Chapter 131: Inexperienced

Back at Cooper Villa, Jagger flopped onto the couch, looking totally wiped out and seriously stressed.

"What's eating you? Why the long face?" Elijah, lounging in a chair and sipping his tea, couldn't resist poking fun at Jagger's troubled expression.

Jagger glanced at Elijah, then leaned back and let out a heavy sigh. "Grandpa, cut me some slack, will you?"

Next to him, Isabella scooted closer with a cheeky grin. "Jagger, are you in love or something?"

"Isabella, quit it," Jagger said, shaking his head in exasperation.

"Don't even try to deny it. Look at you, your ears are all red!" Isabella giggled, then turned to Elijah. "Grandpa, look at Jagger. He's definitely hiding something!"

Elijah set down his teacup, a sharp glint in his eyes. Jagger had never shown interest in girls before, and now he seemed smitten?

"Spill it, who's the girl?" Elijah's voice was teasing but also curious.

Jagger was quiet for a moment, picturing Cecilia's stubborn little face.

"Grandpa, her name's Cecilia. She's... different," Jagger started, slowly explaining how he met Cecilia and her family situation.

Isabella listened intently, then chimed in. "Cecilia's really pretty and super brave. She saved Jasmine and me when we were in trouble!"

"Really?" Elijah's interest was piqued. A beautiful and brave girl? Not bad at all.

"Yeah, Grandpa, you'd love her! She's amazing," Isabella said eagerly, hoping Jagger could find happiness.

"Now I really want to meet Cecilia," Elijah said, stroking his beard. He turned to Jagger. "Bring her over for dinner sometime."

"Grandpa, she..." Jagger started, but Elijah cut him off.

"What? You won't do this for me?" Elijah pretended to be annoyed, glaring at him.

"It's not that, Grandpa, I just..." Jagger hesitated, unsure if Cecilia would agree.

"What? You haven't even tried to pursue her?" Isabella looked at him in surprise.

Jagger was at a loss for words, his face turning red.

"Never thought you'd struggle with a girl!" Elijah laughed heartily. "You're young, be persistent. There's no girl you can't win over!"

"Yeah, Jagger, go for it!" Isabella cheered, pumping her fist.

"She said we're not right for each other. Even if I try, it might be tough," Jagger said, waving his hand. "Plus, I'm worried about her situation."

Despite his words, his voice grew softer. Cecilia's guarded eyes kept flashing in his mind, stirring feelings he couldn't quite describe.

"Jagger, oh, come on. I can tell you like Cecilia!" Isabella said confidently, calling him out.

Jagger ruffled Isabella's hair with a helpless smile. Honestly, he wasn't sure what he felt for Cecilia, but every time he thought of her, it was like a string in his heart was gently plucked, causing ripples.

"Alright, it's getting late. Isabella, you should hit the sack. You've got figure skating practice tomorrow. Don't stay up too late, or you'll get dark circles," Elijah said, patting Isabella's hand affectionately.

"Okay, goodnight Grandpa, goodnight Jagger!" Isabella chirped, then skipped off to her room.

Once in her room, Isabella eagerly dialed Alexander's number. "Alexander, are you busy?"

"Just handling some paperwork, what's up, sweetheart?" Alexander's deep, magnetic voice came through, sounding tired but affectionate.

"My brother Jagger seems to have a crush on someone!" Isabella couldn't wait to spill the beans.

"Jagger? The Jagger we know actually has a thing for someone?" Alexander teased surprisedly.

"Yes, and it's Cecilia!" Isabella's voice was excited, like she had uncovered a big secret.

"Cecilia?" Alexander frowned slightly, recalling the information his bodyguards had gathered about Isabella's friends. There was a girl named Cecilia, a cool bass player at a bar. "How did they..."

"I don't know either, but Jagger was totally out of it today, definitely because of Cecilia!" Isabella was sure, then added worriedly, "But it seems like Cecilia doesn't like Jagger. What should we do?"

"Little fool, feelings aren't that simple. If Jagger really likes her, he should take the initiative and put in more effort." Alexander laughed, "Are you planning to give him advice?"

Isabella pouted, "I don't know much about this. I just wanted to ask if you have any experience!"

"Chasing girls? Sweetheart, I've never chased a girl in my life." Alexander's deep laughter came through the phone, with a hint of tenderness. "In my life, I only have you. How could I chase anyone else?"

Isabella's cheeks instantly turned hot, her heart feeling like it was filled with honey. Alexander's sweet words were always so straightforward yet irresistible.

"Alexander, you're so annoying!" Isabella pouted, her tone full of sweetness.

"I'm only annoying to you." Alexander chuckled, teasing her.

Listening to the warmth in his voice, Isabella felt a rush of sweetness in her heart.

"Alexander." Isabella's voice was soft, with a hint of coquettishness. "I miss you."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Alexander's deep voice came through, with a hint of suppressed huskiness. "What do you miss about me?"

Isabella's cheeks grew even hotter, her mind uncontrollably recalling Alexander's handsome face and the way he kissed her, both domineering and gentle.

"I'm not telling you!" Isabella was too shy to speak, and could only mumble a vague response before trying to hang up.

"No, don't hang up." Alexander's voice carried a hint of unnoticeable fluster, as if he was afraid Isabella would really hang up. "Tell me, sweetheart, what do you miss about me?"