Chapter 41

In the lounge, Isabella saw Sebastian opening a tube of ointment and couldn't help but be shocked. "Mr. Landon!"

Sebastian stopped and looked at her, and Isabella stood up. "Give me the ointment, I'll apply it myself."

Sebastian glanced at her uncertainly and asked again, "Are you sure you can do it yourself?"

"I'm fine, it'll be no problem," Isabella nodded firmly.

Sebastian didn't insist anymore and twisted the cap off ointment and handed it to her. "Remember to apply the ointment, otherwise it will leave bruises."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at her shoulder, remembering her curvaceous figure. He couldn't help but be slightly intrigued.

"Okay," Isabella nodded and said, "I'll leave then."

Before she finished speaking, Sebastian's phone suddenly rang.

Sebastian picked up the phone and glanced at it before answering. "Hello?"

Vanessa's voice came from the receiver. "Are you busy, Mr. Landon?"

"Yes, do you need something?" As Sebastian answered the call, he unconsciously glanced at Isabella. She stood quietly by while he was busy, appearing exceptionally attentive.

"I'm outside your office. Zoe made oatmeal and asked me to bring it to you, but Jack said you were busy."

Sebastian lowered his head and replied, "Wait a moment."

He hung up the phone and left the lounge with Isabella.

Isabella sat down at the desk and felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, but she had to endure it.

Two minutes later, Vanessa pushed the door open and walked in.

She entered the room and immediately looked over at Isabella, her eyes filled with surprise. "Isabella?"

Isabella stood up and greeted her, "Hello, Ms. Field."

Vanessa looked Isabella up and down, smiling as she said, "I heard you got promoted, congratulations."

Isabella noticed Vanessa's unusual mood, but Vanessa continued to smile and didn't seem angry. Isabella pursed her lips, unsure of what to say.

"I had her move in. She's a bit shy, so don't give her a hard time," Sebastian's voice came in, clearly defending Isabella.

Vanessa laughed. "You've misunderstood, I genuinely wish Isabella well. Why would I make things difficult for her?"

She walked over to Sebastian's desk and placed a thermos down, saying, "I've been at the company for over a year, so I know the personnel situation. I'm genuinely happy for Isabella."

Sebastian glanced at her, feeling that she looked much better. "Just put the oatmeal over here. Thank you."

"Zoe told me to make sure you finish it and asked me to bring the thermos back clean," Vanessa implied that she wouldn't be leaving for the time being. Sebastian didn't mind her, but he did care about Zoe's feelings. Sebastian was a filial grandson, and he allowed Vanessa to come in at the mention of Zoe's name.

If Vanessa mentioned Zoe again, Sebastian wouldn't chase her away.

"Open it and have a taste," Sebastian said.

"Okay." Vanessa went to the water cooler and found a delicate bowl, scooped out a some porridge with a spoon, and brought it to Sebastian.

"Did you put tomatoes in this porridge?" Sebastian took a quick glance and furrowed his brow slightly.

"Yes," Vanessa noticed his expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Didn't Zoe tell you I don't like tomatoes?"

Vanessa suddenly became extra nervous, her expression stiffening. "She didn't."

She had made the oatmeal by herself and brought it over. It had nothing to do with Zoe, so there was no way she would know what Sebastian liked.

Sebastian had clearly exposed her lie, and Vanessa forced a smile, saying, "I guess Zoe made a mistake since she's getting older. If you don't like it, I'll just pour it out."

"It would be a waste to pour out the oatmeal," Sebastian said. He turned to Isabella and asked, "Isabella, do you like oatmeal?"

Isabella felt speechless at the sudden mention of her name.

Vanessa suppressed her anger and maintained a smile. "Isabella, if you like it, go ahead. It would be a pity to waste it after all, considering how long I cooked it."

Isabella could clearly sense Vanessa's displeasure and waved her hands repeatedly. "I don't really like it either. Thank you, though."

"Really?" Vanessa seemed somewhat disappointed. "That's a shame."

Sebastian didn't say anything more and simply said, "Just leave it for now. I'll give it to Jack later. He loves oatmeal."

Vanessa smiled and said, "Alright."

Vanessa poured the porridge back into the thermos. When she came out, Sebastian and Isabella were both busy with their own tasks. The seemingly harmonious and quiet scene was particularly grating to Vanessa.

She walked over and said, "Mr. Landon, while I was chatting with Laura, a girl named Samantha came crying to us and said she had been fired. I asked about the situation and thought her mistake was forgivable. She begged me for a long time, so I was wondering if you could..."

"No!" Sebastian flatly refused. "The company doesn't need careless employees like that."

Vanessa awkwardly chuckled and continued, "But I already promised her I'd help her, and I Laura say that if she was fired, Ms. Jose would replace her position."

Sebastian felt helpless at the mention of Kelsey. After all, she was Zaire's sister, and he and Zaire were both long-time collaborators and friends. It would be trouble if Kelsey joined the company.

When Vanessa saw him hesitate, she continued, "I heard that girl and Isabella were college classmates and good friends. Isn't that right, Isabella?"

Isabella answered, "Not anymore."

"It's normal for friends to have conflicts. Samantha looks very sorry for herself. Would you like to help plead for her?" Vanessa asked as she looked at her.

Isabella paused and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm just an ordinary employee. It's not my place to judge this."

Vanessa smiled slightly and continued, "I heard that your friendship fell apart because of a man."

Isabella stiffened.

"Even the closest friendships can experience fractures when it comes to matters of the heart. I understand that. But Isabella, since the situation has already passed and she didn't hold you responsible, you don't need to continue dwelling on it."

"I'm dwelling on it?" Isabella asked, puzzled. "What did Samantha tell you?"

Vanessa smiled discreetly and said, "It's nothing. She said you had an unpleasant argument over a man. But Isabella, I want to remind you not to always covet what belongs to others. It's no use trying to fight for something that isn't yours. I want to speak up for you, but you did do something wrong, and it would damage your reputation if it gets out."

Isabella became more confused as she listened. Sebastian then asked, "What exactly happened?"

Seeing the opportunity, Vanessa said, "Samantha said Isabella interfered with her relationship."

Isabella felt shocked.

How had she interfered with Samantha's relationship?

Isabella suspected that Samantha would lie, but she never imagined that Samantha would accuse her of doing what she had done in order to clear her own name.