After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 200

“Ethan, you and Isabella should really start thinking about having a baby soon,” Jordan said, leaning back in his chair with that easy confidence he always had. “Families like ours, you know how it is—having the next generation matters. Natalie and I are planning on two boys and a girl, if we’re lucky.”

He gave Ethan a pointed look. “Your family’s already got plenty of heirs, so maybe you don’t feel the pressure, but honestly, you still need a son. Your parents haven’t really accepted Isabella yet. If you two had a child, especially a boy, maybe they’d finally come around. Family can be stubborn, but grandkids melt hearts.”

He didn’t stop there. “You’ve been married a while now, and Isabella still hasn’t even stepped into the Adams Estate.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened for a split second, but he kept his voice calm. Jordan always did this—making little digs just to show off. “We’re not in a rush,” Ethan replied, his tone casual. “Isabella and I are happy, just the two of us. Boy or girl, it doesn’t matter to me. Any child of mine is enough.”

He’d never cared about having a son just for tradition’s sake. If anything, the thought of a daughter made him smile.

He went on, “Whether the family accepts her or not doesn’t matter. She’s my wife. She’s the one I’m spending my life with, not them. The Adams Estate is her home too. She can go back whenever she wants, but right now we like having our own space, so we haven’t been back.”

He owned plenty of properties. There was no need to force Isabella to live somewhere she wasn’t comfortable. Truthfully, she hadn’t gone back because his family made her feel unwelcome, and he’d rather avoid another fight with them. Not going back was just easier for everyone, and the elders seemed fine with it as long as it kept the peace.

Jordan wouldn’t let it drop. “To be honest, Ethan, I never thought Isabella was a good match for you. I tried to warn you before, but you didn’t want to listen. No point in arguing about it now. But if you want your parents to accept her, you should have her take some etiquette classes. Her manners could use some work, and she’s not the best at socializing.”

Ethan couldn’t help himself. “I completely disagree. Isabella’s got great manners. She’s smart, well-read, and she’s never embarrassed me at any event. Her social skills are actually impressive.”

Ethan had already guessed the real reason for this visit.

Jordan admitted, “Business has been a little slow for The Lane Group lately.” He gave Ethan a look that was half sheepish, half hopeful. “With Natalie pregnant, our expenses are about to go up. Kids are expensive. When business is down, I get stressed, and that just stresses Natalie out even more. Not great for her or the baby.”

Ethan paused for a moment, thinking it over. “How much can you invest right now? Do you have two billion?”

Jordan hesitated, his eyes flickering. “We probably can’t raise that much,” he said honestly. “But we could make it work with an IOU. If you can cover the difference, once the project turns a profit, you take your share back first. Then we split the rest. What do you think?”