51

"Yeah, learning to leverage power, making progress. But next time, find a suitable candidate, not someone as vulnerable as Evelyn." Andrew finished speaking and extinguished the cigarette that hadn't burned to its end.

"Alright, don't dwell on it. Accompany me for some food outside."

Isabella was a bit hungry too. When the two of them went out together, unexpectedly, they received a call from James on the way.

She held the phone, looking somewhat bewildered.

Since that night on her eighteenth birthday, they hadn't been in contact.

After hesitating for a moment, Isabella answered the call.

On the other end of the phone, James's voice sounded somewhat hoarse and weary. He asked her to meet at a nearby café.

She felt that there might not be much to talk about between her and James. Just as she was about to come up with a reason to refuse, before she could say anything, he threw out a 'See you there' and hung up.

Helpless, Isabella could only ask Andrew to pull over.

"I've made an appoint