Isabelle had to admit it herself. Because of John, she was depressed in the past, and her work had been affected now. In fact, she wished she could be a more resolute person, but it wasn’t really up to her that she fell head over heels for John.
After chugging a cup of water in the pantry, she rested a bit and turned to leave, whereupon she came across Old Mr. Bailey, who was passing by the room as he was speaking on the phone.
Forcing a smile, she was ready to go out and say hello, but after only taking a step forward, she heard her father saying, “Yes, they’re going to have dinner together. The location is decided by Belle.”
Isabelle froze and never called out to her father. Frowning, she gave it a thought and inched toward the door. With no one else in the corridor, Isabelle could still hear his voice faintly, even though he was speaking in a lowered voice. He said that Sophia and Matilda were going as well.
Naturally, Isabelle couldn’t hear what the other person said on the phone. Following that, Old Mr. Bailey giggled and said, “I’m looking forward to what they can do.”
After waiting for a while by the door, she heard that her father pushed open the door and entered his office. When it was all silent in the corridor, she slowly emerged from the door. Her family members were aware that she was going to have a meal with Matilda and Sophia. Judging from what her father had said, he was going to do something behind her back.
Pursing her lips, Isabelle waited for a bit and returned to her office. Putting down the cup, she pressed her palms against the table. Upon pondering on it for a while, she decided to step out of the room and head for her father’s office.
At that moment, Old Mr. Bailey was going through a document, so he was surprised that his daughter came to look for him. “Belle, what’s wrong?”
With an impassive expression, Isabelle walked over and took a seat. “Nothing. I’ve come to tell you that I’m going off work early this afternoon to buy a gift for John. Since I’m going to apologize, I have to appear to be more sincere.”
Old Mr. Bailey was startled for a moment before he nodded. “Alright, you can leave early.”
After slight contemplation, Isabelle said, “I feel that the restaurant I’ve chosen isn’t fancy enough. Should I book another restaurant? We still have some time.”
Gazing at her, Old Mr. Bailey replied, “There’s no need for that. You don’t have to take the dinner so seriously. Just be yourself.”
Isabelle smirked. “Sophia isn’t on good terms with me, so I don’t want to give her the chance to find fault with me.” She then added, “As you know, she’s resentful of me. I’m afraid that she’ll blame me for choosing a restaurant that’s not good enough, and John might be affected by her.”
With a frown, Old Mr. Bailey pondered on it for a moment and nodded. “Although I don’t think it’s necessary, you can book another restaurant if you want to.” Staring at his daughter, he questioned, “Where’s the new restaurant?”
Isabelle pursed her lips and replied, “I think the Japanese restaurant we usually go to is high-end enough. Why don’t I book a table there?”
Old Mr. Bailey grunted. “Alright, as you wish.”
Isabelle flashed a smile at him. “Okay, it’s decided then.”
After chatting with her father for a while longer, she bid him farewell and left the office. Without closing the door firmly, she stepped sideward and waited. As expected, her father made a call and told the other person the address of the Japanese restaurant. He also reminded the person to be more careful.
Isabelle tipped her head back and exhaled slowly.
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