Ch. 1996..2000

Chapter 1996 Isabel's itinerary for the day was filled out.

After shooting a scene before noon, she rushed to the studio for an appearance on a variety show. It was midnight by the time she got home.

Her stomach was growling.

Just as the car was about to pull into her apartment complex, she called after the driver, "Stop."

The driver stopped the car.

Carla stifled a yawn and asked, "Isabel, what's wrong?" "I’m going to get something to eat, do you want anything?" Isabel asked. Carla suddenly appeared conflicted for a moment, she stammered after a brief silence, "Okay, I'll go with you."

Carla had been working for Isabel for several years now. Isabel was very perceptive of even her mildest gestures.

Sensing that Carla was exhausted, she dismissed her for the day. "You know what, you better get some rest, I'll go myself." Carla grew concerned. "I should go with you, it's so late already." "There are police patrols in the area, I'll be fine. Don't worry." With that, she got out of the car before Carla could change her mind.

She threw on a hat and walked down the street to a barbecue place that was still rather lively even at this hour.

The weather tonight was cool and relaxing, therefore everyone chose to sit outside to enjoy the night breeze. The inside of the shop was vacant.

Isabel walked inside and headed over to the counter. "Hey," she called after the owner of the place in a low voice.

The owner immediately recognized her and lit up with a smile. He spoke in the tone one would use to address an old friend, “Hey, the usual?" "Yes, with two beers." Isabel smiled at him.

“Alright, take a seat over there. Nobody is going to sit inside tonight so you won't get bothered. I'll bring the food to you later." “Perfect.”

Isabel went to the section the owner assigned her to and chose a seat next to the window.

There were windows on all sides of the restaurant. She chose to sit next to the window facing the alley that nobody passed by. It was very quiet and calming outside.

After a brief wait, the owner brought her a giant platter filled with barbecued dishes.

It came with a wide variety of grilled vegetables, seafood, and greasy meat that she loved. Two cans of cold beer were on the side too.

She took off the mask and dug in merrily.

She gobbled the food like a hungry wolf and when the spiciness finally got to her, she cracked open the first can of beer and swallowed a large gulp.

The cold beer provided a refreshing relief to her burning throat.

"Phew!" She then picked up the skewers and continued her sumptuous feast.

While she was enjoying her meal, she suddenly spotted a figure from the corner of her eye.

The figure stood right outside the window and faced her. They were separated by a mere panel of glass.

Isabel almost jumped out of her seat and nearly had a heart attack. She turned around and recognized Roland standing outside, dressed in a formal suit, staring straight at her.

Judging by the briefcase in his hand, he must have just finished work. Isabel heaved a sigh of relief, then cast another look at him again. What was his problem? She thought she saw a ghost.

Roland did not seem to sense her irritation as he stared at her vacantly.

Isabel flicked a brow. Was he in the mood for a barbecue as well? That would make sense. Since he was working till such a late hour, he must not have had dinner yet.

Seeing as he had shouldered so much work for her, the noble Isabel decided to extend her grace to him. She tapped on the window and asked," Are you hungry?”

It looked like he could not hear her as he continued looking at her silently. Isabel put her face close to the glass and exaggeratedly mouthed the words, "Come. Inside. Eat." She made an inviting gesture.

Roland caught her meaning this time. He pursed his lips and walked down the alley. Soon, Isabel saw him stepping through the entrance and entering the restaurant.

He walked upto her.

"Sit." Isabel offered with a smile.

He remained standing.

Instead of sitting down, he asked, "Haven't you had dinner tonight?

"| did, but now I’m hungry again," Isabel said and motioned him to sit. "You must be starving, sit down and eat with me." "I’m not hungry," he said.

Isabel grew stiff.

Chapter 1997

Chapter 1997 Why was he staring at her from outside if he was not hungry?

Before she could tell Roland off, he spoke, "You shouldn't eat barbecue at such an hour. It's not good for your digestion. You better stop eating."

Huh? Why was he telling her what she could or could not eat? How dare he try to control her!

However, there was something about the commanding tone of his voice, coupled with the serious look on his face that made her briefly consider taking his advice.

