David didn't need a son-in-law who was of no help to him and might even drag him down. However, backing out of the engagement in the current situation would inevitably be seen as disdain for poverty and favoritism for wealth, which would greatly harm his political image. He was indecisive and torn. However, Charlotte didn't have so many worries. She knew about the imminent bankruptcy of the Brown family and had only one attitude: "Cancel the engagement!" Because of this, Emily had a huge argument with Charlotte. Emily still had feelings for James. He was young, promising, and handsome, once completely captivating her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have forcefully taken him from Isabella's hands. Emily had always been arrogant and willful. She had wrecked Isabella's room last time, and this time, she had completely trashed her own room. Charlotte was almost driven mad by her. "Mom, can't you help James? I know you've saved quite a bit of personal money behind Dad. Can't you lend the mo
At this moment, both Charlotte and Emily were eagerly looking at Isabella, as if her refusal would be heartless and against morality. Even David chimed in, "Isabella, James is your brother-in-law, we're all family, if you can help, please do." Great, it seemed the three of them shared the same thick-skinned attitude. Isabella's lips twitched as she managed to force a smile. "Dad, Auntie, I really want to help my sister and James..." Before she could finish her sentence, Emily eagerly interrupted, "Then give me the land deed, I'll take it to auction myself, to save you trouble." "..." Isabella didn't know what to say; she almost wanted to slap her. "I don't want to cause trouble either, so why don't you run an errand to the provincial government for me, sis," she suggested. "What do I need to go to the provincial government for?" Emily asked, puzzled. "To get the land deed from my uncle. After my mom passed away, she entrusted everything to him, and he said he'd give it to me w
After Emily went abroad, Charlotte personally went to the Brown family to discuss the divorce. Her words were harsh, and Mrs. Brown was nearly driven to a heart attack by anger.Although Mrs. Brown had never liked Emily as a daughter-in-law, their family did not agree with the divorce at this time.With David as his father-in-law and the Deputy Mayor, James would at least gain some reputation from outsiders, and certain things would become easier. Once they lost the support of the Harris family, James would truly face difficulties.But despite their disagreement, there was nothing they could do. James and Emily didn't have a marriage certificate, and since Emily was unwilling to marry, they couldn't forcibly tie her down. Moreover, the Brown family currently didn't have the capability to marry off David's daughter.Helpless, Mrs. Brown could only accept the situation. She proposed to have the Harris family return the betrothal gifts and some valuable items that James had given to Emil
James took the documents and opened them, revealing the deeds for a new real estate development project.The snowy weather was terrible. Isabella's red high heels had sheepskin soles, highly sensitive to moisture. Having stood in the snow for so long, those shoes were probably ruined.Returning to her apartment, she still lamented carrying the ruined shoes.Coincidentally, Andrew came down from upstairs. He wore a perfectly tailored all-black suit, outlining his tall and dignified figure.With a folder in his left hand, he asked in a subdued tone as she entered, "Landed at nine? Took some extra time?""Yeah, bumped into James and chatted a bit longer," Isabella slouched onto the sofa, crossing her legs, casually.Of course, she didn't notice Andrew's darkened expression.After sitting on the plane for hours, Isabella's body ached all over. Her stomach growled; she was famished, but airplane meals were unappetizing, leaving her unable to eat."Where's Amelia and Asher?" she asked, squi
"Isabella stared at him blankly before realizing, her cheeks reddening like cooked shrimp."'Who cares if you remember!'" She muttered, scrambling up from the ground using both hands and feet, hurrying upstairs.Shortly after, Amelia and Asher returned.With Asher around, Andrew and Isabella had to display 'spousal affection.' Last time, they inadvertently argued in front of the child, and the baby cried endlessly. After that lesson, they dared not repeat the mistake.The baby had been reading children's books lately—'The Pea Princess,' 'Little Red Riding Hood,' 'The Adventure of the Gingerbread House,' and some books on good habits.One book showed parents pulling bedsheets while the little baby sat swinging on top.Asher stood in front of Isabella, holding the book and his small blanket, looking at her blankly."'Swing, swing,' Asher tilted his head back, pointing at the book with his tiny finger."'What?'" Isabella didn't catch his meaning because Asher's speech wasn't very clear.
"Rarely do we attend the same awards ceremony together. I thought we could even go out together, but turns out you didn't come home at all last night. Mom and Dad asked me where you were, I didn't know how to cover for you," Victoria said, once again portraying herself as the caring elder sister for her younger sister. "You should tell me where you actually stay. Just in case something happens, there can be someone to look out for you. Trust me, I won't tell our parents," Victoria continued. Victoria looked at Isabella, her eyes shining. She had always wanted to know where Isabella had hidden that wild seed, feeling uneasy about not holding such a huge piece of leverage. Listening to this, Isabella couldn't help but sneer inwardly. It seemed she was waiting here for her after all. However, trying to manipulate her wouldn’t be so easy. "Where else could I have gone? Last night, Olivia instructed me on today's schedule. It got too late, so I crashed at her place. I can't be like you
Of course, the highlight of the Oscars is the most popular male and female lead awards. This has nothing to do with Isabella; she's just here for the show. On the other hand, Victoria starred in 'Irreversible Past,' which grossed thirteen billion and received numerous awards. She also earned a nomination for Best Actress of the Year with this film. Isabella sat beside her. Despite Victoria's facade of nonchalance, her hands were tightly clasped together, unable to hide her nervousness. Isabella sneered subtly. Before they came, Olivia had already mentioned that she probably wouldn't win the Newcomer Award, and Victoria was destined not to get the Best Actress of the Year. Back at the hotel, Isabella casually placed the crystal trophy on the dressing table and eagerly made a video call home. When the phone connected, Amelia appeared on the screen. She had seen Isabella winning on TV and cheerfully congratulated her. "Asher keeps asking to come inside and find you after seeing Mom
Amelia thought back to a couple of days ago when she took Asher back to the Turner family. Andrew's mother, Mrs. Hannah, was inquiring about Asher's mother, and Amelia had to play it off casually. She didn't want to offend either side, but being caught in the middle was an uncomfortable situation. While she pondered, Amelia efficiently unpacked Isabella's luggage. When she almost finished, Andrew returned home. Normally busy, it was rare for the family of three to sit down together for a meal. Andrew ate in a disciplined manner, sitting upright and graceful, making no sound while eating. On the other side of him, Isabella fed Asher and herself simultaneously. The contrasting pair, with one being calm and the other lively, laughing and causing a commotion that could shatter the roof, leaving food crumbs scattered on the floor. The leftovers were pushed directly in front of Andrew, and he had to calmly pick and eat what he could. The Turners were extremely wealthy, especially Andre