Chapter 116 She Has Two Children

Chapter 116 She Has Two Children

The originally bustling banquet hall fell silent for a moment, then whispers began to spread through the crowd like a tide.

"Oh my God, who is that woman? She's absolutely gorgeous! When did Dr. Lopez ever have a woman by his side, especially such a stunning beauty?" a young socialite in a pink gown said jealously, almost forgetting to drink the champagne in her hand.

"How long have you been out of the loop? Everyone here knows who she is now. She's that daughter from the Mellon family, Isabella... the one who caused all that drama with Terry years ago and had his child!" a well-informed, wealthy lady immediately explained, her tone carrying a hint of excitement at the prospect of drama.

"What... Is it her? I remember she was abroad for several years. How did she end up with Robert as soon as she came back... The Lopez family is a medical dynasty, a family of scholars who value their reputation above all else. How could they possibly approve of her?" Another voice was full of doubt and disdain.

"Exactly, the Lopez family cares so much about their reputation. How could they let Robert be with a woman who's been married and had children?"

"You don't know the half of it. Although the Mellon family's stock has been a bit unstable lately, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse - they still have their foundation. Now that Isabella is personally in charge, I hear she's quite capable. She stabilized the situation shortly after taking over and seems ready to turn things around. The Lopez family focuses on biotech and medical equipment, while the Mellon family has deep roots in real estate and technology. If they joined through marriage, it would be a power couple!" a business insider analyzed.

"But... she has two children, and they're Terry's... Can the Lopez family really accept that? Robert's mother, Jennifer Foster, is famously picky. Getting her approval won't be easy."

"Hard to say. Look at the way Robert looks at her - so affectionate, practically glued to her. Robert has always kept himself clean, never had any women around him before, and now he's bringing her directly to such an important family dinner. Their relationship must be serious!"

"True, with Isabella's looks and presence, what man could resist? I just wonder if it's true love or just another wealthy family transaction." After speaking, they exchanged knowing smiles.

These comments weren't loud, but they still drifted into Isabella's ears in bits and pieces.

She remained composed, only tightening her grip slightly on Robert's arm. Her back straightened even more, her face wearing a proper but distant smile, chin slightly raised, like a proud swan, as if all the gossip around her had nothing to do with her.

She had expected this all along.

This was exactly why she chose to stand here. She wanted everyone to see. Now her goal was achieved.

"Don't mind them," Robert sensed her tension and whispered comfortingly in her ear, his warm breath brushing past her.

After speaking, he raised his hand as if to pat Isabella's head reassuringly, but halfway up, Robert noticed several camera flashes pointing at them. After thinking for a few seconds, he finally withdrew his hand.

Isabella turned her head and smiled at him, her smile carrying a hint of composure, signaling that she was fine.

Just then, a distinguished-looking middle-aged couple walked toward them.

The front man, Isabella had seen many times in financial news - he was Robert's father, Lawrence Lopez, chairman of the Lopez Group.

Over fifty years old but well-maintained, he wore a relaxed custom-tailored suit, his face carrying a smile. He looked refined and scholarly, but deep in his eyes lurked a ruthlessness forged through years in business.

When Isabella looked at the woman beside him, she couldn't look away.

That was Robert's mother, Jennifer.

They say time never defeats beauty, and this saying found its perfect embodiment in Jennifer.

She was nearly fifty but looked only in her thirties.

Today, she wore an emerald green velvet gown that outlined her well-maintained, graceful figure perfectly, still charming. Around her neck was a string of lustrous pearls that made her skin look even fairer. Her features were as delicate as a fine painting, her eyes gentle, but deep within those smiling eyes, one couldn't tell what she was really thinking.

One sentence could best describe her - she was the kind of woman who could say the cruelest things in the gentlest tone.

"Robert, you're finally here." Jennifer's gaze first rested on Robert for a second, then fell on Isabella. That look, warm yet scrutinizing, was like a soft measuring tape, quietly taking her measure.

"Dad, Mom." Robert greeted them politely.

"Mr. Lopez, Mrs. Lopez." Isabella also smiled in greeting, her manner composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Isabella," Jennifer's face showed a perfectly crafted smile. She warmly took Isabella's hand and patted it gently, the gesture so natural as if they had known each other for a long time. "Long time no see, you've grown even more beautiful. Our Robert finally has some taste."

The words sounded like praise but also directly defined their relationship.

Isabella felt a bit awkward and wanted to explain, but Robert beat her to it.

He suddenly leaned close to Isabella's ear and said in a voice only they could hear, with a hint of helplessness, "Isabella, do me a favor. My mom has been pushing me to go on blind dates lately, arranging all kinds of socialites and ladies. I'm really fed up with it. Tonight, could you... Just pretend to be my girlfriend and help me get through this? Just for tonight, please. As you can see, these people all know you, and only you could make my mom believe it."

Isabella froze.

Pretend to be his girlfriend?

This scenario was just too... dramatic.

Her first instinct was to refuse. But meeting Robert's eyes full of hope and pleading, and remembering all the things he had done for her, the words of refusal stuck in her throat.

Besides, wasn't this why she was standing here tonight? To send a signal to the outside world? Pretending to be his girlfriend would undoubtedly make that signal the strongest. This could both completely dash Terry's hopes and shut up all the gossipers.

"Isabella?" Jennifer watched the two whispering intimately, her smile deepening. "If Robert bullies you, tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson for you."

Isabella steeled herself.

She turned her head and showed Jennifer a smile that was somewhat shy yet graceful. That just-right shyness added a touch of gentle charm to her cool demeanor, making her even more captivating.

"Mrs. Lopez, I'm just... a bit embarrassed."