"I understand." Isabella stepped aside and said, "You can go now."Upon hearing this, Luther did not feel great, but considering his unstable emotions, he left without a second glance.After watching him drive away, Isabella and Joshua sat side by side. She gave him a sidelong look and asked, "Don't you think there's something wrong with Luther's head?"Joshua agreed, "Yes.""If I remember correctly, ever since you took over their family affairs because of me, Luther's dad hasn't hit him again, right?" Joshua thought for a moment. "Yes, more or less.""So, how did he end up like this?" Isabella was deep in thought. She did not understand why Albert would drag Luther outside to humiliate him publicly. She only learned the reason after asking Joshua. Albert had done that to embarrass Luther, ensuring that he would never again defy his words. However, any lingering emotional wounds should have healed after all these years. After all, Joshua has been taking care of Luther since
"That's good to hear. I was worried someone at the company might be secretly trying to sabotage him," Isabella said, letting out a sigh of relief."You can rest assured about that. Mr. Brooks isn't one to be taken advantage of. Anyone trying to sabotage him should be prepared for the consequences. Don't be deceived by his usual reserved and handsome appearance. In reality, he's quite shrewd," Roderick blurted out. "True, considering he's the President of the Neal Group. What about his hobbies or interests?" Isabella agreed, nodding. "He doesn't have many hobbies. He plays golf and tennis, but mainly for networking purposes. Even outside working hours, he focuses on work and maybe some exercise," Roderick replied."That's not too bad. A life well lived," Isabella praised."Well, it's not all that great," Roderick muttered quietly."What do you mean?" Isabella asked.Roderick acted naturally, giving nothing away. "It's nothing. I just think Mr. Brooks has a tough job managing su
Upon seeing the assortment of strong liquor, Roderick appeared to be in a dilemma. "It's not wise to drown your sorrows with alcohol. How about we find another way to vent your frustrations?""No need, this is fine." Isabella replied, opening a bottle, "You don't have to force yourself to drink with me. After I've had enough, you can just help me call Mr. Neal.""Alright," Roderick said as he sat by her side.Isabella kept drinking, one sip after another. She pretended to be intoxicated and distressed, crying like the girls drowning their heartbreak. After three bottles, she lay her head on the table, sobbing. "Why doesn't he like me? Why...?""Isabella?" Roderick called out."I've liked him for so many years. I thought he might like me a little bit. He even carved a wooden doll for me when we were kids," Isabella continued to cry, ignoring Roderick."Why... I'm rather outstanding too..." Isabella murmured, her words slurred as one incoherent sentence followed another. Witnessi
"Never mind, I'll ask him myself," Isabella said as she grabbed her phone, stood up, and headed toward the exit.Just moments ago, she had been crying and appearing utterly heartbroken, but now she seemed perfectly composed. Moreover, she could still walk steadily as if she were not drunk at all! Roderick immediately followed Isabella. When he found her standing on the sidewalk trying to hail a taxi, he approached her and asked, "You were acting drunk?""Well, how else would I get you to tell me the truth?" Isabella replied.Roderick was baffled. If he recalled correctly, Isabella had just consumed three bottles of liquor. Even though they were small bottles, he was sure that he would be completely intoxicated if he drank the same amount."But you really didn't seem like you were acting. You were even crying so intensely," Roderick insisted. "That's because I have an aunt who's an actress," Isabella explained. She had a knack for acting even when she was a child. As she grew
"What's your plan?" Joshua asked Isabella.Isabella gave it a thought and decided to lie, "I'll put it aside for now. We can discuss it in a couple of days."Joshua simply acknowledged with a nod.Isabella had thought the conversation had ended for the night, but ten minutes later, Joshua unexpectedly chimed in, "It's best to go easy on alcohol from now on.""I don't usually drink much. This is only the second time in a few years that I've had this much," Isabella explained.Her statement was not a complete lie. While she often enjoyed going out with her friends, they mostly stuck to non-alcoholic beverages and light cocktails. If it were not to convince Roderick she was thoroughly drunk, she would not have ordered such strong liquor.Joshua did not seem entirely convinced.Isabella hurriedly defended herself, "I mean it! If you don't believe me, you can ask my mom... She knows."Joshua said, "I'm only saying this because I care about your health. Even if you have a high alcoho
"No need," Isaiah refused once more. He believed that if he could not win the person he liked by his own merit, it meant his feelings for them were not deep enough.Isabella persisted, "Come on, Isaiah, my dear sweet brother. Please...""I'm busy." Isaiah was determined. He had never wanted Luther to become his brother-in-law, and he was not about to help Isabella. "If you really want to, you can ask Mom and Uncle Jimmy or even Auntie Nadia.""I can't let them know," Isabella blurted out. Isabella knew that if Jimmy and Nadia learned about Luther's condition, they would undoubtedly tell Cynthia. Once Cynthia and Matthew learn about Luther's situation, they might oppose their relationship. Even though everyone had the freedom to love, parents often had their own concerns."Can you really bear to see your only sister filled with anxiety? What if I become depressed and can't smile anymore?" Isabella's voice sounded pitiful, and her eyes glistened with tears and complexity.Then,
Isaiah did not say more, and their call swiftly ended.After receiving his assurance, Isabella went to sleep without any worries. She knew Isaiah would fulfill his promise, so she did not dwell on it.The next day, she went to work as usual and reminded Isaiah to keep his word before earnestly delving into her tasks. However, Roderick summoned her to Luther's office soon after taking her seat. Knowing that Luther and Isabella had something to discuss, Roderick escorted her inside and promptly left.Isabella asked, "Mr. Brooks, is there something you'd like to discuss?""Starting tomorrow, you don't need to come to work anymore. The secretary department has decided to downsize, and you're being let go. You'll receive the compensation owed to you under the law," Luther stated coldly.Isabella remained quiet.Seeing that she was not saying anything, Luther asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to know?""Is this because of work-related reasons or personal ones?" Isabella knew t
When Luther heard about the bar, his initial reaction was that Isabella was trying to trick Roderick into giving her information. Then, he asked, "How much did you drink?""I didn't drink at all," Roderick answered with sincerity. He recalled the situation, and his brows creased in concern. "Isabella had quite a bit to drink. She ordered three bottles of that strong liquor."Luther frowned. Roderick began weaving his tale. "She was so upset, Mr. Brooks. She was crying so hard, questioning why you didn't like her. If it weren't for Mr. Neal's arrival, who knows what might have happened.""She… cried?" Luther's heart ached for a moment.Roderick nodded. "Mmhmm."Luther's mind replayed what Tatiana had told him earlier, and his emotions became increasingly complicated."Mr. Brooks, Isabella is truly a wonderful person. You obviously like her, so why aren't you accepting her confession? It's rare to find someone who would love you back," Roderick continued. "Just do your job," L