Chapter 323

Richard dropped his gaze, losing that usual cocky vibe. "Yeah, Mrs. Black."

Isabella was taken aback. She'd dealt with Richard enough to know he was too full of himself to bow down to anyone. But here he was, acting all obedient in front of Esme.

Even though Isabella didn't have all the details, she could tell Esme was a big deal.

Quentin chimed in calmly, "Got any idea how you're gonna explain this to Mr. Black?"

Richard shot back, "I'll take the heat."

Quentin just nodded and kept quiet.

Esme jumped in, "Elodie's been getting more and more full of herself lately. I know she's been a pain for you. If this can knock her down a peg, it might be a good thing. But Richard, tread carefully. Even if I let it slide, I can't promise Mr. Black will."

Richard nodded. "Got it. Thanks, Mrs. Black."

With that, everyone grabbed a seat.

As soon as Esme sat down, she waved Isabella over. "Isabella, come sit with me and chat."

Isabella nodded. "Sure thing."

Since Esme was the guest of honor tonight, Isabella naturally listened to her.

Esme asked, "Did you catch my lecture yesterday?"

"Yeah, I went with Nina." Isabella always made sure to drop Nina's name, trying to keep her in the loop.

Meanwhile, Nina was unusually quiet, sitting off to the side, lost in her own world. Isabella thought she seemed a bit out of it.

"So, what'd you think of my lecture?" Esme asked.

"It was awesome," Isabella said earnestly. "Your design work is top-notch, and your presentation was on point. Even as a newbie, I was hooked."

"Really?" Esme smiled warmly. She took Isabella's hand and checked out her wrist. "You've got lovely hands. I brought you a little something today that I think you'll like."

With that, Esme pulled out a fancy square brocade box from her bag. She popped it open to reveal a stunning gold bracelet.

The bracelet had intricate filigree work, lush enamel, and a few vibrant gemstones. The design was unique, way classier than anything you'd find in stores.

Isabella immediately recognized the pattern in the filigree. "Is that a hibiscus flower?"

"Yep." Esme looked at her warmly. "The hibiscus stands for purity and elegance. I hope you can be as pure and flawless as the hibiscus. Do you like it?"

Isabella was a bit taken aback. "I love hibiscus flowers, but this bracelet is too much. I can't accept it."

"You saved my life once. To me, this is just a trinket. If you don't take it, I'll be really bummed," Esme said, slipping the bracelet onto Isabella's wrist.

Seeing the bracelet onto Isabella's wrist, Esme smiled. "My taste is spot on. This design is perfect for you."

Isabella's slender, fair wrist looked stunning with the bracelet on.

Isabella said, "But it's too valuable."

Quentin cut in, "You should totally take it. After last time, my mom's been racking her brain on what to give you. She designed and made this bracelet herself. She spent nights sketching it out and even more time perfecting the details. Finally, she crafted it herself. It's not about the money, but if you don't take it, it'll really break her heart."

"You made it yourself?" Isabella was floored.

Knowing Esme's rep in the jewelry world, Isabella got how priceless a piece designed by her was.

The bracelet felt heavy on Isabella's wrist.

Suddenly, Nina stood up and said, "Bella, come with me to the restroom."

Isabella nodded and followed.

In the restroom, Nina stood in front of the mirror, washing her hands, looking all troubled.

"Nina, what's up?" Isabella had noticed Nina acting weird and was worried she might be feeling off.

After washing her hands, Nina dried them with a paper towel. Glancing at the bracelet on Isabella's wrist, Nina frowned slightly. "Have you met Esme before?"

Isabella replied, "Yeah, we met once at Blue Horizon Cafe."

Isabella had nothing to hide from Nina and spilled the beans about what happened that day.

After listening, Nina's frown deepened.

Isabella sighed. "I only found out about her identity yesterday. She's an international jewelry designer. Small world, huh?"

"I don't think it's a small world; it seems deliberate," Nina replied.

Isabella was puzzled. "What do you mean by deliberate?"

Nina looked at Isabella seriously, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's nothing."

Isabella felt that Nina had something on her mind. But for some reason, Nina didn't share it with her.

Back in the private room, Nina seemed much calmer and quietly finished her meal.

Throughout the meal, Nina didn't mention wanting to find a teacher.

However, as Esme was leaving, she said to Nina, "Remember to attend my class tomorrow."

A dark light flashed in Nina's eyes, and she nodded. "I'll be there on time."

After seeing Esme and Quentin off, Isabella said, "Nina, should I go with you tomorrow?"

Nina pressed her lips and said, "Richard is free tomorrow. He said he'd go with me. Bella, you also have a lot to do. Stay home and spend time with Sweetie tomorrow."

Isabella nodded. "Alright then."

It was clear that Nina was dodging something. But since she didn't want to talk about it, Isabella didn't want to push her and add more pressure.

Back home, Sweetie was still awake, lying in her pink cradle. Siena sat beside her, holding a picture book and reading softly.

Isabella picked up Sweetie, who giggled.

"Let me hold her." Sebastian came over and extended his hands.

Isabella handed Sweetie to him and then leaned in to kiss Sweetie's cheek. Sebastian kissed Sweetie's other cheek.

Siena stood nearby, looking out of place. When she saw Sebastian holding Sweetie, she instinctively bit her lip and placed a hand on her abdomen.

Isabella turned her head and noticed Siena's odd behavior, but with Sebastian there, she didn't ask.

After a while, Sebastian said, "Let's have Sweetie sleep with us tonight."

"Okay." Isabella nodded.

Sebastian took Sweetie to the master bedroom, while Isabella lagged behind, asking Siena, "Does your stomach still hurt?"