Chapter 24

Vanessa's mouth twitched.

"Kelsey," Zaire tugged on Kelsey's arm, desperately signaling to her.

Kelsey pouted and said, "I'm just telling the truth. I don't believe she's Sebastian's girlfriend! Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"If they kiss right in front of me, I'll believe it."

Vanessa's hand trembled as she held her cup and instinctively glanced at Sebastian.

Sebastian was holding his phone and sitting comfortably, but his attention was clearly not at the table. He looked off in a certain direction where Isabella happened to be. She sat alone quietly, even though she was in a busy restaurant. He felt sorry for her as he saw her looking so lonely.

Suddenly, Vanessa blocked his line of sight and said, "Sebastian..."

Vanessa looked at him expectantly. She was even a little excited. After all, she had never dared imagine kissing Sebastian before. Even though she was his girlfriend now, Sebastian hadn't touched her for the past few days. She was looking forward to having a real relationship with Sebastian, but she couldn't rush into action or else he would suspect she was up to something. For her, Kelsey's request, was like a heaven-sent opportunity.

Sebastian frowned and looked at Kelsey. "Whether you believe it or not, it's the truth."

Kelsey smiled. "You're afraid to prove it, so it can't be true. If you really are together, why would you try to avoid kissing each other? You're lying, Sebastian."

Sebastian fell silent.

She was right. If they really were together, they wouldn't avoid kissing like this.

But when he saw Vanessa's face, there was a slight sense of disgust deep in his heart. He didn't know how he had become addicted that night, and kissing her repeatedly... Or maybe it was just because he was drunk that day. If he had been sober, he would never have done such a crazy thing with Vanessa. Sebastian felt some regret as he thought of that.

After Isabella waited for a while, Nina and Charlie arrived.

As soon as Charlie arrived, he handed the menu to Isabella and said, "Order whatever you want, Bella. I'm paying today."

Isabella didn't plan to save him any money, so she opened the menu and ordered a few dishes.

Nina noticed that Isabella had ordered the food she loved, so she took the menu and ordered two more dishes Isabella loved.

Charlie immediately looked at her disapprovingly. "I already said I invited Bella to dinner, so she should be the one to order food. Why are you ordering too?"

But since had already happened, and Charlie could only complain and couldn't really cancel the order.

When the dishes were almost ready, Charlie got to the point. "Bella, last time I saw you, I was in a hurry and didn't have a chance to ask you more questions. Are you working at the Landon Group?"

Isabella knew that Charlie probably knew everything since he was asking that question, so she couldn't lie. She nodded and said, "Yes."

"Which department are you in?" Charlie asked immediately, "I saw you with Mr. Brown. You seem to have a high position at the Landon Group."

Isabella held her knife and fork and calmly said, "I'm just an assistant. I haven't finished my internship yet."

"You're just an intern, but your boss is willing to take you out for business meetings. That shows that he values you! Many people want this job, Bella, so you better do it well."

"I will."

Charlie became more and more excited as he spoke, "I've seen the president of the Landon Group. He looks like he's only in his thirties. I heard that he started from scratch and is an outstanding young person. I also heard that he's always been single. You look good, Bella. If he becomes interested in you, it would be a lucky opportunity for you two."

Nina hurriedly patted him. "Stop talking nonsense."

"What do you mean? They're both single. If he becomes interested in Bella, it would be extra lucky for you guys."

Isabella listened quietly and waited until Charlie finished speaking before asking, "Did you come to see me today just to talk about this?"

Charlie stopped talking, laughed, and said, "I heard that the Landon Group is looking for partners, which happens to align with the new project our company is developing. Bella, can you try to maneuver and fight for an opportunity for me?"

Isabella shook her head, "You overestimated me. Like I said, I'm just an intern who hasn't finished my internship. I don't have any power in the company."

"Please don't reject me right away, Bella. If I can partner with the Landon Group, I can get a promotion and a substantial bonus." Charlie said, holding Nina's hand. "Your sister has been with me for many years, but I haven't been able to give her a good life. Instead, she's suffered a lot with me. If I can get a promotion, your sister can stop working and be a full-time housewife. She's worked hard for many years and deserves to rest."

"I'm sorry, I can't help you," Isabella said. Although she was gentle by nature, she could clearly distinguish between business and personal matters. She couldn't make decisions for the company, and even if she could, she wouldn't just agree to Charlie's request without thinking about it.

Charlie became a bit impatient when he saw her response, but he didn't say much.

After finishing their meal, Charlie used the excuse of having something to do at home and left with Nina.

When Isabella was about to leave as well, the waiter approached with the bill and asked, "Will you pay the $500 now, Miss?"

Isabella was taken aback and asked, "Didn't my brother-in-law pay?"

The waiter shook his head.

Isabella took out her wallet, but she didn't have much money. She took out two savings cards, but even after using all her money, she was still short $100.

Not having money made life difficult, especially for Isabella. $100 was not a small amount of money for her.

Blushing, Isabella asked, "Can I... put it on a tab?"

The waiter was stunned.

The waiter didn't want to force her to pay, but he couldn't handle this situation either, so he called the manager.

The manager politely said, "Sorry, Ma'am, we don't have tabs at our store. If you're having difficulties, you can call your family for help."

Nina and Charlie had just left. Nina probably didn't know that Charlie hadn't paid. While they were eating, Isabella thought Nina seemed in a good mood, probably because Charlie had been treating her well lately. Isabella didn't want to ruin their relationship, so she wouldn't call Nina.

Isabella thought for a moment and said, "Please hold on."

She turned around and walked toward Sebastian's table.

Isabella had originally wanted to ask Vanessa for money, but she didn't see her at the table. At this moment, Zaire noticed her and said, "Hey, isn't that your shy assistant?"

Shy assistant?

Isabella blushed when she heard that nickname.

Sebastian turned his head to look at her, his deep gaze softening when it fell on Isabella.