Chapter 354

"A rare disease," Quentin said, grabbing the phone and gently swiping the screen where Lova's pic was, his eyes all soft and tender. "We've hit up so many doctors, tried a ton of meds, even set up a special studio for her. But nothing's really worked, and we still don't know what's wrong."

Isabella could tell Quentin's feelings for Lova were way more than just brotherly love. His look was more like he was head over heels, maybe even a bit romantic.

Isabella didn't wanna dig too deep and just asked, "What happened?"

Quentin shook his head, looking all helpless.

Thinking about Lova's photo, Isabella felt a pang of pity. "How much longer does she have?"

Quentin said, "She's barely hanging on; we have no clue when she'll go. We've tried everything, even turned to superstition." He looked up at Isabella, his eyes soft and sincere. "Isabella, this is kinda unfair to you. I shouldn't be talking to you about this. But I've seen how you've been with Mom, and it's really helped her, which makes me happy. Anyway, we'll stay no more than three days before heading back. I just don't want Mom to have any regrets in her last moments."

When they stepped outside, the rain had stopped, but the sky was still gloomy, with light gray clouds floating around, making everyone feel down.

Quentin and Isabella walked back to the villa together. The Jose family was already there, and Margaret came over to take Sweetie. Knowing Isabella had to prep dinner that night, Margaret brought a few servants and chefs from home to help out. As soon as the door opened, everyone got busy.

Standing in the yard, Isabella said to Quentin, "Come over for dinner tonight; everyone's gonna be here."

Quentin nodded, giving a faint smile. "Okay."

Isabella nodded back and was about to head inside when Quentin suddenly reached out, his fingertips brushing her hair as he picked off a fallen leaf.

Seeing the leaf, Isabella was momentarily dazed, like she saw Lova lying in the hospital bed again.

When Isabella snapped back, she found Quentin staring at her, his gaze different from usual. Isabella felt a slight chill in her heart, mixed with some confusion. In that brief moment, her mind went blank. If it had lasted a bit longer, she might've forgotten what just happened.

Feeling uneasy, Isabella took two steps back, putting some space between her and Quentin.

Quentin smiled slightly. "See you later."

Isabella nodded. "Okay."

Margaret's voice called out from inside the house, and Isabella hurried back in.

As she entered, Isabella instinctively glanced back and saw Quentin putting the fallen leaf into his pocket.

With the Jose family's servants and chefs handling dinner, Isabella felt more relaxed.

Margaret took care of Sweetie the whole time, while Miley and Kelsey pulled Isabella into a card game.

The three of them played chess, and soon Kelsey's face was covered with sticky notes.

Jack rolled in with Sebastian. As soon as they stepped inside, they heard Kelsey wailing, "Help! Why do I keep losing?"

Seeing Jack, Kelsey called out for him to save her.

Isabella and Miley both chimed in, "No cheating! Kelsey, you gotta play your own cards."

Then Isabella felt a sudden warmth on her shoulder. Sebastian had taken off his suit jacket, bent slightly, and placed his hands between her and the table, his head almost resting on her shoulder.

Isabella got momentarily distracted, and a few cards slipped from her hand onto the table.

Kelsey laughed. "Bella, you just said no cheating!"

Miley laughed along. "No, this is a public display of affection; you and I are just the victims."

"Says who?" Kelsey grabbed Jack's hand. "I have someone too."

Miley was speechless. She smiled helplessly. "Alright, I'm the only one suffering."

Margaret, feeling sorry for her, quickly went to call Zaire.

"Dinner?" Zaire said on the phone. "I'm so busy; I don't have time for dinner, Mom."

Margaret said, "I don't care; you come back right now! Everyone else is paired up; do you want Miley to be alone?"

Zaire was silent for a couple of seconds, then decisively said, "I'm not coming back. I don't have time. I'm busy."

At that moment, another voice came through the receiver. "Zaire, whose call is it?"

Margaret's sharp ears immediately recognized the voice and frowned, questioning Zaire, "Are you with Susan?"

Zaire dodged the question. "Mom, I have things to do; I gotta go. Enjoy yourself."

With that, Zaire didn't give Margaret a chance to ask more and hung up.

Margaret could only hold the phone, glaring.

Margaret composed herself and turned around, planning to support Miley herself. But as she turned, she found Miley standing quietly behind her.

Margaret's expression changed. "Miley, when did you get here?"

"Just now." Miley smiled, her face radiant even with light makeup.

Margaret admired Miley's composed and introspective nature, coupled with her radiant and striking appearance. It was a pity that Zaire was still hung up on Susan.

Margaret felt a bit distressed. "Miley, be honest with me, have you and Zaire broken up?"

Miley smiled gracefully. "No, we haven't."

Margaret breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good; that's good."

Halfway through, Miley added, "Zaire and I were never really together."

Margaret said, "Miley, Zaire is just confused. He's very persistent about his feelings. As his mother, I know him best. Once he realizes it, he'll definitely treat you well."

Miley shook her head. "Sorry, Margaret, but I can't wait for him."

Margaret's heart sank, and she quickly asked, "Why not?"

Miley said, "My family has arranged a blind date for me. After tonight's dinner, I have to go back home."

"What?" Margaret couldn't smile anymore. She held Miley's hand, wanting to persuade her. But she knew the problem wasn't with Miley; it was with Zaire. Miley could not indefinitely wait for Zaire.

Miley sensed Margaret's dilemma and squeezed her hand. "Margaret, I really like you and the atmosphere of your family. I've tried my best, but maybe Zaire and I just aren't meant to be. We're probably better off apart. Don't worry; we can still keep in touch like always."