Isabella's mother looked furious, her jaw clenched tight. "That Emily Blair... she really doesn't know her place."

Isabella's father's face was grim. "It's not just Isabella. There's trouble on Benjamin Gomez's side too."

She frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Lately, it wasn't just them running around trying to help Isabella. Benjamin Gomez was right there with them. In fact, he seemed even more invested than they were. He had access to resources and knew how to get things done. His loyalty was obvious, and it touched them deeply. At this point, they basically treated Benjamin like a son. The three of them felt like family.

But recently, Benjamin hadn't been around much. Whenever they called, he simply said he was busy.

Isabella's father explained, "There's someone overseas looking into him. He went back to take care of it."

Her mother's frown deepened. "Is this Emily Blair's doing again?"

"There's no solid proof," he said quietly, "but who else could it be?"

Anger flared in Isabella's mother. She couldn't hold it in, her voice rising right there on the street. "What is Emily Blair's problem? Why is she so determined to destroy us? Why can't she just leave us alone?"

People nearby started to stare. Isabella's father gently squeezed her shoulder. “Let's go home and talk. We don't want to make a scene. Benjamin said he can handle things on his end, so let's focus on helping Isabella for now."

Isabella's mother took a deep breath, struggling to calm herself down. "You're right. Isabella comes first."

Without another word, he guided her into the car, and they drove away.

***

While Kevin Lane was talking with Isabella's parents, Amelia Lane had been standing nearby, catching every word.

On the way home, she couldn't hide how excited she felt. She promised Kevin Grandpa just do what you have to I have to

do Dennis and I will listen

and behave, we won't give you any trouble."

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Kevin kept his eyes closed, his voice slow and tired. "How are things going with you and Hanley?"

Amelia blinked, caught off guard.

Hanley was the guy she had been set up with recently. They'd been messaging

each other, and honestly, she was starting to like him.

Dennis looked over at her, curiosity all over his face. Amelia felt a bit embarrassed.

"Grandpa, why are you asking about that all of a sudden?"

Kevin answered, "His family has good connections in the capital."

She hesitated again.

Kevin went on, "I'm meeting his father tomorrow. You're coming with me. You know what you need to say and do, right?”

Amelia understood exactly what he was getting at, though it made her feel afttle awkward it was It was as if she was bartering herself. But this was for Isabella, so she couldn't say no.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. Hanley and I have been getting along. I know what to do." Kevin gave a gentle hum, letting the matter rest.

***

That same day, Elizabeth Wilson headed out to a client's office for a meeting. When she arrived, she was told the client was still busy with someone else and she'd have to wait.

Elizabeth didn't mind. She found a seat in the conference room and started going over documents with her assistant. After half an hour, she was starting to feel numb from sitting so long. FindNovel.net