Ch. 2091..2095

Chapter 2091

Roland smiled warmly. "Sure."

He carried her and strode toward their bed.

In Westchester, after the call with Jerome, Isabella went to the lobby on the first floor of Westchester Hotel. She went to the lounge area of the lobby.

There were not many people in the lounge at this hour.

She had arrived at the hotel at roughly ten that night, and it was already one in the morning by this point. She had been waiting for Clarice for three whole hours, yet there was no sign of her at all.

Her butt was already sore from sitting and waiting for so long. She began to feel like Clarice was intentionally keeping her waiting, but she knew better than to text Clarice to ask for her whereabouts. Her only choice was to wait with constant agitation.

Finally, when it was around half past one, Clarice stepped through the entrance of the hotel at last.

Isabella hurriedly approached her while putting on her best smile. She greeted Clarice in a friendly voice as if she was not bothered by the extended wait.

“Hey, Miss Houston." Clarice barely looked in her direction before she planted herself on the nearest chair.

Isabella was too nervous to sit with Clarice, so she stood stiffly like an attendant and asked courteously, "Do you want something to drink?"

There was a drink station at the edge of the lounge.

Clarice completely ignored her. After sitting down, she neatly tucked at the collar of her shirt before asking quite sharply, "Isabella, are you trying to mess with me right now?"

Isabella was thrown off by this, "Has there been some kind of misunderstanding? When have | ever messed with you?" Clarice glared at her viciously. "The video you sent me was edited."

"Miss Houston, | admit | did cut out some parts, but that was because those were the irrelevant parts of Isabel talking to other people. | only included the important parts of her being in the same frame with Mr. Rockwell."

She was reciting the responses she had thought out ahead of time after receiving the tip from Jerome.

This was what gave her the courage to confront Clarice's sharp stare into her eyes, all while wearing an honest, sincere expression on her face.

Clarice narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Did you cut those parts out intentionally?" "Of course not." "What did the parts you left out contain?"

"It was her with another man. | heard from a friend of mine who works on the 'Legend of Goddess' film crew that that man is Isabel's boyfriend.’

Clarice's expression sharpened again. "You knew that Isabel has a boyfriend?" "Yes."

"Then, why didn't you tell me right away?" If she had known about this, she would not have been humiliated by that vulgar woman, Isabel!

Isabella explained frantically, "Miss Houston, please don't get the wrong idea. It's common for some of us actors to keep our dating life private so that it won't affect our relationship with our external benefactors." Clarice seemed to process this information for a moment before interrogating her with further questions, "So, you're saying that

Decker has been Isabel's benefactor this entire time?"

Considering how Isabel had properly clarified the situation with Clarice, Isabella knew better than to slander Isabel unnecessarily. She opted for an objective approach. "! don’t know the nature of their relationship. All | know is that Mr. Rockwell seems to have taken a liking to Isabel. He's one of the investors of Legend of the Goddess’."

Clarice remarked crossly, "Are you telling me that Decker has been pursuing Isabel but his feelings are not reciprocated by her?" Isabella hurriedly clarified, "No, no, | never said that. | honestly don’t know a thing about the specific nature of their relationship." Clarice grunted.

Another thought came to her, and she asked, "Do you still have the part of the video that you left out?"

She wanted to see for herself what this boyfriend of Isabel's looked like. What kind of person was her boyfriend to lend her the confidence to outright declare that Decker was garbage as far as she was concerned?

"Ido." She reached for her phone as she said this and promptly showed Clarice the referred footage of Isabel with Roland. Clarice only had to take one glance at the footage before gasping in stark surprise. "Roland!"

Isabella was just as startled by her immediate recognition of the man in the frame. She asked curiously, "Do you know her boyfriend?"

 

Chapter 2092

Clarice jittered between several expressions before finally settling back into a haughty scowl. She grunted stiffly. Isabella asked, "Who is her boyfriend?"

This earned her a glare from Clarice. "Who are you to ask me questions?”

Isabella stammered, "Sorry, | was just curious who her boyfriend could be."

Clarice groaned and asked, "How long has Isabel been with him?"

"| think it's only been a month or two. My friend told me that she started seeing both of them together when they started filming ‘Legend of the Goddess’, and he would visit her quite regularly."

Amonth or two? Clarice continued looking at the video Isabella showed her.

