Chapter 126: Family Reunion
After winning the championship the day before and releasing her emotions at the racing facility, Isabella arrived at work the next day in exceptional spirits. She looked radiant and glowing—even more vibrant than the young women in the office.
After the morning meeting, several secretaries couldn't help but stop Isabella.
"Isabella, did you get a facial or something? Is there some new spa treatment you tried? Your skin looks so much better than before!"
"It's not just her skin—Isabella's whole energy is different!" one secretary said while checking her makeup in a compact mirror and sighing. "I'm so jealous."
Working as Richard's secretary wasn't particularly demanding, but who actually enjoyed going to work?
The office grind just drained their spirits and turned happy people miserable.
"You're all still young—don't compare yourselves to me," Isabella laughed, making herself a cup of coffee and adding two extra sugar cubes.
Nina watched enviously. "My aesthetician already told me that at my age, I should start cutting back on sugar. If I keep indulging like this, my skin will age rapidly!"
Isabella stirred her coffee with a small spoon, laughing carelessly.
"Making me choke down black coffee would be the real torture."
Isabella had never been particularly concerned about her appearance anyway. Accepting natural aging was part of being human—rather than fighting it desperately, she'd rather live comfortably and stop torturing herself.
"I wish I could have your mindset, but the experts say that once women hit twenty-five, maintenance becomes crucial. Otherwise, you risk dramatic aging!"
Isabella found their terminology fascinating. Modern cosmetic clinics would say anything to extract money from young women—they could invent any concept and find buyers.
"Objectively speaking, cosmetic procedures can improve skin tightness, but once the effects wear off, you'll experience even more severe aging. I'd recommend getting proper sleep, maintaining healthy routines, and developing sound wellness habits instead."
During those early days after moving out of the Montagu Manor, Isabella felt constantly exhausted. Beyond work, just taking care of herself and Olivia was challenging—she had no energy for personal grooming.
Now with Mary helping with household tasks, Isabella finally had time for makeup and dressing up in the mornings.
When Richard wasn't back yet, they could chat for a while. Isabella was waiting for Emily to bring the experimental data.
This was their most leisurely part of the day—time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Richard soon finished his board meeting and walked in carrying a file folder.
Nina took the folder from Richard's hands, and the secretaries quickly dispersed to their respective tasks.
Only Isabella remained, holding her half-finished latte and smiling at Richard.
"Mr. Spencer, would you like some coffee?"
It was just polite conversation. The coffee beans for all the break rooms were purchased in bulk—decent quality for a company, but just mid-range brands.
Isabella assumed someone like Richard, with his refined lifestyle standards, wouldn't touch the same coffee as regular employees.
Surprisingly, Richard sat directly across from Isabella. "An iced americano, please."
Isabella wisely didn't question the boss's behavior and quietly prepared an iced americano, placing it in front of Richard.
"You look beautiful today," he said, holding his phone in one hand without looking up.
Isabella touched her face, feeling puzzled.
When she'd looked in the mirror that morning, she hadn't noticed anything unusual—she looked the same as always.
But since arriving at the office, multiple colleagues had commented on how good she looked. Were they just making it up, or was it psychological?
"Don't believe me?" Richard closed his phone, took a light sip of coffee, and asked with a smile.
Isabella shook her head. "It's not that I don't believe you, Mr. Spencer. It just sounds a bit... fabricated."
Isabella had outgrown girlish complexes. She didn't obsess over whether people genuinely thought she looked young or were just flattering her. When someone had sufficient capability, they'd earn respect regardless of appearance—that was reality.
"I just went to the racing track yesterday, ran a few laps, and vented some emotions. Didn't do anything else. Maybe your mood really does affect your overall state."
Isabella had spoken casually, but Richard nodded thoughtfully. "I tried racing for a while myself. Imagined I'd be as smooth as Michael Schumacher, but once I got on the track, I realized it wasn't nearly as simple as I'd thought."
Race cars moved much faster than regular vehicles. Beginners struggled to control the speed—one moment of inattention or poor judgment could result in a crash.
"After just a couple of casual laps, my neck was killing me. Haven't touched racing since then."
Isabella empathized completely. "Protecting your neck is pretty important when racing."
Professional drivers even trained their necks specifically to withstand the gravitational forces during turns. The skilled ones could crack walnuts with their shoulders and heads.
When necessary, these were life-saving skills—no joke.
"Maybe sometime when we get the chance, we could go to a racing facility together, and you could teach me," Richard said naturally.
His request wasn't excessive—it sounded more like polite conversation. Isabella nodded and smiled in agreement.
Emily had already come up to deliver the experimental data. Isabella quickly put on her lab coat and went downstairs to the laboratory with her.
Many experiments required constant monitoring. Isabella sat in the lab for the entire day.
Before she knew it, it was past eight PM.
Isabella removed her lab coat and returned to her office to organize the experimental data and materials.
As she prepared to leave for home, her phone rang in the elevator.
Isabella thought it might be a delivery notification, but when she answered, she heard William's voice.
"Grandfather returned to the country today. He wants us to have a family gathering. Are you free tonight?"