After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 114

Frank wasn’t the type to throw all his energy behind just one or two artists. He believed in giving everyone a shot. If someone had talent, he’d help them shine, no matter who they were. That way, the stars under his roof never got too full of themselves, because they all knew they could be replaced in the blink of an eye. The Adams Group had enough power to freeze out any troublemaker, stalling their career before they knew what hit them.

No one who signed with The Adams Group had ever dared to go up against the company. Part of it was that Frank always kept things under control, and part of it was the very real fear of being benched. In Cabinda, The Adams Group was the name everyone respected, backed by deep pockets and endless connections. Crossing them was asking for trouble. Everyone was here to make money, and as long as working together was a win-win, there was no reason to stir up drama.

Even if someone wanted out, they’d end things peacefully. They might not work together anymore, but at least they’d stay on good terms. Of course, there was always a little backstage scheming, especially from the actresses who tried to catch Frank’s eye. Frank might not have Ethan’s overwhelming presence, but he was still wealthy, good-looking, and way out of reach for most of the women who chased after him. Gorgeous women were always around him, but he never gave any of them a chance. He kept things professional, never letting gossip get started.

Landing Frank as a husband was nearly impossible. The Adams family elders looked down on actors, and even someone like Isabella, with her spotless background, barely made the cut. Ethan was so stubborn that the elders couldn’t control his marriage. Only because he stood his ground did Isabella get to marry into the family at all. Frank knew he wasn’t as bold as Ethan. There was no way he could take on the whole family by himself.

“Alright, that’s it. Get back to work,” Ethan said, ending the call.

The smile on Isabella’s face finally felt real.

“Want more dessert? I can go grab you some,” she offered. There wasn’t much left on the plate. He’d had one piece, and she’d eaten the rest. The pastries he’d brought for Natalie really were delicious.

Ethan shook his head. “No thanks. I’m not into sweets.” He wasn’t drinking herbal tea anymore either.

“Figure it out. You’re the lady of the house,” Ethan replied.

“No way. I’m not doing it,” Isabella said right away. “Running this house is exhausting. Let Susan handle it.” She only wanted to be the kind of wife who kicked back, spent his money, and focused on her own career. If someone else wanted to run the place, they could have it.

Why bother taking on a job that never got any thanks? Even if she did everything perfectly, Natalie could show up, say a few words, and Ethan would dismiss all her hard work. She wasn’t going to make that mistake again. She was done running his house.