Roland had barged into the scene when Decker and Isabel were talking. Since Decker was facing away from the camera, there was no way to get a good look at his expression, but the video did offer a good view of Isabel's expression when she noticed Roland. She did not seem guilty at all when she saw him, but on the contrary, she looked quite delighted.

If she had been up to something with Decker, it would be reasonable to assume that she would at least behave somewhat shifty upon noticing Roland.

After that, Roland and Decker seemed to exchange several brief sentences. Judging by Decker's expression when he turned away, it must not have been a pleasant conversation.

The main question was how did Isabel come to date Roland? Roland had left Southboro more than a year ago, so how did he manage to end up with Isabel Ross, an actress?

Despite the circumstances, he was still once the heralded young master of the Brights. How humiliating to have fallen off so low to date some lowly woman like Isabel!

Clarice snorted with disdain, then she threw the phone on the table before getting up. Isabella backed away from her.

Clarice shot her a look. "If you see Decker going to see Isabel again, don't edit the footage and just send the full thing to me. If | catch you trying to deceive me again, it'll be the end of you."

Isabella gave her word. "It will not happen again.” With that, Clarice walked out of the lounge. Isabella heaved a sigh of relief. She grabbed her phone resting on the table and walked out of the lounge.

On her way out, she rewatched the video of Roland and Isabel. She recalled Clarice's reaction and the name she called out just now. She murmured the name to herself, Roland?"

So, his name was Roland?

If even someone as wealthy and influential as Clarice knew him by name, didn't it suggest that this Roland was someone of significant background as well?

She frowned uncomfortably at the prospect.

This explained why Isabel dared to dismiss big shots like Decker and Clarice. Her boyfriend was someone from a significant background all this time.

After Clarice left the lounge, a crew of hotel staff escorted her to a private section of the hotel where she took an elevator directly to the presidential suite on the top floor.

She dismissed the hotel staff before ringing the doorbell.

Shortly after that, the door opened. It was Decker's assistant who opened the door.

Upon recognizing the woman at the door, his assistant greeted her in surprise, "Miss Houston, why are you here?" Clarice smiled politely. ’I'm here for Decker. Is he here?"

"Mr. Rockwell is in the study. Let me walk you in."

"No, you can get back to work. I'll go to him myself," Clarice said curtly and invited herself in.

The assistant let her be.

Soon, Clarice was outside the study. She gently knocked on the surface of the door.

"Come in." She heard Decker's voice from inside.

She swiftly pushed the door open.

Decker was seated at a desk and was visibly startled when he recognized his visitor. He quickly masked his reaction with a pleasant smile.

"Clarice?" He rose and went up to Clarice, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection. "Why are you here?"

Clarice smiled sweetly and did not take her eyes off him the entire time." I've been missing you so | thought I'd come and see you."

Decker took her in his arms and hugged her tightly. "Why didn't you tell me?

| could have come to pick you up."

Clarice pressed her face against his chest and said softly, ‘I didn't tell you because | wanted to surprise you." "Oh." Decker smiled faintly. "Well, | am surprised."

Clarice looked up and chirped like a bird. ’Really?"

Decker met her gaze. "Of course, it’s true."

There was nothing but deep affection inside his eyes.

With that, he cupped Clarice's face in his palms and kissed her.

Clarice was first taken with shock, then she wrapped her arms around his back and hugged him tightly.

There were not many men as spectacular as Decker Rockwell, someone who was blessed with looks and status all while also being the most gentle person in the world that she knew. He might see other women at times, but she was willing to let it slide as long as she knew that she was the only woman who had his heart.

 

Chapter 2093

To have a place in Roland's heart was all Clarice ever wanted.

The next morning, in Glanchester, Isabel woke up from the sweltering heat.

When she opened her eyes, she found herself in Roland's arms.

He woke up around the same time as her and looked at her sleepily. There was a slight red shade underneath his eyes. Isabel squinted and nudged him away without warning.

He kept a firm grip around her waist, so she could not break free from him despite having shoved him.

Not only did she fail to push him away, but she also ended up provoking a negative reaction out of Roland, evidenced by the immediate frown that formed on his face, coupled with a hurt look.

“Are you trying to push me away?" He asked. She blinked in confusion and clarified, "| just wanted a little bit of space because it's really hot."

The heat was not the only reason. It was partly because she immediately recognized the look of desire in his eyes which could not be any more obvious.

They had just woken up, and she was not ready for that yet.

Swoop!

Roland threw the covers off in one sudden gesture.

