Chapter 13 Late
+8 Pearls
“Stop feeling bad about it. Having a fiance who doesn’t even like you is more of a headache,” Isabelle said confidently. “There are plenty of men out there. Who says I can’t find someone better? As for relying on connections–do I look like I need that?”
Her tone was bold and unyielding.
Lennon sighed. “I have no idea where you get this confidence from. Don’t forget, you’re not a Powell Family noble anymore.”
“Sure, I’m not a Powell Family noble, but I’m still Isabelle,” she replied calmly.
Isabelle wasn’t just any socialite–she had carved out a reputation for herself in the shadows, where her name carried far more weight than the Powell Family ever could.
“You’re just being stubborn,” Lennon muttered, shaking his head. He felt Isabelle’s pride was getting the better of her.
After all, she had been a noble lady her whole life, raised with her own sense of dignity. Even now, stripped of that title, she wouldn’t lower her head so easily. If it were him, losing the Powell Family’s name would mean clinging to this fiance no matter what.
“Even if you do break off the engagement, don’t offend him. If he gets angry and blacklists you, we’d have no way to recover from that,” he warned.
Isabelle shot him a glance. “Got it. Why are you so naggy? You sound like a fussy mother.”
Lennon opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it, not wanting to waste more time arguing. “Fine, fine. I’ll call for a car.”
As Lennon went to hail a cab, Isabelle followed behind him.
Nearby, Cody’s car had just pulled up, with Tom driving and Toby opening the door for him.
“Boss, isn’t that Ms. Powell trying to get a cab?” Toby commented, spotting Isabelle and Lennon.
Tom gave him a side–eye. “Why do you care? Mind your own business.”
Cody glanced at Toby, his expression indifferent. If Toby had been more alert last night, Isabelle wouldn’t have gotten the upper hand.
Toby quickly lowered his head. “Got it, boss. I’ll stay out of it.”
He climbed into the car, and they drove off just as Lennon successfully hailed a cab for Isabelle.
Before stepping into the car, Isabelle waved cheekily at Toby, who was left speechless.
“What are you looking at?” Cody asked when he noticed Toby lingering.
Startled, Toby quickly got in and stammered, “Nothing, boss. I wasn’t looking at anything.”
Cody said no more and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes for a brief rest.
Isabelle and Lennon’s cab eventually arrived at Downtown Village, only to be caught in a traffic jam.
The cause could be explained by the news that the show’s production crew was coming to the filming location, which had attracted a crowd of onlookers, including some influencers trying to piggyback on the hype.
Among them was Michelle, the same influencer from the day before.
Lennon called the director. “Mr. Indigo, we’re stuck in traffic on the way into the village. There’s a huge crowd, and we might be a few minutes late. I hope you can understand.”
Indigo didn’t sound pleased. “Why is it that everyone else managed to be on time, but Isabelle is running late? Does she still think she’s a Powell Family noble?”
“Not at all,” Lennon assured him quickly. “It’s just that the crowd outside is making it difficult to get through.”
3:55 PM.
Chapter 13 Late
He spent several minutes explaining, but Indigo hung up, clearly still annoyed.
The news of Isabelle’s delay quickly spread among the cast.
+8 Pearls
Taylor, a younger actress who often clashed with Isabelle and envied her beauty, was the first to complain. “What’s Isabelle’s deal? We’re guests here, and she’s the host. How is she not here yet?”
Levi Jack, an idol who had a crush on Isabelle, tried to defend her. “Maybe what happened last night affected her. She might’ve gone to bed late and couldn’t wake up in time.”
“Exactly,” chimed in Ashen Blythe, a retired actress known for being diplomatic. “We should try to understand her. Being a little late isn’t the end of the world.”
Ashen was in her mid–forties and had mostly stepped back from acting. She participated in the show more for fun and to earn some pocket money. Her laid–back approach meant she didn’t have ulterior motives, and she often played the role of peacemaker among the group.
“Still,” Taylor argued, “we agreed to have breakfast at 8.30. If she doesn’t arrive by 8, how is she going to prepare anything in time?”
Taylor seemed eager to stir trouble, especially now that Isabelle was no longer seen as a noble after the events of the previous night.
“Do you think she won’t show up at all?” Taylor added, a smug grin creeping onto her face. She had never gotten along with Isabelle and wasn’t shy about it, even on the live broadcast.
“Actually, Isabelle isn’t the only one missing,” actor Finley chimed in. “Tiana hasn’t arrived yet either.”
Finley wasn’t taking sides; he was simply stating facts. Having survived a car accident that left him with lingering health issues, Finley now focused on smaller roles and only joined this show at a friend’s insistence to promote an upcoming film.
“Tiana called earlier,” Taylor countered. “She said she ran into fans at the Downtown Village entrance but would be here soon.”
Just then, Tiana arrived, bowing apologetically. “I’m so sorry for being late. I heard Isabelle isn’t here yet, so I brought breakfast for everyone. There are buns, croissants, and oat milk. Please help yourselves.”
Taylor glanced at the food suspiciously. “This isn’t from a street stall, is it? Is it even safe to eat?”
Her comment made everyone hesitate, even those who wanted to praise Tiana for her thoughtfulness.
Tiana’s smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. “Don’t worry, Taylor. I’ve lived here for years and know which places are both clean and delicious. For example, these buns are made fresh every day. The owners wake up at 3 a.m. to prepare the filling. The food comes from Cedar’s shop, where everything is made to order, and the oat milk is freshly ground too.”
With that, she started describing all the best breakfast spots in Downtown Village, each one chosen for its quality and taste.
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