Chapter 69 Are You Having Your Old Problems Again?

"Am I the one causing trouble? Isn't it her who's always acting like she's the boss, saying whatever she wants whenever she feels like it. People like her should be the ones to quit," Marlowe snapped.

Lenora was shaking with rage, pointing a finger at Marlowe before storming off.

Isabella felt super guilty, knowing it was her fault for causing all this drama, so she called out, "Marlowe."

"I'm good. I've been beefing with her for ages, not just 'cause of you. I just can't stand her. I'd do the same with anyone else," Marlowe explained.

Isabella pressed her lips together and turned the page.

She copied the materials, getting ready to take them to the conference room.

As she passed the manager's office, the door suddenly swung open, and Isabella was yanked inside by her wrist.

Bethany grinned at her, "Did I scare you?"

Isabella clutched her pounding heart and looked at him, confused, "What are you doing?"

"Chill out. I got a gift for you."

Bethany pulled Isabella towards his desk. She shook off his hand and said, "I don't want it."

She took a step to leave, but Bethany pulled her back again, "You haven't even seen it yet. Just take a look."

Isabella said angrily, "Bethany, let go of me first."

Bethany didn't take it seriously and opened a drawer, pulling out a box with a stunning diamond necklace inside. "Look, isn't it pretty? Do you like it?"

Isabella glanced at it. Although George had never given her any gifts, she had seen plenty of valuable things.

The necklace was well-made but consisted of small diamonds, not worth much, but enough to win over a young girl's heart.

"It's beautiful, but I can't accept it," she said calmly.

"Just consider it a welcome gift from me, nothing more," Bethany said as he took out the necklace, trying to put it on Isabella.

Isabella stepped back two paces, still refusing, "Sorry, Bethany, I really can't accept it."

"It really means nothing else. Just take it." As Bethany tried to put the necklace on Isabella, the door suddenly opened, and there stood Marlowe.

Seeing Marlowe, Bethany quickly let go.

Marlowe glanced at Bethany and then at Isabella's blushed face, asking, "Did he harass you?"

Isabella didn't say anything, busy stepping back two paces and tidying her clothes.

Marlowe rolled up her sleeves and started hitting Bethany without hesitation.

"Why don’t you ever listen? If you harass her again, I’ll beat you to a pulp. Is your old habit resurfacing? Do you want to be locked up? I think you just need a good thrashing."

Marlowe hit Bethany mercilessly.

Bethany didn't dare to fight back, holding his head and letting her hit him, and said humbly, "Stop hitting me, or I'll tell my mom."

"Go ahead and tell her. I'm not afraid of your mom," Marlowe said.

Isabella was stunned.

Marlowe finally stopped hitting and pulled Isabella out of the office.

She dragged Isabella all the way to the rooftop terrace, finally taking a breath.

Seeing Isabella's puzzled look, Marlowe burst out laughing, "Are you curious about my relationship with Bethany?"

Isabella nodded seriously, "You are?"

"I'm Bethany's aunt. Bethany's mom is my sister," Marlowe explained.

Isabella didn't expect that.

Marlowe didn't look much older, maybe just a few years ahead of Bethany, but she was definitely his elder.

"Bethany's the type who gets bored fast. If you have feelings for him, you’d better think twice," Marlowe said bluntly.

Isabella smiled faintly, "I don't have any special feelings for him. He's just my senior, so he seems more familiar than others."

"You both went to Stellar University?" Marlowe asked, surprised.

Isabella nodded, "Yeah, he was two years ahead of me."

"No wonder. Did he chase after you in school?"

Isabella reluctantly nodded.

"I knew it." Marlowe sighed, looking into the distance, "He's playful. Even at twenty-four, he's still like a kid. He's had so many girlfriends..."

Marlowe counted on her fingers, "I don't even know how many. He's just playing around. He'll leave in a few days."

"Marlowe, actually, Bethany is a good person. Like you said, he's playful. But when he meets the right girl, he'll naturally mature," Isabella said.

Marlowe smiled slightly, "I hope he grows up soon."

They chatted for a while. As they were about to leave, Marlowe suddenly asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Isabella shook her head, smiling bitterly, "No."

"It seems like there's a story?" Marlowe said.

"Not really. I just think it's better to focus on making money at this age. Love is a waste of time," Isabella said.

Marlowe laughed, "Right, making money is the most important."

Since then, Bethany hadn't bothered Isabella again, probably because he was wary of Marlowe.

Marlowe usually kept a low profile, occasionally bickering with Lenora.

With no friends, Marlowe became close friends with Isabella.

"Marlowe, someone who is like a brother to me is coming back tonight. Do you want to come to my place for dinner?" Isabella asked while packing up to leave work.

Marlowe checked the time, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

"It's just me and him. With you, it's three. What's inappropriate about that?" Isabella said casually.

"Alright then, you go ahead. I'll come a bit later."

Isabella nodded, slinging her bag over her shoulder, "I'll go home and prepare dinner. Come early."

"Got it."

Back at her townhouse, Isabella started washing the fruits and vegetables she had bought. She also bought beef and crabs, planning to make a sumptuous dinner.

When Ivan arrived, Isabella had already prepared all the ingredients for cooking.

"You're quite capable, Isabella," Ivan said and affectionately ruffled Isabella's hair.

Isabella smiled sweetly, "Right? I'm the chef tonight."

"Is your cooking even edible?" Ivan was full of surprise, shaking his head, "I remember you used to set the kitchen on fire just frying an egg."

"That was when I was a kid. My cooking has improved," Isabella said awkwardly.

"Alright then, I'll have a try."

Leaving the kitchen, the doorbell rang, and Ivan quickly walked through the yard to open the door.

A stranger stood outside, and he asked, "Who are you looking for?"

Marlowe looked at Ivan, with his gentle voice and refined appearance.

Realizing her rudeness, Marlowe quickly averted her gaze and asked, "Is this Isabella's house?"

"You're Isabella's colleague, right? Please come in."

Ivan politely invited Marlowe in. Isabella, wearing an apron, came out to greet her, "Marlowe, what took you so long? Come help me cook."