Isabel felt a chilly breeze wash through her body. She was speechless. Roland grinned smugly and asked, "Do you still feel hot?’

"No... no." She slid her body to the side to try to draw some separation from him. She barely managed to move away when Roland pulled her back to him again.

He asked interrogatively, "Why do you keep moving?"

She explained unconvincingly, "It’s my waist. I'm feeling a little sore, so | need to switch up my posture a little." Upon hearing this, Roland released her immediately.

Not a second later, he climbed on top of her.

He smiled devilishly and asked flirtatiously, "How does this posture work for you?"

Isabel was at a loss for words.

So be it.

She spread her arms out and surrendered herself at last. "Come."

Aglimmer of joy shone past Roland's eyes as he smiled gleefully. With that, he pressed his weight over Isabel and planted a kiss on her lips.

Two hours later, dawn had broken, and a sliver of sunlight spilled in through the cracks of the curtain.

The activity inside the bedroom settled down at last.

Isabel was too tired to move at all, and her head was still spinning. She let Roland hug her as tightly as he wanted and toss her around to his heart's desire.

In her state of daze, she seemed to hear him mutter something along the lines of, "I'll visit again next week."

She felt incredibly groggy and fell asleep again.

When she woke up again, she was the only one in the bedroom. Roland seemed to have left.

There was a container filled with food on the table with a note written on top of it. The handwriting was delicate but had a firm, stout stroke that resembled the temperament of the man who wrote it. It read, "Remember to eat.”

Isabel smiled when she read it.

She flipped the lid open and saw her favorite breakfast inside. It was still steaming with heat.

He might have a slightly high libido, but he was a good man on all counts.

In Westchester, inside the hotel room where Decker resided in.

Clarice opened her eyes and found herself on a large bed. Aman sat next to her and was staring at her. She smiled gently, then she sat up and leaned into his embrace.

Decker wrapped his arms around her and spoke softly, "Woke up already?"

Chapter 2094

"Yeah." Clarice thought about how much they had been going at it the last two days. With her face pressed close against his chest, she spoke in a contented and soft voice, "When did you wake up?"

Decker answered softly, "I just woke up a while ago." Clarice looked up at him. His eyes were gentle and filled with love.

After they stared at each other for several seconds, he lowered himself and planted a slow kiss on her lips. Her lips curled up in asmile.

With his lips still pressed close to hers, he spoke, "There're a lot of nice places to see in Westchester. Let me take you sightseeing and shopping today."

He was the same Decker she had known for the last five years, the same gentle and caring man who seemed to have endless patience for her.

She was in love.

Suddenly, a scattered thought intruded on her. The fact that he had been in Westchester for so long and that he had come here to endorse Isabella...

Her eyes darkened for a slight instant, she asked worriedly, "Are you sure it's not going to get in the way of your work?” “Don't worry. There's nothing particularly important going on these days, so it won't be any inconvenience at all."

This prompted her to ask the question she had been wanting to ask for a while, "Decker, you’ve been here for two months. May | know what exactly you're doing here?"

Decker fell into a brief, pensive silence before answering, "You wouldn't get it even if | told you." "Tell me, | will understand." Decker smiled obligingly. ’Okay."

He began to explain, ‘There are a few developing sectors in Westchester that show a lot of potential. | have taken an interest in a few of these sectors, so I've been in talks with several companies to develop some new projects. The long-term plan is to grow these projects to Southboro eventually."

"What sectors?"

"Film, entertainment, then there are also some niche sectors here and there."

Clarice nodded with understanding before mentioning, "By the way, | think | saw Roland when | first arrived here two days ago." Decker seemed alerted by this. ‘Where did you see him?"

She answered frankly, "When | was on the way here, | noticed a very familiar figure walking along the side of the road. | was inside my car, so | couldn't get a good look, but that man looked very much like him."

Decker frowned and stayed silent for a while before stating, "It might be him." Clarice looked at him brazenly. "Have you seen him around the city?"

"| have, completely by accident." Although he was not truly in love with Clarice, he could not deny that she was his fiancee and was also the key to helping him secure his position at the helm of the Rockwells. It was more than likely that they would spend the rest of their lives together, so he decided against hiding such crucial information from her.

“Where did you meet him?" “At a dinner party.” He recalled the scene of Roland snatching Isabel from his arms and scowled unconsciously. Upon noticing his expression, Clarice asked, "Did he do something to you during the dinner?"

