Chapter 147 Determining the Construction Period
Bruce considered for a moment. "Three days. I need that time to finalize the water and electrical layouts. That way we won't hit any delays once construction starts."
Thalia stood behind him, studying the blueprints. "I know people in building materials. I can connect you—eco-friendly, durable supplies at unbeatable prices."
Bruce nodded appreciatively. "That would save us a significant amount."
Isabella stared at the ruins before her, then down at the blueprint. The weight on her chest eased, just a little.
She looked at Bruce earnestly. "Thank you for all of this."
"It's my job." Bruce waved off her gratitude, his tone steady. "If anything needs adjusting during construction, I'll contact you immediately. And if you think of anything new, let me know."
Isabella's voice was thick with emotion. "I will. Thank you for staying on top of this."
Bruce nodded. "I'll notify you when we break ground."
"Thank you, Bruce!" Isabella couldn't find any other words.
Bruce smiled and left with his crew. Thalia stepped forward, resting a hand on Isabella's shoulder.
"Everything's falling into place. You can breathe now."
Isabella clasped her hand. "Thalia, thank you for driving me out here. And for the connections."
Thalia's grin turned playful. "Don't thank me yet—I have an ulterior motive. I'm planning to keep you working for me forever."
"Working for you is the best thing that's happened to me." Isabella meant it. Under Thalia's guidance, she was learning so much, and Thalia's warmth had been a lifeline.
Thalia's smile widened. "Then it's settled."
Isabella brightened. "Thalia, there's a local place in town with amazing food. Let me treat you."
Thalia nodded. "I won't say no to that. Let's go."
They got in the car. As Thalia reversed, the sharp crunch of metal was followed by an irritated voice.
"Can you even drive? You just ran over my bike!"
Thalia immediately stopped, threw open the door, and hurried out. A bicycle lay crushed beneath her rear tire.
The wheel rim was completely flattened, and two bundles of chrysanthemums in the basket were destroyed.
"Do you have any idea how valuable those flowers—Thalia?" A cool male voice cut through the air.
Donny had been ready to unleash his full fury, but when he looked up and saw who'd gotten out of the car, he froze.
Thalia looked equally stunned. "Donny? What are you doing here?"
At the sound of his name, Isabella stepped out of the car. Their eyes met, and Donny broke into a smile.
"Fate seems determined to keep crossing our paths. I was actually on my way to find you, but I didn't expect to meet like this."
Isabella glanced at the mangled bicycle, guilt written across her face. "Mr. Dickson, I'm so sorry. The grass is overgrown here—Thalia didn't see it. She drove me out here as a favor. I'll pay for the bike."
Donny laughed. "Don't worry about it. I was just trying to scare off whoever was tearing through town. I didn't expect it to be you two."
Thalia looked between them, surprised. "You know each other?"
Isabella looked equally curious. "Thalia, you know him?"
Thalia nodded, smiling. "We went to the same high school. He was in my brother's class and used to hang out at our house all the time. What about you two?"
Isabella smiled, marveling at the coincidence. "We were in the same elementary school class. We just reconnected the last time I was back."
Donny crossed his arms, nodding. "Small world. So where are you two headed?"
Thalia explained briefly. Donny immediately perked up. "Since we ran into each other, mind if I tag along?"
"Of course not. I wrecked your bike—the least I can do is buy you lunch." Thalia felt genuinely bad.
Donny waved it off. "Don't worry about it. It's just an old bike. The town's full of narrow paths where you can only use bikes, so I keep several spares."
Isabella remembered Rodolfo mentioning that Donny made house calls on his bicycle. It seemed to be true.
She made a mental note to buy him a new one when she got back.
Thalia ushered them both into the car. With old friends reunited, conversation flowed effortlessly.
"So you really became a doctor?"
Donny nodded. "Of course. I'm working at the community clinic in town now."
Thalia's eyes widened. "The community clinic? I remember my brother saying you got accepted to State Medical Center—"
"You must be exhausted from the drive. The scenery around here is beautiful—you should stay an extra day." Donny cut her off smoothly, clearly not wanting her to continue.
Thalia had seen enough of the world to read between the lines.
She remembered her brother mentioning that Donny had been accepted to State Medical Center—a golden opportunity. But now he was working in a small-town clinic. Something didn't add up.
She glanced at Isabella in the back seat, who was lost in thought again. That wasn't unusual.
Then she noticed Donny watching Isabella through the rearview mirror, and the pieces fell into place.
She sighed quietly. "Fate can be cruel."
Donny didn't catch it. "Thalia, what did you say?"
Thalia shook her head. "Nothing. I have to head back tonight—I've got something I need to handle."
Since Isabella's business was mostly wrapped up, there was no reason to stay. And she'd noticed Isabella had brought her bag, which meant she wasn't planning to return with her anyway.
The three of them arrived at the town's largest restaurant and chose a table by the window.
"Thalia, I'm going to wash my hands."
Thalia smiled. "Sure, we'll wait for you."
As Isabella walked away, Donny's gaze followed her.
Thalia rapped her knuckles on the table. "Stop staring—you'll burn a hole through her back."
Donny gave a rueful smile. "Thalia, you never miss anything."
Thalia's expression turned serious. "You and Isabella were elementary school classmates, right? How long has it been since you were in touch?"
If they'd stayed in contact, he would know she was married.
Donny answered honestly. "Over ten years. We just ran into each other a few days ago."
Thalia pressed her palm to her forehead, her tone heavy. "So you don't know anything about her current situation."
Donny sensed the weight in her words. "Thalia, just say what you need to say."
Thalia didn't sugarcoat it. "Isabella's married."