Chapter 8

Theodore's reply was brief. "I don't have time for that."

Isobel was speechless.

As soon as they got into the car, Nancy held Isobel's hand and said cheerily, "You and Ethan should go on a date later, Bell."

Isobel glanced at Ethan, who was driving. She pursed her lips before saying, "I have an appointment tonight to discuss a contract. We can do that some other time."

Ethan tightened his grip on the wheel when he heard that. Isobel hadn't rejected him outright, but her meaning was clear. She would never have dared treat him like this in the past. His expression darkened at that thought.

Soon, they arrived at the Goode residence. Before leaving, Isobel gave Nancy a polite heads-up. She didn't bother sparing Ethan a glance, though. A cheater would always be a cheater; she didn't see the need to have anything to do with him.

She got into the car and sat there for a while to gather her thoughts. Then, she called Remy.

He soon answered. It was after work hours, and he seemed to be at a club or bar again. It sounded noisy wherever he was. "Hey, Bell. Have you stopped being mad at me?"

She smiled. "That depends on whether you can help me with this."

He laughed. "Your wish is my command!"

Isobel said, "Help me find out where Theodore Stone is tonight."

Remy had many connections and was familiar with all the entertainment venues in Jardon City. He also had a pretty good relationship with Theodore, so it'd be easier for him to find out where the latter was.

He clucked his tongue. "Don't tell me you're really interested in him. He's not someone to be trifled with, you know."

As Isobel's friend, he wanted the best for her. "I heard a woman tried to climb into his bed a few nights ago. He had her thrown out of the hotel in nothing but her birthday suit."

Isobel raised an eyebrow. She hadn't heard about that. At the same time, she thought about how she'd knocked on Theodore's door that night. She was glad he hadn't thrown her out.

She pursed her lips and retorted a little awkwardly, "What are you talking about? I need to talk to him about some business."

Remy was relieved to hear that. "That's good. Leave this to me, then. Don't worry about a thing!"

Isobel gripped the wheel tightly after hanging up. Remy's words reverberated in her mind, and she couldn't help thinking about how she'd gone after Theodore in the heat of the moment.

She'd only thought he was a seasoned player and hadn't stopped to consider the consequences. If he'd thrown her out of the hotel room… She would be the laughingstock of the city.

For a moment, she didn't know whether to consider herself lucky or unlucky. After all, he was pretty aloof.

Remy acted quickly. He texted her as she waited at a red light. "I've got the address, babe. I happen to be here, too, so hurry up and get here. I'll be your wingman!"

Her fingers flew over the phone screen as she typed a reply. "Wait for me!"

She drove back to the company to pick up the refined proposal before hurrying to the address Remy had sent her. It was just starting to get dark when she arrived.

Her destination was a private club where a row of expensive cars were parked. Her BMW was nondescript among them.

After parking, she touched up her lipstick before getting out and circling to the back. She opened the trunk and retrieved a pair of heels, changing out of her flats into them before striding into the club.

She had an hourglass figure, and her hips swayed as she strutted in her heels. Her sleek hair cascaded down to her waist. Even from the back, it was easy to tell that she was gorgeous.

So, when she opened the door to the private room Theodore was in, everyone inside was captivated by her.

A mixture of men and women were inside, and there were fewer than ten people. Remy was there, too. He was leaning toward Theodore and saying something.

A demure woman in white sat on Theodore's other side. She looked sweet as she pressed her lips into a smile.

Everyone turned to look at Isobel when she entered. Theodore merely glanced at her indifferently before looking away.

Isobel snorted inwardly. He was such a good actor—he hadn't been nearly this cold when in bed with her the other night.

Someone said, "My, my. To think the beautiful Ms. Somner would join us here today! Why aren't you with Ethan?"

They were all from the upper crust. Even if they didn't know each other well, they were still acquainted after seeing each other at various functions.

Besides, everyone knew Isobel was Ethan's doormat. It wasn't surprising that someone was teasing her about it. He didn't notice Theodore's expression turn slightly icier at his words, though.

Isobel merely smiled without responding. Remy stood up and pushed the woman beside him away. "Bell, come and sit here."

As soon as she did, someone came to talk to her. "I heard you and Ethan called it quits."

The person was a scion called Liam Jakeman. Isobel knew of him but didn't know him personally.