Chapter 65 Women Are Just Decorations

"Yo, go snag that villa next to Isabella's, but keep my name outta it," George said.

Caleb nodded. "Gotcha."

When she was job hunting with no luck, Isabella made bank illustrating novels. The cash was sweet, even better than a regular gig.

In her downtime, she messed around in her little garden.

When she lived at The Spencer Mansion, the big gardens were handled by pros, so she just kicked back and enjoyed them.

Now, in her own tiny garden, she could do whatever she wanted.

She planted flowers, raised fish, and a few days ago, Ivan brought her a kitten. She couldn't leave it outside, so she let it chill inside and catch some sun.

Life was pretty awesome.

"Hey, I saw someone checking out the house to the east yesterday. Think it might get sold too?" Isabella asked Ivan.

Ivan shrugged. "Maybe. This spot is prime, and house prices are going nuts. Even if they don't live here, it's a solid investment."

"Man, there are so many rich folks," Isabella sighed.

Ivan smirked. "How's the job hunt? Wanna work at our hospital?"

"I'll pass. My illustrations are doing fine, so no rush," Isabella replied.

Ivan got it and didn't push. "Cool, as long as you're happy, I'm with you."

"You're the best," Isabella said, grinning.

The TV was blaring news about a prison break.

The main dude, Joseph, was someone Isabella knew well.

She was floored.

'Joseph busted out? Where's he headed? Is he out for revenge?' Isabella stared at the TV, lost in thought.

Ivan glanced over when the news ended and commercials started.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Nothing," Isabella said, picking at her food, clearly worried about George.

Isabella laughed at herself. 'We're divorced. Even if there's something to worry about, it's not my problem. Besides, who is George? He's a big shot in Stellar City. No matter how tough Joseph is, he can't mess with George twice,' she thought.

After the commercials, more news came on.

The screen showed George, with Ruby hanging on his arm, getting interviewed by reporters.

Ruby was all smiles, and George had a slight smirk.

The headline was catchy: [George and Ruby Hold Press Conference—Wedding Bells Soon?]

'Wedding bells?

I've been gone a few days, and they're already making plans?

Guess I'm just a nobody.

Whether it's for fun or serious, Ruby's way more suitable and flashy than me,' Isabella thought, feeling crappy.

Ivan saw through her and grabbed the remote to turn off the TV. "Isn't there any big news in Riverside City? They keep showing stuff from Stellar City."

Isabella forced a smile. "Everyone loves stories about rich CEOs and actresses."

"Are you bummed?" Ivan asked, noticing her downcast eyes.

Isabella shook her head. "Not really bummed, just kinda annoyed."

"That's how it is with rich families. Women are just eye candy, looking out for themselves, no love, no family bonds, just scheming against each other," Ivan said, shaking his head.

Isabella glanced up at him, thinking, 'Ivan's spot on. There's no love in those rich families. The guys there have women lining up for them. They're loaded, and someone like George, with his looks, is top-tier. What am I compared to that?'

Isabella knew her place.

"So, ditching him and the Spencer family was a smart move," Isabella said with a wry smile.

"At least your next relationship will be real," Ivan said, giving her a look that she didn't really catch.

Isabella rested her chin on her hand and asked, "Think I'll ever find a guy who only loves me?"

"Absolutely," Ivan said, full of confidence.

"A simple life is real happiness. Being rich doesn't mean being happy. Working hard and living well together, that's the real deal," Isabella said, suddenly feeling hopeful about the future.

"If you were to find a guy in the future, what kind would you go for?" Ivan asked, looking at her with anticipation.

Isabella's big eyes blinked a few times. "What kind? He doesn't need to be tall or handsome. As long as he truly loves me and has some ambition, I'm good."

"Silly girl," Ivan laughed.

"What? Are my standards too high?" Isabella pouted.

Ivan shook his head with a smile. "Not high at all. Pretty low, actually. Any decent guy could meet them."

"No way. If someone can promise to treat me well for a lifetime, I'll marry him right now," Isabella pouted.

Falling in love was easy, but staying together was hard.

"Me," Ivan raised his hand, looking at Isabella seriously. "I can promise to treat you well for a lifetime."

Isabella was stunned, then burst into laughter. "I see you as my brother, so of course, you have to treat me well for a lifetime."

"Isabella..."

"Oh, let's not talk about this. Let's eat," Isabella changed the topic. She wasn't dumb; she got the look in Ivan's eyes and his hints.

But she didn't want to mess up the family bond she had with Ivan, which had lasted over a decade. She didn't want to turn that bond into love. Family might last a lifetime, but love didn't.

Next door, there were sounds of moving stuff again. Isabella was curious about the new neighbor, whether it was a guy or a girl.

From her small garden, she could see workers coming and going.

"Hey, do you know who owns this house?" she asked.

The worker, chatty, said, "It's a Mr. White. He won't be moving in right away. He'll come after everything's set up."

"Really? It looks almost done. You guys are working hard, moving stuff so late," Isabella sighed.

"We gotta make a living, no other choice."

The workers were busy, so Isabella didn't want to bug them. After a few questions, she went back to eating.

"I wonder if Mr. White will be easy to get along with?" she muttered to herself.

Ivan said, "If he's not, just keep it short. If he is, chat him up."

Isabella nodded. "True."

"Isabella?" Ivan put down his fork. "I gotta go abroad for a few days. Is there any gift you want? I'll bring it back for you."

Ivan's eyes were expectant and intense, even hinting at something more.