There was a still look in Roland’s eyes as he looked at Isabel. Isabel withdrew her hand and approached the sink. She turned on the faucet and doused her hand in cold water with her back facing Roland. There was a mirror in front of the sink, so she caught a brief hint of Roland’s reflection in it. While washing her hands, she subtly inspected his reflection in the mirror. She saw Roland staring at her from behind for several seconds before he went to pour the contents of the pot into a bowl. His movements were practiced and graceful. Isabel snuck another look at his face. He seemed very focused on his task and did not seem to be thinking about anything else. He probably did not think much of it when she grazed her fingers against his palms. With that, she heaved a sigh of relief. Then, she wiped her hands and walked out of the kitchen. Roland had already set the food on the table and had sat down. When he noticed Isabel stepping out of the kitchen, he asked in con
Roland had a white towel wrapped around his firm waist, covering the entire lower half of his body. With the light shining on his body from above, the striking outlines of his muscles were visible. He usually looked quite lean with clothes on, so it was a surprise to Isabel to see that his figure was easily comparable to the male models she usually saw. She gulped subconsciously and forced herself to shift her gaze to his face instead of gawking at his body. “I, um, would you believe me if I told you I accidentally went into the wrong room?” Roland stopped in front of the bathroom door and looked at her with a pair of quiet eyes. "I believe you.” Isabel was frankly a little taken aback by his naivety. How could he be so easily convinced? She stared at him awkwardly before asking, "Why are you taking a shower at this hour?” Roland replied, “I was occupied with a lot of work today.” "Oh." Isabel looked at his defined muscles before asking nonchalantly, "Are you
”Huh? Why?” Isabel sat up from the bed. “I’m not at my place right now. I’m in a neighboring apartment. Just wait for me at the entrance. I’ll get ready and meet you there.” “Okay, got it.” After hanging up, she shot out of bed and quickly washed up. Then, she changed into a set of clean clothes before prancing out of the bedroom. Roland was in the living room. He wore a buttoned shirt paired with leather pants and was seated on the couch watching the morning financial news. Martha was making breakfast. When she saw Isabel, she greeted her with a warm smile, “Good morning, Isabel, I’m just making breakfast. Sit down and eat with us.” Isabel said kindly, “Thanks, Aunt Martha, but I’m in a rush. My driver and assistant are already waiting for me outside." She had breakfast with Martha yesterday, but she could not just sit here and take her time eating breakfast while Carla and her driver were waiting for her downstairs. “It’s alright. Why don’t you at least take s
Isabel grimaced instinctively. It was just a quick, simple exchange with Roland. When had she been smiling? Liz was a fellow guest star in "The Wonder" who had been around since the beginning of the show. She was a natural comedian and was known for her gags and vibrant personality on the show. She may not be as flamboyant off-camera, but she was still very friendly and humorous. She was Isabel’s partner during most of the day’s segments. Isabel told her quite frankly, "No, it’s just a friend.” Liz squinted suspiciously. “Really?” “Really.” “Do you have a boyfriend?" "No." "Why not?" “I’m too busy. I don’t have time to see people.” “Good point.” Time passed faster than she expected when she had a chatterbox like Liz helping her kill time with casual talk. Fast forward to the afternoon of the following day. After they wrapped up the filming for the premiere of the show, everyone went their separate ways. Most of them went to film for whatever proje
Liz was just as perturbed by the sudden appearance of the man. She recalled the same man being affectionate with Isabella only moments ago. This man seemed like the one she thought to be Isabella’s benefactor and was rumored to be the future successor of the Rockwells in Southboro. Why was he approaching Isabel? In such an affectionate manner, no less! Liz looked at Isabel. Isabel snapped at him crossly, "None of your business!" Liz was stupefied. Decker's handsome expression darkened immediately. Isabel was not afraid of him at all. She turned to the two bodyguards following behind her who were only employed this morning. They dutifully stepped forward and came in between Decker and Isabel. Isabel warned him icily, "Decker, if you try to harass me again, I will have them beat the life out of you.” With that, she tugged at Liz’s hand and took her to the car. The two bodyguards glared at Decker menacingly and approached the car as well. Decker stood moti
Her eyes sparkled, and she told the driver to stop immediately. Ben the driver promptly stopped the car. The two bodyguards hastily got out of the car as well to follow Isabel. Upon getting out of the car, Isabel tiptoed like a thief and wanted to sneak up on Roland. She was going to spook him. When she was within arms reach, she drew her hand forward and wanted to tap him on the shoulder. She barely managed to graze the fabric of his shirt when he turned around in one swift motion and seized her wrist. In one practiced gesture, he somehow managed to grab her other wrist and lock her hands behind her back, effortlessly subduing her. Not only did she fail to spook him, but she got caught like a thief as well. She groaned in pain and yelped, "Roland, it's me." Roland's murderous gaze instantly softened, and he quickly let go of her. His expression was suddenly wrought with guilt and concern. He inspected her wrist and asked, “Are you okay?" Isabel glared at him
Isabel arrived with several actors and the director. Just as she was about to greet the producers, she noticed Decker standing with them. He was wearing an expensive suit and smiled handsomely at everyone. All of the female staff of the hotel and the film crew could not take their eyes off of him. Even some of the actresses were immediately obsessed with him as well. Isabel frowned. What was this scum of a man doing here? Meanwhile, the director and the actor who played the male lead went to greet the producer. The producer promptly gestured at Decker who was standing with him and introduced him to everyone, "This here is Mr. Decker. He is the biggest investor of the show.” The director and the male lead instinctively darted a glance at Isabel before wiping away the look and greeting Decker politely. It was public knowledge that Isabella had, at one point, tried to steal the female lead role of the “Legend of the Goddess” from Isabel. Additionally, rumors of Isabel
Malone gave a brief speech to commence the dinner party. Everyone present at the large venue held a glass of wine in their hand and gave a toast to celebrate the occasion. Things were very rowdy at Isabel's table. First, the director and Malone the producer toasted Decker one after the other. Then, it was the actor’s turn to start toasting him. Decker, the director, and the producer were the central focus of the table. Members from other tables started to crowd toward their table and give them a toast as well. Isabel herself had several crew members and fellow actors come up to her as well. Everyone exchanged toasts for a while. After that, they began eating. In the middle of her meal, Isabel felt the director brush her arm under the table. She looked at the director with a puzzled expression. The director coughed to signal something, and even Malone who was seated across from Isabel winked at her. They were hinting for her to give Decker a toast. Isabel promp