Chapter 348

Sebastian added, "Quentin ain't Esme's real kid. I had someone dig around in Silvercrest, and turns out Quentin was around before Esme even hooked up with Bruno Black. So, Esme's just his stepmom."

Isabella nodded, not even phased by the news.

Most of the time, Quentin seemed respectful towards Esme, but it was kinda overwhelming.

Quentin being around didn't feel like protection; it felt more like he was keeping tabs on her!

If it was surveillance, Bruno must've set it up. But why would Bruno wanna keep an eye on Esme? Was he scared she'd find another dude?

But Esme had crazy high standards. Isabella figured a woman like Esme, with her age and status, wouldn't be into just any random guy. Plus, Esme said she came back just to reunite with her daughter.

Two days later, Esme got out of the hospital.

Quentin suggested Esme crash at his place. It'd be easier to take care of her and she could see Isabella every day.

Esme got what he was hinting at and agreed.

On the way back, Isabella asked, "I heard the cops dropped the charges against Siena?"

"Yeah," Esme replied, "Bella, I can't do much for you and Sebastian. Since Siena's Sebastian's sister and she's helped you before, I can repay this favor for you. At least this way, you won't owe her anything. She's got a chance now. If she keeps being stubborn, I'll be the first to call her out."

Even though Isabella thought it was kinda off, the matter was settled, so she didn't say much more.

As the car rolled back, they saw Laura pushing a baby stroller in the yard, soaking up the sun.

"Who's that?" Esme frowned, thinking Isabella had hired another young nanny. She worriedly said, "Bella, it's not that I have anything against young people, but if you need a nanny, get someone older and more reliable. Don't go for someone like Siena again."

Isabella knew Esme got it wrong and quickly explained, "Don't worry. That's just an employee from Sebastian's company, helping out temporarily. Margaret said once she's better, she'll help me with the baby again."

During her hospital stay, Esme had heard Isabella mention Margaret a few times.

Hearing Isabella now, Esme looked guilty. "I gotta visit her personally to thank her for taking care of you and Sweetie."

Isabella smiled. "There'll be a chance."

After getting out of the car, Quentin helped Esme inside while Isabella turned back to play with Sweetie.

When Isabella looked up, she saw Laura staring at Quentin's door.

Caught by Isabella, Laura smiled awkwardly. "Bella, who's that hottie?"

Isabella said, "Quentin Black."

"Oh, he's so handsome." Laura's smile was a bit shy.

Laura used to be a hopeless romantic, but after getting played by a jerk, she was over it. It had been a while since a guy caught her eye.

Laura wasn't head over heels, just thought Quentin was decent!

Isabella glanced in that direction, then looked at Laura with some concern. "Laura, he's not someone you can handle."

Laura blushed. "Alright, alright. Chill out. Since you said so, I won't push it. I'll drop it here!"

Isabella was genuinely happy for Laura, who could be so straightforward and stay clear-headed.

"I'm gonna check something over there. Can you watch Sweetie for a bit? I'll be right back," Isabella instructed.

"Sure," Laura said, pushing the stroller. "I'll take Sweetie inside for a bit. Too much sun ain't good either."

Quentin's house was huge, and maybe 'cause he lived alone, it was pretty bare, making it feel super empty.

When Isabella walked in, Quentin was wearing an apron, cooking something.

Seeing her, Quentin said, "Mom's upstairs. Want me to take you up?"

"No need." Isabella waved her hand. When she caught a whiff of something nice, she asked, "What are you cooking?"

"Tea." Quentin smiled at her. "You go up first. I'll bring it up later."

Isabella nodded. "Okay."

Watching Isabella head upstairs, Quentin turned back to brewing tea.

Isabella followed the stairs up and soon found Esme.

Esme was packing stuff, and the bedroom door was half-open, with voices coming from inside.

Isabella paused slightly, realizing there were others in Quentin's house.

As she paused, the conversation inside became clear.

Elodie said, "Mom, are you still gonna defend her? I know everything. If it weren't for saving her, you wouldn't be in this condition. She almost got you killed!"

Esme said, "Elodie, don't talk about Bella like that! No matter what, she's your sister. This was just an accident."

Elodie said, "I don't want a sister like her. If Quentin hadn't stopped me, I would've told Dad about this long ago!"

Esme shouted, "Elodie!"

Isabella didn't want to listen anymore.

She didn't have the habit of eavesdropping and knew that showing up now would mess up the vibe inside.

Without making a sound, Isabella turned to go downstairs.

A cat's meow caught Isabella's attention.

Turning around, she saw the cat. In just a week, the cat that had been on the brink of death was now lively. Seeing her, Cheese arched its back, fur standing on end, ready to fight, just like it had been with Siena at Isabella's house.

"Cheese!" A deep voice called out.

Hearing the voice, Cheese immediately became docile, lazily stretching and walking past Isabella to sit at Quentin's feet.

Quentin, holding a tea set, smiled apologetically at Isabella. "Did it scare you? Cheese, like people, lacks a sense of security. It's not familiar with you, so it acted that way. Don't take it to heart."

"Okay." Isabella shook her head.

Isabella wasn't petty enough to hold a grudge against a cat.

Isabella asked, "What did you call it?"

Quentin said, "Cheese."

Isabella retorted, "Cheese?"

Quentin nodded. "Yep."

"Sounds delicious." Isabella laughed. "I thought you'd give it a heroic name. Didn't expect such a cute one, like a girl's pet."

Quentin lowered his eyes. He smiled, "Just a random name, don't overthink it."

Watching Cheese sit obediently at his feet, Isabella felt an inexplicable sense of eeriness despite the harmonious scene.