Chapter 57: To Lay Down and Do Nothing

Isabella examined the investment charts Alexander had brought home, feigning comprehension. Her gaze, however, drifted to Alexander himself. His white bathrobe hung open, the chandelier highlighting his muscular physique. With each breath, his chest rose and fell, a display of quiet power. His damp hair and brows added to his allure. Oh, the allure of beauty! she mused. Why does the CEO exude such casual yet refined charm out of his suit? I'm increasingly reluctant to consider divorce. Keeping him around as eye candy sounds like a good plan.

Alexander's contented expression froze. Why did the thought of divorce come up again? he wondered. In two months, his crush and (he believed) first love, Eleanor, would return, bringing drama and ambiguity. Eleanor would play the victim, he'd misunderstand, and Isabella would be caught in the middle. He took a deep breath. Where on earth did she get such ideas? Can't she check my memories? he thought. Yes, she was my crush, but definitely not my first love!

During university, he and Eleanor had a mutual admiration. She pursued him, and they began dating. His reserved nature and discomfort with intimacy meant their relationship consisted mainly of academic activities. They hadn't even shared a passionate kiss. However, Eleanor subtly hinted at their romance to others, and rumors spread wildly. Hannah heard them all. The entire school believed they were madly in love—a far cry from the truth. Eleanor then abruptly broke up with him to go abroad, and he accepted it.

He hadn't pursued other relationships due to the demands of the family business. Everyone assumed it was because he couldn't let go of Eleanor, but that wasn't true. He wasn't even sure their relationship constituted love, and witnessing his siblings' foolish romantic decisions only strengthened his doubts. He couldn't, however, confront Isabella directly. He considered her a gossip who would eventually discover the truth on her own; he'd never divorce for a stranger. She would remain his wife, and they could work on their marriage sincerely. He had already started following his parents' advice, indulging Isabella's whims in private to cultivate their relationship. More often than not, though, she annoyed him.

Isabella was misunderstood. She wasn't a privacy invader; she only investigated juicy gossip. Alexander was merely someone who met her aesthetic standards—barely a friend. Divorce was inevitable. If she fell for him, it would be troublesome. She acknowledged his charm. Accustomed to living alone, she was self-sufficient and found it hard to genuinely care for someone—hence her previous single status.

Just as Isabella considered teasing Alexander, her phone vibrated. Huh? Why does it feel like my financial luck has been absurd lately? Just because I ordered takeout, it's worth this much? Why are there decimals? She showed Alexander the screen.

His eyebrows rose slightly. "She must have given you all her spare change. She's focusing on painting and exams, so she won't need it. Consider it a gift."

Isabella replied with a "Thanks, Rich Lady" sticker and transferred most of the money to Alexander.

Alexander smiled upon receiving a notification. The annoyance Isabella had caused vanished.

"Rosalie really has some backbone," Isabella commented. "She could have pleaded with you, but she chose to rely on her own abilities."

Rosalie felt her lost chance was a punishment for her foolishness. Now, she wouldn't give up on her dreams. With no spots available, she'd take the exam for her dream art academy. Even if it was harder, she wouldn't quit.

Alexander smiled. "It might not be a bad thing. Overcoming adversity makes one appreciate things more. It's better than being deceived by some reckless youth later. I believe she has the potential because she truly loves painting."

Isabella reflected. Everyone had dreams. Was her lack of dreams linked to her past struggles? Had I been born into wealth, would I have had ambitions? she wondered. She considered pursuing her own dreams.

A few days later: No, I've changed my mind. Why wouldn't a laid-back life of doing nothing be considered a dream? I just want to strive for a life of ease!

Hayden remembered Isabella, and she was taken under Christopher and Hayden's wing. They enrolled her in various classes, aiming to create the illusion of a promising artist to attract a talent agent. Their plan was to lure an agent with a high salary offer and grant them recruiting authority, thus maintaining the studio while Isabella slacked off.

Isabella lasted three days. At 8:00 AM on the fourth, Christopher woke her. At breakfast, she regretted giving up her carefree life. She contemplated abandoning the entertainment industry.

Seeing only Christopher and Rosalie at the table (Alexander and Evian had already left), she thought, They're not just exceptional, but they also work harder. No wonder they're wealthy!

After a rushed breakfast and greetings, Rosalie went to her studio. Christopher watched Isabella slowly eat her salad. Her lethargy exasperated him. Isabella felt frustrated until she noticed something strange. "Strange. Why are you here today?"