I frowned unwittingly as Scarlett’s voice rang out in the background on the other end. Isabelle had only just agreed to let the Tanners off the hook. If Scarlett made another ruckus at this time and pissed Isabelle off, the latter might just change her mind.
The chaotic noise went on for a long while before Nathan’s voice came back on the line, asking in a hushed voice, “Did your mother say anything else?”
I shook my head. “All she said was that she needed to discuss something important with you in person. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. I’m sure everything’s going to be okay since she’s already promised me she wouldn’t take any action on your family.”
“That’s good to know.” Nathan sounded relieved.
After a moment’s hesitation, I added tentatively, “Dad, I think it’d be better if you come alone. Mom’s temper is no longer as it used to be. I mean, she’s still a gentle soul, but you’ve hurt her quite badly. So… Do you get what I mean?”
Keeping in mind that he was my father, I was aware that there were certain things I couldn’t say without being outright inappropriate. However, I still had to give him a heads up about this.
“Yes, I get what you mean. Don’t worry, I’ll come alone later.”
It was indeed better that way. He and Isabelle would need to talk things out to resolve their issues. If a whole bunch of other Tanners tagged along – forget about talking – the meeting would inevitably turn into a full-blown wrestling match.
Crystal and the others, especially, would definitely seize the opportunity to find trouble with me.
After the phone call ended, I went and knocked on Isabelle’s door, entering only after she asked me to. She was in the midst of dolling herself up and was adding the final touch by slapping on some lipstick. Then she stood before me, twirling her long, red dress, asking, “How do I look? Is this too much?”
It had been years since she last saw Nathan. Seeing the amount of effort she put in to look her best, it was evident that she cared about this meeting immensely. As for Nathan, he clearly felt the same, judging from the way his voice lit up with excitement when he was speaking about Isabelle earlier. It really made me wonder, if they never stopped loving each other, then why had they still chosen to betray each other those years ago?
Is this simply how fate toys with people?
“Not at all. You look absolutely stunning in that dress.” Standing beside her, I smiled as I gestured at the dull-colored clothing I was clad in. “Look at you! You’re sparkling! If we were to walk on the streets together right now, people would automatically assume you’re my sister instead of my mother.”
“Well, you really do know how to make me happy, don’t you? All right, since you approve of it, then this is what I’m wearing to the meeting,” said Isabelle as she fished around in her closet for a suitable handbag. Out of the many handbags of various colors and styles she owned, she eventually settled on a modest-looking, black-colored one. Then we left for the restaurant. I noticed a car tailing us as soon as we left the mansion, but I had no idea who was driving it.
“Oh, by the way, who’s your father bringing along?” asked Isabelle.
“He’s coming alone.” I knew I had to be careful answering this question.
“Hmph!” Isabelle crossed her legs and propped her chin on her hand as she remarked disdainfully, “At least he’s doing something right for once.”
As the car stopped in front of Majestic Garden, two bodyguards came out of the car behind and opened our doors for us. It was only then that I realized we were being followed by bodyguards.
“Mrs. Goldstein, Ms. Tanner.” They bowed respectfully as we alighted from the car.
Not used to being waited on in such a manner, I waved at them dismissively as I exited the car.
“Belle!” yelled Nathan from the entrance of the restaurant. Upon spotting Isabelle, he was unable to move his gaze away from her. The two simply stood there in silence, eyes locked on each other, for what seemed like an eternity. Turning sideways to glance at Isabelle, I was taken aback to see her eyes glistening with tears.
They were tears of an aggrieved woman, which had sprung forth as her sight fell upon the man she longed.
I refrained from spoiling their moment and merely stood quietly at her side. After a while, Isabelle was the first to speak. “Shall we go in? Or would you prefer to discuss the Tanner family’s matters out here?” she asked in a mild tone.
“S-Sure, let’s go in.” Pointing at the restaurant, Nathan croaked, “I-I’ve booked a private room.”
Alas, in his state of anxiousness, he turned around only to carelessly bump head-on into the revolving doors.
