Chapter 43 Can't Bear to Leave Me

'Lucas has always been strong and hits the gym regularly. How could he suddenly get sick?' Isabella wondered before asking, "What's wrong with him?"

"It's serious, obviously. Why else would he want to see you?" Clara sneered.

"Not going," Isabella snapped. She couldn't stand Clara's condescending attitude. 'A mistress's illegitimate daughter, acting all high and mighty?'

Clara fumed at Isabella's blunt refusal. "Are you even human? He's your father."

Isabella turned back, glaring. "Are you lecturing me? Clara, you're just a mistress's illegitimate daughter. Who do you think you are to boss me around?"

Clara hated being called an illegitimate daughter. It was a label that made her feel ashamed.

"Isabella, my mom is the legitimate Mrs. Jones. I'm a Jones. You, a bumpkin, have no right to talk about me," Clara said, eyes red with anger, trembling.

Isabella snorted. "Mrs. Jones? You know Lucas married into the Neville family, right?"

Clara was on the verge of breaking down, screaming uncontrollably. Elodie covered her ears in disgust. "With that attitude, why bother delivering the message? Why not just have Lucas call you directly?"

"She probably wants to show off," Isabella sneered.

Elodie was still worried. "Are you really not going to see your dad? He might be really sick. When people get older, even minor illnesses can be serious. Remember, that's what happened to my dad."

"Who knows if Clara's telling the truth? What if it's a trap?" Isabella shook her head.

"True, your dad has tricked you before. Last time, he lured you home to marry into the Spencer family. Who knows what he wants now. Better be cautious," Elodie said.

Isabella agreed. She wouldn't make the first move but would wait and see.

Ever since Lucas sent her to the countryside as a child, she had no deep feelings for him.

After school, Isabella waited at the entrance of Stellar University.

As George's car appeared, she smiled.

George got out, opened the passenger door, and fastened her seatbelt before driving off.

"Why are you driving yourself lately? Is the driver on leave?" Isabella asked.

George smiled. "No, I wanted to take you to eat something delicious."

Isabella felt warmth in her heart. "That's sweet."

The car stopped at a vegetarian restaurant.

This place wasn't entirely vegetarian; it also had top-notch seafood sashimi.

Isabella was touched that he remembered her dietary preferences.

He ordered a table full of her favorite dishes.

For nutrition, George also ordered salmon sashimi and lobster.

Isabella ate to her heart's content, feeling satisfied.

George wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin and said gently, "Eat slowly."

She looked up and smiled sweetly. "The food here is amazing."

"If you like it, I'll bring you here again."

Isabella smiled. "Yeah, I'm so happy."

After eating, they headed back to the Neville Villa.

Worried Patricia might be upset if George didn't go home, Isabella suggested, "Why don't you go home? Patricia might be worried."

"She's not that concerned." He took off his coat, hung it up, and did the same with Isabella's.

"So, are you staying here with me until I go back to the Spencer family?"

'That's the plan, but I have a business trip soon,' he thought.

"I have to go to Riverside City for work in a couple of days."

"You're going on a business trip?" Isabella felt a bit reluctant.

George put his arm around her shoulder as they walked upstairs. "Gonna miss me?"

Isabella didn't see any reason to hide her feelings. Their relationship was sweet, and mutual attachment wasn't shameful.

"A little. How long will you be gone?" she asked.

"If things go well, three to five days. If not, about a week," he replied.

Isabella asked softly, "Are you going alone?"

"Caleb is coming with me."

"Okay."

As soon as they entered the bedroom, George pressed Isabella against the door and started kissing her. His kisses were intense and urgent, leaving marks quickly.

He picked her up and placed her on the bed, looking deeply into her eyes.

Isabella, with her long hair spread out on the pillow, looked alluring and delicate.

They could see the desire and longing in each other's eyes, and their intimacy grew naturally.

For several days, Isabella was overwhelmed with happiness. She had almost finished her schoolwork and could now apply for an internship at the Spencer Group.

'George and I are getting closer. If we work in the same company...' Just thinking about it made Isabella incredibly happy.

But she hadn't told George yet. She planned to visit the Spencer family first and explain her plans to Patricia.

One afternoon, Isabella took a leave from school, went to the Neville Villa to pack her things, and planned to move back to the Spencer family in the next few days.

The doorbell rang, and Isabella thought it was Elodie, but it was Nathan standing at her door.

"Nathan, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Elodie said you moved here, so I came to check on you." Nathan was carrying a lot of groceries. "I remember you love these dishes, so I bought them for you."

Nathan handed the groceries to Isabella, who had no choice but to take them. "Thank you, Nathan."

"No need to be so polite with me." Nathan noticed the clothes on the floor. "Are you packing?"

"Yes, I'm planning to move back in a few days, so I'm getting things ready."

"Move back? To the Spencer Mansion?" Nathan's eyebrows furrowed. "Why the rush?"

Isabella lowered her eyes and smiled. "I've been out for over ten days. If I stay away too long, people will start talking."

"But have you really thought it through? Are you willing to give up your freedom? Can you handle living without love or family?"

Isabella changed the topic. "Aren't you working today? How do you have time to come here?"