weight," Isabel replied.

Blake chuckled softly, believing she looked better with a little more weight, but she always seemed so thin. "By the way, how is Samuel's company doing? Do you need my help?"

"No, thank you," Isabel said dismissively.

Blake fell silent, lost in thought. This sudden quietness felt odd to Isabel. "What's wrong?" she asked curiously.

Blake looked up with a smile. "I'll be going abroad on a business trip soon and won't be around for a while."

Isabel initially thought it a minor issue, but Blake looked serious.

"Isabel, will you miss me while I'm gone?" he asked eagerly.

"Maybe not," she answered honestly.

"I'm really sad. I thought you would miss me. After all, who will take you to class or chat with you?"

Isabel thought she had managed perfectly well before meeting him.

Blake added, "Still, I will miss you. I'll think of you every day and send you messages, okay?"

Isabel looked into his sincere eyes and didn't want to refuse him. "Alright," she said softly.

Blake was thrilled. After finishing their meal and settling the bill, he took her hand as they left.

"I'm leaving soon; let me hold your hand for a moment. Once I'm abroad, I won't get another chance," Blake said, looking at her with puppy-dog eyes.

Amelia saw them walking hand-in-hand. Seeing Blake and Isabel together filled her with hatred; this was a relationship that should have been hers.

"What's caught your eye, Amelia?" Frank asked.

"Nothing," Amelia replied with a smile. Frank was unattractive and boring but financially stable. Rosy had introduced them; he was nearly forty, widowed with an eighteen-year-old son, and very secure thanks to his family business. Their household was struggling, and Rosy had urged Amelia to get closer to Frank for potential benefits. Reluctantly, Amelia had accepted, as Frank was generous and provided good support. Amelia had previously sold her jewels, and Frank had bought them back. To keep those jewels, she was willing to tolerate him, but he was still repulsive. Compared to someone like Blake, Frank felt insignificant. What truly bothered her was that Frank also had erectile dysfunction.

At Golden Villa, Isabel got out of the car. "I've arrived," she said to Blake.

Blake raised an eyebrow. "Isabel, won't you invite me inside for a bit?" It was unusual for him to linger; he usually just dropped her off.

"Blake, please come in!" Ralston said quickly.

Isabel glanced at Ralston before responding coolly, "Well, let's go inside then! After all, it's your house."

"It belongs to you now," Blake added.

Meanwhile, Alex had returned home with Cora. This was Cora's first visit to Alex's house, and she was amazed by its size. She thought, 'Mrs. Lester mentioned the Galvez family got a new house, but I never expected it to be this spacious. This is the largest house I've ever seen.'

"Alex, your family's house is huge!" Cora exclaimed.

Alex chuckled shyly. "This belongs to my sister. Our whole family lives here; my sister says we're a family and should share everything."

Hannah was excited to see Cora with Alex and quickly invited her in. "Cora, make yourself at home!" Hannah smiled, happy about this potential daughter-in-law.

"Hannah, Isabel and Blake are here!" Ralston called from outside.

Hearing Blake's name, Hannah's excitement grew. Since his return to the Yates family, they hadn't seen much of him.

"Mom, I'm back!" Isabel greeted Hannah.

"Hello, Hannah," Blake said warmly.

"Isabel, Blake, perfect timing! Alex brought Cora over; it's a lively gathering today!" Isabel was surprised; Alex seemed to be making good progress, even bringing Cora home.