"Him?" He scoffed mockingly, "All he did was take something from me."

"What did he take from you?" Decker avoided her gaze. "It's nothing important."

Clarice's eyes darkened. She decided to stop probing Decker concerning this matter and asked, "Do you know what he's doing in Westchester right now?"

Decker’s expression turned grim again, and he noted with clear contempt,” He's the interim president at Carter Corporation."

‘The president of Carter Corporation?" Clarice could not conceal the surprise in her voice. She sat up and asked for clarity, ‘The same Carter as the wealthiest family in Westchester?"

Yes, but he's just the de-facto president hired to sit in and manage their operations for them." It did not make it any less shocking to Clarice. "I can't believe he managed to become the president of Carter Corporation."

Roland must be a very capable man to be hired even if he was just a stand- in president of a corporation as powerful as Carter Corporation.

The only thing he did not have going for him was his luck. Decker was far luckier to have his father favor him over Roland and to have married Clarice.

Decker's expression was heavy with emotion.

Roland's father had passed away, and his mother did not have any notable background to speak of. He always had to fight the uphill battle all by himself but still manage to cement himself as one of Decker's formidable nemeses.

Chapter 2095

As for Decker, he attained everything he had today by getting engaged to Clarice to get the support of the Houstons. With that, he went on to resort to countless schemes to take everything Roland had to his name.

Clarice must have sensed Decker's agitation and comforted him tenderly," Don't worry, Decker, you have me and my father. It doesn’t matter how resourceful Roland is. There's not a chance he can return to Southboro and reclaim Rockwell Corporation for himself.”

Decker smiled fairly and cupped her cheeks as he spoke affectionately,” Clarice, thank you for sticking by my side after all these years. | feel safer with you."

Clarice was completely enchanted. "I’m so lucky to be with you." As Decker inched in closer and kissed her, the image of Isabel surfaced in his mind against his will. The longer they kissed, the more their desire was aroused.

Soon, the two lost themselves in passion. Decker traced his hand along Clarice's body and accidentally muttered out loud, "Isabel."

Clarice stiffened and pushed him away abruptly. "What did you just call me?’ She stared at him with a wounded look in her tearful eyes.

It took Decker a split second to realize his mistake. He immediately pulled her back into his arms with a soft, endearing look in his eyes. He assured her calmly, "I was calling your name, Clarice."

He spoke with an intimate breath, a voice that could melt anyone’s heart. Clarice was still frowning skeptically, and it looked like she was about to cry, "Really? How come | heard you calling me Isa-" Before she could finish her sentence, he kissed her lips and muffled her words as he pinned his weight on her body.

She wanted to resist initially but soon gave away to his assertive, dominating presence. She felt her senses leaving her and being replaced with a primal desire.

After a kiss that seemed to last forever, Decker growled in her ear, "Don’t push me away. | can't resist you." Clarice was not putting up resistance anymore. She was completely seduced and moaned weakly.

Several hours later, Clarice opened her eyes again. She was lying on the same bed.

The curtains were drawn shut, and the room was dimly lit.

She sat up and looked around. Decker was nowhere to be seen.

She picked up her phone and saw a message from Decker that was sent roughly half an hour ago. "I’m heading out for a while to meet a business partner. Get some rest. I'll come to pick you up this evening and take you somewhere nice.”

Clarice smiled and replied, "I'll wait for you."

Her expression turned solemn after that. Her mood was blacker than the dark room. Now that she was fully rested, her mind was filled with clarity.

Decker had called her ’Isabel" when he was drunk with passion.

Isabel. There was no mistaking it.

How could he be thinking about Isabel of all people when they were making love?

It had been more than five years since he broke up with Isabel, so why was he still thinking about that wretched woman? She balled her hands into fists.

She could accept Decker having casual flings with other women to fill his time, but she would not accept herself not being the only woman in his heart!

A few days later, in Glanchester, as usual, Isabel spent the day on the set of "Legend of the Goddess".

After a hectic day of work, she finally returned to the hotel later that night. She was completely worn out and was about to jump in the shower when she received a call from Amanda.

Amanda did not even bother to greet her and went right to questioning her, "Isabel, have you gotten on anybody's nerves lately?” Isabel was caught off guard by the suddenness of it all. "No, what happened?"

She was completely occupied on the set of "Legend of the Goddess" recently, and the only ones she ever met were the crew members. She had been nothing but cordial with everyone, thus there was not a chance she could have stepped on anyone's toes.