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Chapter 68
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The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 69
CrossroadsWarm light from the morning sun crept through the curtains and reached out to touch Isabelle as she stirred from sleep. She lay there for a few minutes longer, steeping in the peace of a new day, until feelings about the past few days crashed her back awake. She rolled over, only to find that the other side of the bed was empty, save for Carlos's shadow. On his pillow was a note in his handwriting:"Gone for early meeting. We need to talk later. Love you."Isabelle's gut twisted. Those four words: "We need to talk," never seemed to bring her glad tidings. She blew out a loud breath, running a hand through her tangled hair as she padded downstairs.The kitchen was in full swing this morning. Sophia crouched over her laptop on one side of the breakfast bar while Alex rustled around in the fridge. Jack was at the stove, flipping a pancake with an impressive bit of skill."Morning, Mom," Alex mumbled through a mouthful of cereal.Isabelle managed a smile, pouring herself a much
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 70
New HorizonsThe Fernandez family filtered into the living room; the air was heavy with tension. Isabelle's fingers drummed against the sofa's arm. To his left, Carlos paced, which wasn't at all like him. On the floor in the centre of the circle, the twins sat facing each other cross-legged: Sophia and Alex, both torn between excitement and terror; Jack stood leaning on the fireplace, attempting to appear casual but failing – his shoulders were bunched."Okay," Carlos said at last, somewhere around the middle of the night. "We all have had enough time to mull the options before us. It's about time we decide." Isabelle swallowed hard. "We agreed we'd do this together, as a family. So have everybody speak. Sophia, care to begin?"Sophia leaned back slightly and took a deep breath, as though waiting for an obviously analytical mind to digest. "I've been checking online about international schools in Geneva," she began. "The academic opportunities are literally incredible. And the great
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 71
Shadows of the PastThe Fernández family waded through the busy arrivals terminal at Geneva airport. Isabelle clutched her carry-on tenaciously, her eyes darting sideways un the unfamiliar surroundings. Beside her, Carlos strode with a reassuring hand.Isabelle stepped out into the crisp Swiss air, and shivers ran down her spine. Nothing to do with the temperature. This was it. Really. They'd done it. Left everything familiar behind to start a new life in a foreign country."Everyone okay?" Carlos asked, low and concerned.Isabelle managed to smile. "Just a little overwhelmed. It's really happening, isn't it?"Just as Carlos was to respond, Sophia gasped, "Look!" A sleek black car pulled to the curb, and a tall, refined-featured man came out in his suit, suitably holding up a sign reading, "Fernandez Family.""Our ride, I presume," said Carlos, as he slipped on, approaching the driver.As they were piling suitcases into the car, Isabelle couldn't shake the feeling that they were being
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 72
Quickly, the Fernandzes were feeling quite elated while strolling through the nice streets in Geneva every day. Sophia and Alex just went on watching the architecture, while Jack clicked away with his phone. Carlos explained all the landmarks his strong voice filling with bits of local history. But underneath this veneer of tourist interest was tension.Isabelle clutched her bag, the newspaper inside too heavy in her mind for comfort. They caught Carlos eyeing them once or twice; his eyes smiled. They needed to talk, but not here, not with the children being so blissfully unaware.Turning the corner, they had a view of the spectacular Jet d'Eau and its arching column of water firing into the air."Wow!" Alex admired, eyes popping. "Can we go closer?"Carlos glanced at his wristwatch. A momentary atavistic flicker of indecision passed over his face. "Why don't you three run on ahead? Your mother and I will catch up in a couple of minutes."The three kids exchanged very speculative look
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 73
Shattered IllusionsIsabelle's heart throbbed inside her chest as she stood glued to the bedroom door: the soft voices downstairs growing louder by the second, changing tone, becoming urgent, shuffling feet and muffled thuds giving pace to the argument. She reached for the phone on her nightstand, and her hands shook. But when her fingers were practically upon it, she had a thought—one so horrible it could have iced: Where was Carlos?She swallowed her fear and walked softly in the direction of the twin's room. The door opened with a slight nudge. Sophia and Alex lay there completely oblivious to what lay ahead of them. She carefully closed the door and proceeded in the direction of Jack's room. It was empty.Suddenly, a feeling of motherly protectiveness swept the fear off her heart. It's her family in harm, and she has to act.Taking in her hand a big crystal vase that was on the hallway table, Isabelle picked up firmly and started down the stairs. The treads creaked and groaned fr
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 74
Shadows of DoubtThe sun had barely risen over the vast Fernandez estate when Carlos Fernandez lay awake, his mind racing with thoughts from which he couldn't turn his attention. He glanced sideways at the empty space the king-sized bed held beside him, noticing that she had risen early—again—ahead of him. He didn't find that unusual for his wife, but lately. .. well, something didn't feel right.Carlos padded down the hall; the plush carpet was muffling his footsteps. He came around into the kitchen to find Isabelle's low voice, once more on the phone, speaking in that low, urgent tone he had become so used to in the past few weeks."I understand. Yes, I'll meet you there. Don't worry, I'll be very careful," Isabelle was saying. When Carlos came into the kitchen, she hastily concluded the call with a quick, "I gotta go. Talk soon.""Good morning," said Carlos, trying hard to keep his voice neutral. "Early call?"Isabelle turned, the practiced smile in place. "Oh, just some foundation
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 75
Isabelle surreptitiously gazed at the dial of her watch from the dark recess of a corner in a small café, which was situated in the industrial area of the town. She had picked up this place for the very reason that it was far removed from prying looks that seemed to follow every move of any of her family members these days. The bell above the door chimed, and she looked up to see Morris take entry."I'm really pleased you wanted to meet for lunch," Isabelle said after he had seated himself in the booth opposite. "I know this can't possibly be an unbiased setting for the two of us."Morris nodded outwards, a mixture of worry and curiosity crossing his face. "You did sound a bit upset over the phone. If you wish, then what is it, Isabelle?"She exhaled, gathering her thoughts. "The family's in a jam, Morris. We need help, and I think through you, I know where to find it."As she started to tell him about the sensantionalism, the public anger, the fight it had been to salvage her reputat
The Unexpected Surrogate for the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 76
Media ManipulationAllison's presence had an intrusion that was much feared by the household of the Fernandez. At this moment, her entrance into the room had almost become just a matter of course in relation to the chaotic circumstances that had lately risen."Okay team," she said and clapped her hands together. "Let's talk strategy."Carlos, Isabelle, and Jack each looked up from some combination of papers and laptops. The tension in the room was weighty, a suffocating silence that could have easily been cut through—in particular, that current residing between Carlos and Isabelle."As much as that realization sickens me," Carlos spat, "your stupid reality show may be our best bet to get out of this mess, seeing that public opinion can still be swayed." Allison's eyes fairly glowed with satisfaction. "It's nice to see you came to realization, Carlos. Now, here is what I am thinking."As Allison spoke about how she had predicted her show could save the reputation of the Fernandezes, C
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