After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 47

Susan sighed. “Isabella’s been out all day, every day, running around with her investment plans. She’s even looking at storefronts to rent. Looks like she wants to open her own shop.”

“Ethan, if the folks at the Adams Estate hear about her running wild like this, Jennifer is going to lose it.” Susan knew the Adams family never liked Isabella. They always said she wasn’t good enough for Ethan because of her background. Only Ethan’s grandma, Stephanie, was ever kind to Isabella, but she was too old now and didn’t bother with family business anymore. Everything at the Adams Estate was up to Jennifer.

Ethan’s voice was cool and distant. “As long as she doesn’t embarrass the family, let her do what she wants. It’s just money.” If he kept her from doing this, she’d just find a way to pester Natalie instead. Given the choice, Ethan would rather let Isabella throw herself into these business ventures.

He was actually a little curious. He’d given her ten million, and he wanted to see what she’d do with it. If she lost it all, he’d finally have a good reason to keep her home, playing the part of his pampered, caged bird.

“Call her again. Tell her I want her home. She has thirty minutes. If she isn’t here in half an hour, she loses a year’s allowance.” That was over three million a year. He knew that would hurt.

Ethan understood how desperate Isabella was for money these days, and that gave him the upper hand.

Susan nodded obediently and called Isabella back. As soon as Isabella picked up, Susan relayed Ethan’s message, not bothering with small talk. On the other end, Isabella muttered a sharp curse and hung up.

She’d been in the middle of negotiating rent and lease terms for four different storefronts when Ethan decided to summon her home with a thirty-minute deadline.

“Laura, something came up at home. I have to leave you in charge for now,” Isabella whispered to her friend. “Take your time with the landlord. Don’t rush. If we act too eager, he won’t cut us a deal.”

The girl sitting to Sophia’s left was Olivia, daughter of the Byron family. The Byrons depended on the Adamses for business, and Olivia had been Sophia’s tagalong since they were kids. Everyone called them friends, but Olivia was really just there to keep Sophia happy, so her family would keep getting contracts.

But Olivia was also hopelessly in love with Ethan. She’d said before that she’d even be his mistress if that’s what it took, as long as she could stay close to him. She knew Sophia hated Isabella, and Olivia hated her even more, blaming her for stealing Ethan away. The Byron family might have to suck up to the Adamses, but at least they had money. Isabella was just a stepdaughter who was treated like the help in her own family. How could she possibly deserve someone like Ethan?

“Sophia, what could she possibly make that’s any good? I doubt she’s even tasted real food before. We should just let the chef handle it. I don’t think I could choke down anything she makes.”

Another girl at the table laughed. “Olivia, you’ve got it all wrong. Isabella Lane probably cooks better than any chef. She’s been working in the kitchen since she was a kid, doing every chore you can imagine.”