“I’m not stealing, not robbing anyone, and I’m definitely not breaking any laws,” Isabella shot back, her tone sharp. “I’m just investing and starting a business, fair and square. How does that embarrass your family?”
She crossed her arms, not backing down. “Your grandmother was a powerhouse when she was young, and your two aunts are still making waves in the business world.”
“If they can do it, if they can invest and run companies, why can’t I?”
Frank was left speechless, searching for something to say.
After a long pause, he finally muttered, “My grandmother was different. She built everything alongside my grandfather. It’s not the same.”
“My aunts are both married. They represent their husbands’ families now.”
“My mom and aunt would never put themselves out there, running a business like that.”
Isabella was done with his excuses. She looked at him, her expression icy. “Frank. One question. Are you helping me or not?”
Frank hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “Isabella, you’re making this really hard for me. Maybe you should talk to Ethan first and see what he thinks.”
“How about this? If Ethan gives the green light, I’ll lend you the people you need. You just have to pay them.”
“Fine. I’ll ask Ethan,” Isabella said, grabbing her bag. “But start getting everything ready. Once my company is set up, I’ll need those people. And I want a couple of your screenwriters too.”
Frank stammered, “Isabella, can’t you handle these little things on your own? This isn’t really what I do.”
“Alright, I won’t trouble you,” Isabella said, her voice flat. “Just give me the new people you signed and maybe one or two directors.”
“You’re busy. I’ll get out of your way,” she finished, standing up. Laura Charles followed her as Isabella turned and walked out without another word.
Even when Ethan took over The Adams Group, his first results were disappointing. It took him a couple of years just to steady things, and only now was the company finally thriving. The other investments he made paid off, but only after years of struggle and learning through failure.
Isabella, who had never run a business or invested in anything, really thought she could just jump in and win? She was just going to waste his money.
He honestly didn’t care if she lost a few million. But he didn’t want her to lose it either.
“If she’s still stubborn when she gets back, I’ll just cut off her allowance,” Ethan said. “I’ll give her five bucks a month and see how she’s supposed to invest with that.”
Frank let out a nervous laugh. “Ethan, this is between you and your wife. Handle it yourselves. Please don’t drag me into this. I don’t want to get caught in the crossfire when things blow up.”
Ethan actually laughed. “I won’t take it out on you. Go do your thing.”

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