Chapter 72
63 vouchers
“After the Hewitt family’s downfall, I’ve always treated Isabella well because of my friendship with her mother back in the day. As long as she’s not married, she can stay close to me.
“And if she ever finds the right person, I’ll make sure she has the wedding she deserves. But no matter what, there’s no way she and Logan could ever be together.
“She probably knows that herself and wouldn’t even think about it,” Hannah said.
Isabella hadn’t gone far, and she heard every single word Hannah said, clear as day.
At first glance, Hannah’s words sounded perfectly polite, but in their world, things were new that simple. If Hannah had treated Isabella as Logan’s future wife, at least it would’ve shown she still respected her.
But right now, Hannah was basically telling everyone that Isabella was just a pitiful, homeless girl the Eliot family had taken in. That kind of status was worlds apart from what she used to have.
Isabella felt a heavy sense of suffocation in her chest. She couldn’t help but clench her fists tightly and grit her teeth, forcing herself to walk forward with quick, determined steps.
After hearing Hannah say that, the other ladies nearby couldn’t help but join in. “Mrs. Eliot, you are really kind–hearted. I heard Isabella just up and left Logan when he needed her the most.
“Honestly, I always thought you were still hoping she’d become your daughter–in–law, so I never dared to bring it up. that you’ve made it clear, I can finally relax.
“Someone like her? No way. If she could walk out on Logan once, what’s to stop her from doing it again and again?
Now
“And let’s not forget all that mess with the Hewitt family back then. The only reason she wasn’t dragged into it was because she happened to be overseas.
“Honestly, if you ask me, the sooner you marry her off and cut ties, the better. It’s for everyone’s good, Livia said.
As Livia finished speaking, Joanna and the others quickly chimed in, all nodding in agreement.
That was just how things worked in their circle. When there was no one to gossip about, they’d turn on each other in a heartbeat.
But the moment someone became the target, they’d band together, just like they were doing now.
Hannah joined the conversation, “So, do any of you have any eligible bachelors to recommend for her?
“If you do, it’s only right to help her think about these things. I wouldn’t want her blaming me for holding her back later on.”
Once Hannah asked, the ladies around her started listing off their picks. Since none of them ever respected Isabella, the guys they suggested were all pretty much losers.
Either they were notorious playboys with zero chance of inheriting their family’s wealth, or guys with obvious flaws and issues. The kind of names that made people frown the moment they heard them.
But none of these ladies seemed to think there was anything wrong with what they were saying.
At first, Hannah thought the guys they were suggesting weren’t exactly respectable. But when she caught a glimpse of the necklace in the trash, she didn’t see a problem with it
anymore.
1/3
Chapter 72
She nodded, “Honestly, your suggestions aren’t bad at all. I’ll look them over when I get a chance lubetie’s non persing acry younger. It’s about time she started thinking about this kind of thing
Isabella came out with a plate of fruit, and at first, when she overheard their conversation, she didn’t think much of it. She just assumed they were gossiping about the same kind of guys they always looked down on.
After all, none of the names they mentioned sounded even remotely respectable.
But it wasn’t until Hannah spoke up that Isabella realized that all these men she’d never even consider were actually the they were picking out as her potential matches.
Her face turned pale in an instant, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. But just like they said, the Hewitt family was finished. Now, she didn’t even have the right to stand up and argue with them.
There was no way she’d ever marry any of those men. She needed to carve out her own path and she had to act fast.
Right now, the only way out was for Logan to acknowledge her publicly: Only then could she break free from her current
situation.
Isabella told herself to stay strong, taking several deep breaths right where she stood. After forcing her emotions back under control, she finally walked forward.
She hoped her presence would make them hold back a little, she forced herself to act like she hadn’t overheard a single word.
But the moment she walked over, the ladies all turned to her and said, “Isabella, just in time. We were gossiping with Hannah about who you might end up marrying.”
“You’re at that age now, you really should be thinking about tying the knot. So, is there anyone you’ve got your eye on?”
Everyone was bombarding her with questions, and Isabella was anxious. Almost without thinking, her eyes sought out
Hannah.
Hannah looked totally detached from the whole scene, sipping her coffee like she was above it all.
Noticing Isabella’s glance, Hannah finally spoke, her voice slow and indifferent. “The ladies mean well, you know. You really are at that age, maybe it’s time to start thinking about this sort of thing.”
Isabella forced a smile, trying to sound playful. “But I still want to stay with you, Hannah. Honestly, I wish I could just stick by your side forever.”
She really thought Hannah would be moved by that. But instead, Hannah gave her a stern look. “Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t rely on a friend forever.
“People might misunderstand if you say things like that. Everyone here just wants the best for you, so don’t hold back.
“We’ll put together a list of guys, and if anyone catches your eye, I’ll talk to them for you,” Hannah said, making it clear she wasn’t taking no for an answer.
As soon as Hannah finished speaking, Isabella’s smile completely fell apart. But she didn’t dare say a word. She just nodded like the perfect good girl, but inside, she was even more determined than ever.
The more Hannah tried to push her away, the more determined Isabella became to marry Logan. If Isabella was going to suffer, she was damn well going to make sure they suffered right along with her.
*****
9/2
Chapter 72
Isabella had been hustling nonstop all day, and she was already dead tired. With Hannah in such a bad mood, Isabella didn’t dare slack off. She just kept busy, afraid to take even a short break.
It wasn’t until the last of the ladies had finally left that Isabella thought she could catch her breath. But just as the was about to relax, Hannah fixed her with a frosty glare, her expression dark and unreadable.
“Don’t you owe me an explanation?” Hannah spoke slowly, her voice cold and oppressive, making Isabella shiver involuntarily.
Isabella’s nerves, which had just started to settle, snapped tight all over again. She choked out, her voice trembling, “Hannah,
I was set up.
“I never meant for any of this to happen. It wasn’t my fault, I promise. I’ll go find her myself. I’ll make things right, okay?
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
