After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 144

“It’s not like you’re the only one who’s ever had a crush on Ethan,” Linda said, her voice sharp with sarcasm. “With that face, he’s got a fan club. You’d just be adding your name to the list.” She glanced at Shirley, clearly implying that Shirley was too scared to admit the obvious. If Linda liked someone, she’d say it out loud, no games.

“I don’t, Ms. White. I have a boyfriend,” Shirley shot back, clearly annoyed. “If he heard you talking like that, it could mess things up for us. Would you take responsibility for that?”

Linda just shrugged. “There’s nothing to take responsibility for. If your boyfriend can’t handle a little gossip, maybe you two shouldn’t be together. Sounds like you don’t trust each other much anyway.”

Shirley was left fuming, lost for words. Linda glanced around the room, noticing that everyone else had gone silent. As the only daughter of the White family, Linda was used to attention. She ran several companies, was known for her business sense, and everyone agreed she was way more impressive than Sophia Adams. She had every right to be confident.

But this wasn’t just confidence. Linda honestly couldn’t stand how everyone kept blaming Isabella for everything while Ethan got off scot-free. It was Ethan who chased after Isabella, not the other way around, yet somehow Isabella was the one accused of being a flirt. It was so unfair. Even though the White and Adams families were sworn enemies, Linda had always tried to be fair.

With her chin up, Linda walked into the hotel.

Inside, she spotted Ethan and Isabella in the middle of a crowd. Of course everyone wanted to be near Ethan. Through the sea of people, Linda caught Isabella’s eye. To her surprise, Isabella raised her glass in a little toast and gave her a sweet, open smile.

She was so charming, so poised, and her conversation was surprisingly sophisticated. Ethan couldn’t help but be impressed. He’d never realized she could be so good with people. Even those who’d looked down on her at first were starting to treat her with real respect.

“Jordan and Natalie just arrived,” someone said.

Ethan instantly turned to look toward the entrance. Sensing her chance, Isabella leaned in and said, “Honey, I just saw a few friends. I’m going to say hi.”