To her surprise, she was not angry at him. Still, she brushed him off dismissively. "I don't need you to worry about me. You can go home if you're not going to eat.”

After that, she took a bite at another tender slice of grilled meat before reaching for the can of beer. When she brought it to her lips, she felt a force tugging in the opposite direction.

She looked over to see Roland's hands firmly gripping the can, stopping her from taking it.

She frowned. "Let go."

He held it firmly and insisted. "Don't drink."

She looked at him, completely baffled. "Roland, have | been too lenient with you?”

This man was trying to manage her life!

He said sharply, "If it bothers you, feel free to fire me.”

Isabel was speechless.

Was this a threat?!

She felt a bulb grow in her throat. She shot a vicious glare at him. "Don't try me, I'm really going to fire you!" "I believe you," he said before promptly snatching the entire can away from her. "But before you fire me, I'm going to make sure you don't drink another sip of beer."

Isabel gnashed her teeth. "Do you think I'm just making idle threats right now?!" Roland said calmly, "No. | said | believed you."

Isabel was stunned.

She felt a swell of anger that had nowhere to escape to.

She took a deep breath and gave in last. "| won't drink. Can | eat at least?" There was no way she could fire him.

Where else was she supposed to find such an efficient worker that was also an eye candy to boot? Really, he was entirely flawless!

Roland compromised. "Alright, but you can’t eat these."

He said as he pointed at several dishes that were high in cholesterol.

Isabel made a face. "Okay."

She quickly pounced on the rest of her food, fearing that he would suddenly change his mind.

Roland sat across from her and stared at her.

She finished the other dishes that he had permitted her to eat.

“Alright, let's go," he said while slapping away her hand that was sneakily reaching for the can of beer. Isabel contained her frustration. She rose from her seat.

"Your mask," he said suddenly.

Isabel jolted.

She was a popular actress. With all these people around, it was wise to keep a low profile and make sure she did not get recognized.

She put on her mask and hat, then she went outside.

Roland followed behind her.

Grr...

As soon as she walked out of the restaurant, her stomach growled.

She stopped and looked at Roland grumpily.

Roland looked at her as well.

There was a hint of surprise underneath the cold sheet of ice in his eyes.

It seemed like he was surprised that the petite girl was still hungry after eating so much.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Isabel glared at him. "I'd have been full if not for a certain someone telling me what not to eat."

Roland pursed his lips. "Come to my house." Isabel asked suspiciously, "Why are you asking me to come to your place at this hour?" He said frankly, "My mother made supper."

He said it with utmost sincerity. It was as if he was entirely unaware of the implications when a man invited another woman to his place at night.

Isabel made a look. "Ah."

 

Chapter 1998

Chapter 1998 Isabel had eaten Roland's mother's cooking several times.

The first time was after Roland was officially hired as the vice president of Carter Corporation. He mentioned that this was his mother's way of thanking Isabel for helping her back then.

Isabel never thought much of what she did for his mother since it did not take much effort on her part. However, Roland sounded very sincere when he invited her. Another factor was his irresistibly handsome face which made it near impossible for her to say no.

She thought it was going to be a regular meal and wanted to get it over with quickly. To her surprise, his mother had made a sumptuous feast fit for a king where the table was stacked full of different dishes and all of them tasted of gourmet quality. She even thought she was dining at a five- star restaurant at one point.

Furthermore, it was cuisine from Southboro that she had not tasted for a long time.

Although Southboro was a place associated with painful memories, the quality of the food there was the one thing redeemable from her stay there.

Ever since getting her first taste of Roland's mother’s cooking, she would make up an excuse to go to their place once every month or so, just to get another taste of the wonderful cooking.

Since it was Roland himself who offered an invitation this time, she would be a fool not to take it.

They walked down the street and arrived at this apartment complex shortly after.

It was one of the more premium residences in the area, it was well- maintained and had respectable security facilities. They had to go through several checkpoints that required access cards before reaching the lobby.

They took the elevator which was directly connected to his place.

Isabel stepped out of the elevator with him.

He took out the key and opened the door.

As soon as the door was open, they heard a brisk round of footsteps.

Roland's mother, Martha, came to greet them.

