Chapter 123 Knows How to Make People Happy
Isabella paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I remember. What's up?"
"The person who hurt me is gonna be at this summit too," Alexander said, his voice carrying a hint of coldness.
Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. "Who is it? Why did they hurt you?"
Alexander didn't answer her question. Instead, he gently patted her head, his tone gentle but firm. "So, you can't come with me this time. Stay home and wait for me, okay?"
Even though Isabella had a ton of questions, she had always been obedient and sensible. So, hearing Alexander's words, she didn't push any further and nodded. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Isabella thought that since Alexander would be gone for a few days, she could work on renovating the garden. But before she could share her garden plans with Aurora, she got a call from Elijah. "Isabella, it's your grandpa," Elijah's voice came through the line.
"Grandpa!" Isabella called out sweetly, "What's up?"
Elijah pretended to be angry. "It's summer break and you didn't come to see me. Have you forgotten about me?"
"No way, Grandpa! How could I forget you?" Isabella quickly explained, "I went on a trip to Azure Haven with Alexander and just got back. I was planning to come see you!"
"Azure Haven?" Elijah's tone was skeptical. "Why didn't you tell me about the trip beforehand? Were you afraid I'd interrupt your time together?"
"Grandpa, what are you talking about!" Isabella's face turned red, and she said shyly, "It was a last-minute thing, so I didn't get a chance to tell you. We can go together next time!"
"That's more like it," Elijah's tone softened. "Since you're back, come stay with me for a few days. I'm bored alone at home."
Isabella looked at Alexander, feeling a bit troubled. "But..."
Alexander understood her concerns and took the phone, speaking in a deep voice, "Grandpa, I have a business trip in a few days. Leaving Isabella alone at home isn't safe, and it's better for her to stay with you."
"Alright then," Elijah was satisfied. "It's settled. I'll send someone to pick her up."
Three days later, Alexander packed his luggage, ready to leave for the neighboring state. Isabella clung to his arm, rubbing her cheek against his chest, her voice full of reluctance. "Alexander, do you really have to go for so long? I'll miss you."
Alexander looked down at Isabella, who was acting like a little kitten in his arms, and felt a wave of tenderness. He raised his hand and gently rubbed her head, his tone indulgent. "Be good. The company's matters are important. I'll come back as soon as I can, okay?"
"Alright then," Isabella reluctantly let go, her eyes looking at him pitifully, "Alexander, I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too," Alexander said while planting a kiss on her forehead. "Be good and listen to Grandpa. Call me if you need anything."
"Okay!" Isabella nodded vigorously, instantly cheered up like a pampered kitten.
At that moment, a military green Jeep stopped at the villa entrance. A young man got out of the car and walked up to Alexander. "Mr. Brown, Mr. Cooper sent me to pick up Ms. Johnson."
"Thank you," Alexander nodded slightly, then turned to Isabella. "Isabella, go ahead. Don't keep Grandpa waiting."
"Okay," Isabella hugged Alexander again before reluctantly following the young man to the car.
Alexander watched the car leave until it was out of sight, then turned back to the villa.
When Isabella arrived at the Cooper Villa, Elijah was sitting in the living room drinking tea. Upon seeing Isabella, his previously stern face immediately softened into a kind smile. "Isabella, come here and let me have a good look at you."
"Grandpa!" Isabella called out sweetly, rushing into Elijah's arms like a happy little bird.
"My darling!" Elijah hugged her tightly, his tone full of affection. "You look thinner. Has Alexander been neglecting you? Tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson!"
"No, no, Alexander treats me very well!" Isabella quickly explained, her face slightly red. "I just wanted to lose weight and didn't eat much. It's not Alexander's fault."
"Don't diet, it's not good for you! You're too thin. I'll have the chef make you some delicious food to nourish you!" Elijah said while gently patting her hand, carrying a hint of reproach.
"Okay, thank you, Grandpa!" Isabella agreed obediently, but inwardly felt a bit helpless.
The food at Elijah's house was indeed delicious, but the portions were too large. She could never finish it all and didn't dare to leave any leftovers, so she had to force herself to eat it all, which made her helpless.
"What are you thinking about now?" Elijah looked at her mischievous expression and immediately knew what she was thinking, pretending to be stern.
"No, no, Grandpa, nothing!" Isabella quickly denied, her eyes looking at him innocently. "I was just thinking that since you're so good to me, I must be filial to you!"
Elijah was amused by her words, then tapped her forehead affectionately. "You little rascal, always making me happy!"
Isabella was surrounded by all kinds of delicious pastries at the Cooper Villa, and when she received a call from Jasmine, she was happily munching on a macaron.
Jasmine's excited voice came through. "Isabella, come out tonight! Echo Band is performing at the Timeless Bar, my treat!"
"Echo Band? Is that the... the..." Isabella tried to recall, uncertainly asking, "The rock band?"
Jasmine quickly said, "Yes, yes! That's them! They're super cool!"
Isabella wasn't really into rock music, but since Jasmine was so excited, she agreed right away. "Sure, what time tonight? Where should I meet you?"
"Let's meet at eight o'clock, at the entrance of the Timeless Bar!" Jasmine responded.
"Alright!" Isabella agreed readily.
Looking at her phone, Isabella smiled helplessly. Jasmine was still as energetic as ever.
At 7:30 PM, Jagger was about to leave and could give Isabella a ride.
"Jagger, I can take a cab. You don't have to go out of your way," Isabella said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"It's no trouble. It's on my way," Jagger said calmly. Though his tone was cold as ever, Isabella knew that Jagger was just not good with words and was actually very kind to her.
When they arrived at the Timeless Bar, Jasmine was already waiting at the entrance, wearing a fiery red dress that made her look stunning and her features strikingly beautiful.
"Isabella, you're finally here!" Jasmine grabbed Isabella's hand excitedly, "Let's go in!"
Isabella didn't have a chance to speak before Jasmine pulled her into the bar, and as they reached the entrance, a tall woman brushed past them. The woman was wearing a black tank top, revealing a lot of delicate skin. She had on tight jeans that accentuated her long, straight legs. Her wine-red curly hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, making her look both alluring and sexy.
She was carrying a black bass guitar while holding a cigarette, her red nails flickering in the smoke, exuding a lazy and rebellious vibe.
As the woman passed by Jagger, she paused for a moment, and turned to him, her gaze bold and direct.