When I entered the mansion, my father was already in full scolding mode. /
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“Why are you just getting here? And another thing–was that car outside yours?” he demanded, his face nearly crimson with frustration.
“Dad, we barely see each other. Maybe ease up a little? Besides, we have an audience,” I replied, my gaze shifting to the small group gathered in the Prescott receiving area.
Realizing he was in the presence of his guests, Dad clenched his jaw and gave me a frosty glare.
Charlotte’s glare was full of resentment, especially after Lucas scolded her as they followed me inside.
The business discussion resumed, though I caught several of the guests–Lucas included–stealing glances in my direction. I sipped my wine, pretending not to notice.
Occasionally, I sent quick messages to Grayson, Cassie, and Sophia, instructing my manager to head to the office to meet with PulseFive in the afternoon the next day.
“Isabella, I saw your recent advertisement. It was all over the internet,” one of the older gentlemen began–he’s in his fifties and arrived with a shy young woman.
“She’s even more stunning in person, isn’t she?” Lucas cut in smoothly, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Indeed! Those ads practically caused traffic jams. Everyone was mesmerized,” the man agreed.
I tilted my head, feigning curiosity. “Are you one of my uncles who never visits the family?”
The man’s face turned a deep shade of red.
“That’s Mr. Reed!” Dad’s words struck sharply.
“Oh, but he called me ‘Isabella‘-just like my uncles do. And since we haven’t been properly introduced…” I said, maintaining an innocent tone.
The man cleared his throat awkwardly while a smirk played on Lucas’s lips. With a hasty excuse, the gentleman left the conversation, receiving a call. Across the room, Charlotte glared daggers at me.
“Isabella, could you stop causing a scene?” Dad hissed, leaning in close to grab my arm.
“What scene? What did I do now?”
“I invited you here so you could mingle with the guests!” he growled through clenched teeth.
Turning to face the people in the room, a laugh threatened to escape.
“I never imagined I’d become the entertainment in this family. Perhaps you have a different understanding of the word ‘celebrity‘?”
I could feel my dad’s anger building, his desire to lash out at me. Mom must have sensed it, too, because she quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him away.
“Don’t make a scene now. We have guests!” she said with a strained smile.
Lucas watched me closely, his gaze sharp with awareness. He had clearly sensed the tension brewing between me and my family.
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19:31 Dal, 12 Apr D
Chapter 36
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“Isabella, why are you being so unreasonable? This isn’t the time to argue with Uncle, especially since you rarely see each other, Charlotte chimed in, the ever–dutiful and perfectly well–behaved niece.
“I placed you at Golden Stage to learn from Charlotte and Lucas,” Dad snapped. “But you’re as stubborn and unruly as ever!”
Just then, Mr. Reed reappeared. “Is there a problem here?”
Shifting the mood, Mom announced with forced brightness. “The food is ready in the dining area!”
“Yes, please! Everyone, to the dining room.” Dad’s smile was forced, but his eyes made it clear this conversation wasn’t finished. If looks could kill, I’d already be lying lifeless on the floor.
The truth was, I had come to this mansion even though I knew it wouldn’t end well because I wanted to check on my parents. I wanted to see them as their only daughter–to know if they were healthy and how they were doing.
But it hurt too much to realize how differently they saw me.
“You can sit here, honey” Mom said, pointing to an empty chair as she led me to the dining area. She directed me to the seat next to Mr. Reed,
‘Ah, right! This is the man they want me to pair up with.
I caught Charlotte’s smirk, clearly amused by my confusion, as I glanced at the middle–aged man. Mom couldn’t even meet
my eyes.
“By the way, Charlotte and Lucas, congratulations on your upcoming wedding!” I greeted them warmly.
“Thank you, Isabella. We’re counting on you for the engagement party,” Lucas replied with a smile.
“Of course!” I answered, flashing a sweet smile.
My parents exchanged looks, their silent conversation clear: “It’s time.”
Mom cleared her throat after my dad nodded. “By the way, this dinner is also to celebrate our Isabella. We invited everyone here not just for Charlotte and Lucas but to celebrate another-”
I cut her off before she could finish. “Thank you, everyone! I’m touched you’d celebrate my marriage along with their engagement. It means a lot that you still took the time to prepare for this event. Some of you may be worried about my relationship with my husband. But I assure you, my husband has been wonderful; he’s been nothing but supportive.”
Shock registered clearly on everyone’s faces.
Except for the visitors, everyone in the family knew about my relationship with Gabriel, and I could tell they were probably thinking of him.
“W–what do you mean, Isabella?” Mom looked pale as if she might faint.
“Isn’t that what this dinner is for?” I feigned ignorance, my face a picture of innocence.
“You’re married?” Mr. Reed asked.
I innocently pulled out a photocopy of my marriage certificate, with my husband’s name blurred.
“We got married weeks ago.”
Dad’s hands shook as he took the certificate from me.
“T–this…”
19:31 Sat, 12 Apr
Chapter 37