“Welcome home, Roland-" Martha nearly jumped when she saw Isabel next to Roland. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she greeted her enthusiastically," Isabel, you’re here too? Come in, come in!" "Aunt Martha, sorry for troubling you at this hour," Isabel said politely before following Roland into the house.

Martha was a very kind and well-natured lady. Perhaps due to the terrible sickness she had endured, there was always a certain unplaceable sadness about her.

Isabel was fond of her and made a point of being polite to her.

Martha smiled warmly. "No trouble, I'm glad to see you here at all! Come, it's a good thing | made some food tonight, you must be starving. Come on and eat with Roland."

Isabel could smell the wonderful fragrance as soon as the door opened just now. She could not be any more enthused to hear this. "Yes, please."

She was more than glad to make herself at home.

Martha took them to the dining table before excusing herself back to the room to rest.

There were three separate dishes as well as a bowl of soup, with an extra serving of hand-made cookies on the side. Roland had barely sat down when Isabel began devouring the food on the table.

Roland sat across from her and calmly picked up his spoon.

They ate quietly.

The only sound that could be heard was the rattle of the spoon and fork.

At last, after all the food was finished and Isabel had her fill, she set down the utensils and exhaled with great satisfaction. Roland stared at the empty plates on the table and was stunned for speech.

Isabel happened to notice the look in his eyes.

It was only then that she thought to ask, "Hey, have you had enough to eat?"

Roland set aside his spoon and replied, "I'm full, how about you?”

Tm full too... hie-"

Ahiccup slipped out of her.

Roland fell silent.

She smiled at him, feeling a little embarrassed. "Well, | guess I'll be going home now. Goodnight." He regarded her faintly, "Yeah."

Seeing no reason to stick around, Isabel got up and left the place.

That was when Martha came out of her bedroom.

 

Chapter 1999

Chapter 1999 She looked at the table and the empty plates laid on it, then she remarked," Isabel sure eats a lot.”

She turned to Roland. "Roland, are you full?” "I'm full." After a moment of silence, he asked, "Mom, did you make any more cookies?"

Martha made a face and said, "Hold on, I'll make something for you." With that, she went into the kitchen.

After a while, she emerged with a bowl of noodles.

Roland took his time with the noodles.

His mother sat across from him and looked at him tenderly. "Roland, why did she leave in such a hurry?" "She's only here for supper.”

Martha regarded him silently.

She gave him a sideways glance and seemed slightly upset. She questioned him, ‘Why didn't you ask her to stay for the night?" "There's no need for that. She lives nearby."

Martha sighed. "Roland, don't you get what I’m trying to say here?" "| do." Roland continued after a brief silence, "I don't think I’m worthy enough to become her partner right now."

Martha frowned. "How so? We may have fallen on some hard times, but you're essentially the president of Carter Corporation now, which makes you a perfect match for Isabel who is a celebrity."

Not to discredit Isabel, but she thought with Roland’s current status, he could easily date any celebrity he wished. Roland entered a pensive silence for a moment before telling her, "It's getting late, you should get some sleep. Martha sighed and said earnestly, "Roland, Isabel is a good girl. | don’t want you to miss out on her."

Roland looked at her, his eyes poised with calmness. "Don't worry, that’s not going to happen."

After the fulfilling meal, Isabel returned to her place. She took a hot bath before settling in for the night.

She was recently signed on to a certain episodic drama.

The scenes were shot in Westchester.

After breakfast the next morning, she arrived at the set, punctual as always.

She had already memorized all of her lines and studied the script. After a quick brief with her fellow actors, they began shooting the scene for the day.

Apart from several minor hiccups from some of the other actors when they got their lines wrong, the shooting progressed rather smoothly.

Thanks to the efficiency of everyone involved in the set, they managed to finish up their scenes for the day shortly after noon. The crew called it a day earlier than usual.

Isabel planned to go home after that. However, the director approached her.

The director was an older man who was very well-known in the industry.

This was the third time Isabel worked with him. She considered him a close acquaintance.

"Isabel, you did a great job today,” he praised Isabel kindly.

She sensed something was off and asked bluntly, "Director Max, do you have something you want to tell me?” Her performance on set had always been consistently flawless.

