Chapter 34
Under Logan’s penetrating gaze, Isabella’s heart skipped a beat. “Logan, what’s wrong? You look angry,” she said softly.
Logan laid Samuel’s student ID on the coffee table between them. “Care to explain this, Isabella?
“Was it really necessary? If you wanted a dress, you could have just asked me. Why go behind my back like this?”
Isabella’s face went pale when he saw the card.
She’d assumed the boutique would just swallow the loss and that Samuel wouldn’t need the card anytime
soon.
A simple story about him losing it would have covered her tracks.
She never imagined they’d actually confront Logan.
The truth was, she’d been back for a while now and couldn’t keep looking like a failure in his eyes.
His kindness was built on old memories.
If the present–day version of her fell short, that affection might fade. She needed to seem independent, like someone who could buy her own gown.
Burning with frustration, Isabella let her eyes instantly fill with tears.
“I’m so sorry, Logan,” she choked out. “I never meant to cause trouble. The charity gala is coming up, and I didn’t have enough for a proper dress. I didn’t know what else to do.
“I knew you’d help if I asked. But I didn’t want to keep relying on you for everything.
“You admire strong, independent women, not clinging vines. That’s why I… It’s my fault. I thought I could gather the money and get Samuel’s student ID back before anyone noticed.”
Her voice broke into heavier sobs.
She deliberately pulled up her sleeve, revealing the large burn scar on her arm.
It was the permanent mark from saving Logan, the proof of his lifelong debt.
At the sight of the scar, Logan’s heart softened.
Isabella knew exactly how to handle him. Sensing his shift, she pressed on, her voice thick with tears. “You don’t know how much this gala means to me, Logan.
“Ever since my family fell… everything’s changed. It feels like I’ve fallen into an abyss.
“I just want my life back. The one I should have had. I want to be myself again.
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“But if trying to do that makes you hate me, I’d rather have nothing.
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“Logan, you’re all I have now. Please, I’m begging you, don’t look at me like that. I couldn’t bear it.”
Tears streamed down her face as her whole body shook with sobs, the picture of fragile despair.
Seeing her like that, Logan couldn’t stay angry. He said quickly, “Isabella, that’s not what I meant…
“It’s my fault. I should have realized. If I’d been more thoughtful, you wouldn’t have been driven to this over a dress.”
Watching her cry and dig her nails into her arm, a distressing echo of her past depression, Logan grabbed her hand. “Isabella, stop. Don’t hurt yourself.”
She collapsed into his arms.
“I don’t want to, Logan,” she cried. “But when the ache inside is too much… this is the only way I can feel better.
“Ever since my dad’s company was investigated and my parents went to jail, everyone in our circle avoids me.
“But what did I do wrong? I didn’t make those mistakes. Why are they punishing me? Why…
Her crying grew more frantic. Logan held her, patting her back. “Isabella, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. It won’t happen again.”
Hidden against his shoulder, a faint, triumphant smile touched Isabella’s lips.
‘It’s so easy to fool him,’ she thought with a thrill.
It baffled her how Eliana had failed so completely with a man this easy to handle.
Thinking of Eliana’s nasty comment yesterday fueled her resolve.
Tonight, Eliana would see her in a stunning gown on Logan’s arm. She’d probably be hiding somewhere, crying.
Isabella had done her research. She knew Logan had only taken Eliana to a couple of events early on.
After Eliana was mocked for her dress sense once, he stopped bringing her.
Deep down, Isabella knew Logan saw Eliana as nothing more than a convenient nanny. The woman he truly wanted would never be some boring housewife.
Men were always drawn to the dazzling ones.
And tonight, she would be the most dazzling.
As Isabella’s sobs subsided, Logan asked gently, “Isabella, what did you need to see me about earlier?”
“Oh.” She seemed to remember. “Logan, could you… lend me some money?
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Chapter 34
“I’m sorry. My business choices haven’t been great since I got back, and I lost a bit.
“But I promise, as soon as my studio makes a profit, I’ll pay you back right away.”
Logan sighed softly, “Is that all? You don’t need to be so formal. How much do you need?”
“Is 180 thousand okay?” she asked cautiously.
Logan immediately picked up his phone and transferred the money without another word.
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Hearing the notification chime, Isabella regretted not asking for more. But it was too late now. She hugged him tighter. “Logan, you’re so nice to me. I owe you so much… I’ll never be able to repay you.”
Just as Logan was about to respond, a soft knock sounded at the door. “Mr. Eliot, your appointment with…”
Andrew, who was speaking, took in the scene and immediately turned and left.
Logan suddenly remembered his meeting with Addy Finch from the Finch Group. He gently disentangled himself from Isabella.
