Chapter 14

After leaving Sunpeak Construction, Roy and Jack both sighed in relief. "Jubel, is that it for this matter?" Jack asked.

Jubel nodded. "Yeah, they're in the wrong. They won't take it to court."

"So, what's next?" Roy inquired.

"Next, we head to the police station to pick up Alex," Jubel said. Isabel gave them a comforting smile. The footage had already been handed over to clear him.

Jack and Roy nodded in admiration. They knew that without Isabel's intervention, they would have been at a loss. The group of black-suited bodyguards alone had been enough to intimidate them.

Before long, they managed to bring Alex back home. Seeing them return, Hannah was overjoyed. "Thank goodness! You're all safe. Tonight, I'll cook something special to celebrate!" she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Mom, you don't even know how incredible Isabel was today! If it weren't for her, Alex wouldn't be back…" Roy eagerly recounted the day's events.

"It's not a big deal," Isabel said with a grin, casually dismissing the praise. "I'm going to check on Dad now."

A few days later, the Clyde family arranged a dinner with the Swanson family. "Mr. and Mrs. Swanson, this is our daughter, Amelia! We brought her here today to formally introduce her," Rosy said with a smile. Amelia greeted them graciously. But Mrs. Swanson glanced at her briefly, maintaining a polite smile while sneering internally. This? she wondered. A true princess? She's nothing but a bumpkin. Look at all those gaudy accessories—she's no better than nouveau riche. She lacked any sense of refinement.

"Mr. Swanson," Caius said, testing the waters, "the kids are all grown up now, and Amelia just turned eighteen. I think it's about time we started planning their marriage. It would give us peace of mind as parents."

Mr. Swanson looked at his wife, who replied with a polite smile. "No rush," Mrs. Swanson said. "Amelia's only eighteen, and she's just reunited with your family. She and Liam haven't had much opportunity to bond yet. Let's give them some time to get to know each other better."

Caius and Rosy's smiles froze. They both realized the Swansons were stalling.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Caius raised his glass to Mr. Swanson, steering the conversation elsewhere.

"Dad, Mom, I'm stepping out for a moment," Liam said, bored with the topic, rising from the table.

As Liam left, Rosy quickly gave Amelia a knowing look. Catching on instantly, Amelia excused herself and followed him. Amelia liked Liam as her fiancé. She considered him far superior to the crippled fiancé the Galvez family had arranged for her. The Swanson family held prestige and impeccable reputation. Amelia knew marrying into such a family would guarantee a life of luxury and ease.

"Excuse me, Mr. Swanson," Amelia said, catching up with Liam.

"Something you need?" Liam asked, giving her a once-over. This woman is too tacky! he thought. Compared to Isabel, Amelia is way out of her league. I prefer Isabel's cool and distant demeanor.

"Mr. Swanson, are you getting some air? I'll keep you company. After all, you're my fiancé. Even though we've never met before, I've admired you for a long time…" Amelia said coyly.

Liam looked at her exaggerated mannerisms and smirked. Trying to seduce me, huh? he thought. Women like this are a dime a dozen. What a disgrace for the Clyde family to have such a shameless daughter. But since she was throwing herself at him, Liam saw no reason to reject her. He hooked a finger under her chin.

"You really like me?" he asked.

"Yes," Amelia shyly lowered her head.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever been in a relationship before?"

Amelia shook her head. "Never. Not even once."

She recalled her family's past struggles. The Galvez family had many mouths to feed, including a disabled father. No one dared propose matches for their daughters—nobody wanted to marry into their family. Even Roy, her elder sister, had never been introduced to anyone. Their dire circumstances scared everyone away.

"Really?" Liam said, his interest piqued. "Fine, I can help you with that."

He took Amelia's hand and guided her into a nearby lounge. Amelia followed hesitantly, unsure of what to expect.

"Mr. Swanson, what are you doing?" she asked nervously.

"Relax. You said you liked me, didn't you?" Liam started undressing her. "This is how I show my affection."

"Mr. Swanson, I don't think…" Amelia stammered, terrified.

"Oh, I see, you're not interested in a relationship with me," Liam said, feigning sadness. "Well, I guess I'll just leave then. Sorry for the misunderstanding."

He made as if to leave. Amelia panicked and grabbed his arm.

"Oh please, Mr. Swanson, just stay with me!" she begged.

"Fine, if that's what you want, then I'll stay," Liam said, a smirk of triumph crossing his face.

Meanwhile, Isabel and Seraphina were relaxing at a restaurant.

"Isabel, I know things aren't what they used to be for you. If you ever need anything, just holler, alright?" Seraphina said, leaning back, her eyes full of concern.

"Don't worry about me, I'm good!" Isabel laughed, waving her hand dismissively as she took a sip of her drink. She knew that since Seraphina discovered she wasn't the real Clyde daughter, she'd been worrying about her, but Isabel was used to it.

Just then, Seraphina's phone buzzed. After a quick call, she stood, grabbing her coat. "My dad needs me for something. I'm going to bounce," she said, flashing Isabel a smile.

"Alright, I'm about done here too. You go ahead, I'll have the waiter box up some food," Isabel said, giving Seraphina a reassuring nod. She planned to take it to Blake at the hospital later.

"See you soon!" Seraphina said, heading out.

After she left, Isabel sat, waiting for her food. A waiter approached with a tray. "Your order's ready, Miss. Enjoy!"

Isabel grabbed the bag and headed toward the exit, but as she was about to leave, the lounge door swung open with a loud thud. Liam stepped out, casually adjusting his belt. His eyes landed on Isabel, and his jaw tightened.

"Isabel Galvez," he said, his voice dripping with surprise.

Amelia followed closely behind him, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Isabel. She froze, then stormed forward, fists clenched.

"Isabel, what the hell are you doing here?" she snapped, her voice laced with irritation. "You must've found out the Swanson and Clyde families are meeting here today. You came to mess it up, didn't you?"

"Let me make this crystal clear: I'm the real Clyde daughter, and Liam's my fiancé. So you'd better stop drooling over him, or I'll make sure you regret it!"

Isabel shot her a cold look, lips curling into a mocking smile. "Shut your mouth. You've been sold off and still think you're in charge! I've seen plenty of idiots, but you're next level stupid." She leaned closer, her voice low and biting.

"Who are you calling stupid—" Amelia began, stepping toward Isabel.

Liam, enjoying the chaos, draped an arm around Amelia's shoulder, his smirk widening. "See? Amelia's the real deal now, and we're the real couple." He looked at Isabel, his voice full of mock sympathy. "I thought I was going to marry you, but turns out you're just a fake."

Isabel snorted, rolling her eyes as she stepped back, her face twisting in disdain. "Congrats. A match made in drama heaven, huh?"