Chapter 135 Concession

Seeing Isabella's serious face, Alexander couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and ruffled her soft hair, his voice gentle. "Girls just get each other better. When we get to the hospital, if Cecilia's upset, you go cheer her up."

"Got it, no problem!" Isabella said, patting her chest confidently, making Alexander's smile widen.

Jasmine, watching from the side, couldn't resist teasing, "Mr. Brown, you're quite the charmer, aren't you? You really know how to win over the ladies."

Alexander turned to Jasmine, a strange glint in his eyes, and replied calmly, "I just know how to make Isabella happy. As for the rest, I have no clue."

"Alexander!" Isabella's face turned bright red at his words, and she called out playfully, her voice tinged with shyness.

Seeing her blush, Alexander's smile grew as he pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear, "Alright, it's getting late; let's get going."

Isabella nodded, letting Alexander hold her hand as they got into the car.

They arrived at the hospital quickly, and as soon as they got out, Isabella saw Jagger trying to stop Cecilia from leaving.

"Ms. Thorne, please cooperate! The doctor said your wound needs more treatment. What if it gets infected?" Jagger's voice was anxious, but he seemed helpless against Cecilia.

"None of your business! I know my own body. It's just a small wound; it won't kill me!" Cecilia snapped, shaking off Jagger's hand, her tone cold and stubborn.

Jagger kept trying, "Ms. Thorne, I know you're upset, but your health is important. You can't..."

"I said it's none of your business!" Cecilia interrupted, raising her voice. "My life is worthless! A few more wounds don't matter!"

"Cecilia!" Jagger's tone turned stern as he tried another approach. "Don't forget, your mom is still waiting for you! She's about to have surgery and needs a lot of money. Even if you tried your best, it would be hard to gather that much money quickly."

Cecilia's body stiffened, her face paling, but her tone stayed firm. "So what? Even if I have to pay any price, I'll find a way to save my mom!"

Jagger paused, at a loss for words.

"If you really want to help me, then stop blocking my way!" Cecilia said coldly, turning to leave.

"Cecilia, can you really bear to see your mom in trouble?" Jagger grabbed her arm.

"Let go of me!" Cecilia struggled, but couldn't break free from Jagger's grip.

"Cecilia, Jagger, calm down." Isabella quickly stepped in, her soft voice urgent. "Let's sit down and talk, okay?"

Alexander and Jasmine walked over too. Alexander subtly shielded Isabella behind him, his deep gaze sweeping over the two before landing on Cecilia. He spoke up, his tone indifferent, "Ms. Thorne, I've looked into your situation. Your mom's treatment is going to cost a lot, but we can help."

Cecilia looked up at Alexander, her tone icy. "No need. I appreciate the offer, but I'll handle my own affairs."

Seeing Cecilia so stubborn, Isabella couldn't help but try to persuade her, "Ms. Thorne, I know you're hurting right now, but you need to think about your mom."

Cecilia looked at the petite and cute Isabella, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, her tone still cold. "Mind your own business."

"Cecilia, you..." Jagger started, but Alexander's look stopped him.

"Ms. Thorne, I get it. You might not want help right now, but this isn't charity. Think of it as concern from friends," Alexander said, his voice calm but firm. "Your mom's illness can't wait. Please, put her health first." With that, he took a glance at Jagger.

Jagger caught on and added sincerely, "Ms. Thorne, your mom's surgery can't be delayed. I can lend you the money, and you can pay me back later."

Cecilia's heart tightened. Jagger was right; her mom's condition couldn't wait. She bit her lip, torn inside.

Seeing her hesitation, Isabella stepped up, gently taking Cecilia's hand. Her voice was soft but earnest. "Cecilia, please take Jagger's offer. I grew up without a mom, and I always wished I could feel a mother's love. If my mom needed money for treatment, I'd do anything to help her, even borrow money."

Isabella's clear, sincere eyes made it hard to refuse. Her words, though simple, were full of strength, touching Cecilia deeply.

Cecilia looked at the petite, kind Isabella, her eyes reddening, and felt her defenses start to crumble.

Alexander watched, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. Isabella had a way of making people feel warm and safe. "Ms. Thorne, Isabella's right. Family is everything," Alexander's voice was low and convincing. "Your mom raised you. Now she needs you. Borrowing money isn't shameful. We're not giving you charity; we're helping a friend."

Cecilia's gaze shifted between Isabella and Alexander, her heart in turmoil. She knew they genuinely wanted to help, but could she accept it?

"Cecilia, stop hesitating. Your mom's illness can't wait," Jagger urged. "You know she needs the money for surgery."

Cecilia took a deep breath, finally deciding. She looked at Jagger, her tone firm. "Alright, I agree. Please lend me the money."

Jagger and Isabella both smiled in relief. "Great, let's not waste time," Alexander said, raising an eyebrow at Jagger. "Take Ms. Thorne to pay the fees."

Jagger gave Alexander a grateful look, then turned to Cecilia, speaking gently, "Let's go, Ms. Thorne. I'll help you with the paperwork."

Cecilia nodded and followed Jagger out of the room.

As they left, Jasmine leaned close to Isabella and whispered, "Mr. Brown is quite the smooth talker. No wonder you're so into him."

Isabella's cheeks turned pink, and she softly retorted, "What do you mean I'm into him? I'm not!"

"Look at you, your face is all red," Jasmine teased with a grin. "But seriously, Mr. Brown is caring, gentle, and charming. If I were you, I wouldn't be able to resist either."

Isabella, too embarrassed to respond, fiddled with her clothes, thinking to herself, 'Alexander isn't trying to charm me; he's just being nice.'