They had known each other for several years. It was only during the first few times they worked together on set that he would shower her with compliments. Ever since then, her excellent performance was pretty much considered routine, and hardly anything worth commenting about. Therefore, Isabel figured that there was something he wanted to say.

Just as she thought, Director Max rubbed his nose guiltily like a child being called out. "Heh... Well, here’s the deal...” "Go on." "It's about the show. An investor got in touch with us recently and he’s very interested in you. Since he was investing a hefty sum, he was wondering if he could have a quick meal with you."

He made sure to supply further information. "Don't worry, | already asked around and made sure that all he wants is a simple meal, nothing more than that. | wager that he’s a big fan of yours."

Everyone in the entertainment circle knew about Isabel’s fiery temper.

Although nobody was familiar with her exact background, they knew that she had always been adamantly against getting involved with shady practices in the industry. On more than one occasion, she had publicly snapped back against famous men in the industry with perverted intentions and even gave them a good beating.

famous people in the industry hated her with a passion. However, all the dirty tricks they pulled in the dark to sabotage her career turned out to have the reverse effect of helping skyrocket her fame.

 

Chapter 2000

Chapter 2000 It was only after Max began working closely with Isabel that he got a firm grasp on her temper. She was easy to get along with. She was also a terrific actor and very intelligent.

She treated people the same way they treated her. If you were on good terms with her, she would treat you kindly as well. If you stayed out of her way, she would keep out of your way as well. However, if you dared to get on her bad side, she would make sure you got what you deserved.

There had been several stars who tried to usurp her place, but it did not work out well for any of them. Max admired and respected her very much, he was also wary of offending her.

He smiled sheepishly at Isabel after.

Isabel fell into a pensive silence, then she probed. "How much is he investing?"

Max shaped the figure with his fingers.

Isabel's eyes glowed up.

One hundred million!

Certainly a hefty investment.

"Okay, I'll go." She readily agreed.

Given such a sizable investment, they no longer had to worry about the funds and this would also mean a subsequent quality improvement in the set.

She would just go out for a meal with the investor, nothing more.

They dined at Elysian House.

After leaving the set, Max drove her to the restaurant.

One of the assistant directors had shown up ahead of them and was already waiting for them at the entrance.

Upon noticing their arrival, he hurriedly approached them and said anxiously, "Director Max, Isabel, come in quickly. He's already here, he’s waiting inside the private box upstairs."

Max obliged. "Okay, let's head up there right now.”

Isabel followed them inside.

Before long, they had marched up the stairs and were approaching the said private box. The assistant director stepped forward and opened the door for them.

Isabel walked inside after Max.

Set inside the private box was a round table with a chandelier above it.

Inside the room was a young man seated at the table, directly facing the door.

They met eyes the moment they entered the box.

He wore an expertly-tailored dark suit and sat like an elegant prince, holding a glass of wine that he gently twirled around in his palms.

The moment he saw Isabel, he smiled wickedly at her and greeted her like one would an old friend, "Good evening, Miss Isabel.” Isabel halted. She could feel her body tightening.

Decker Rockwell!

He was the mysterious investor!

"Isabel, this is Mr. Decker," upon noticing Isabel's silence, the assistant director whispered in Isabel's ears to hint at her to break the ice.

Isabel clenched her jaw. She abruptly ripped off her mask and confronted Decker with a vicious smile. "Decker, you sure have some guts dragging your sorry *ss to Westchester, don’t you?"

The smile was wiped off of Decker's eyes for a brief instant. Meanwhile, Max and the assistant director seemed completely flabbergasted. "Isabel, you-you can’t speak to Mr. Decker like that." The assistant director urged cautiously.

Max asked in a low voice, ‘Isabel, are you acquainted with Mr. Decker already?" "| do." Isabel looked at Decker sharply. "He’s my nemesis.

Max and the assistant director were floored by this turn of events.

Decker chuckled softly.

He put down the wineglass. Then, he rose ceremoniously and began approaching Isabel. He said as he approached, "Isabel, it's been five years, do you still hate me?

He spoke in a gentle, soothing tone.