After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 787

He had that look. The kind of guy who spots a pretty woman and can’t help but try his luck.

Isabella didn’t dwell on it. To her, he was just another stranger passing through.

A moment later, Harold and Jesse made their way over and took the empty seats at their table.

“Who was that guy?” Harold asked. He wasn’t jealous, just genuinely curious because York’s face was unfamiliar.

Jesse answered, “His name’s York. Nobody really knows where he’s from. He just says he’s here to invest in Cabinda and wants to meet the big names tonight.”

“He mentioned maybe working together in the future. I noticed he’s been mingling all night, handing out business cards to everyone. And he’s got a whole squad of bodyguards with him. They never leave his side. He’s probably someone important.”

All of Cabinda’s business elite were at this event, but York was the only one moving around with his bodyguards in tow. Everyone else had their security either waiting outside or quietly watching from the corners.

York’s bodyguards were different, always close, and their presence was intimidating. They looked like real pros, sharp-eyed and serious. Even York, who wore a constant smile, gave off the vibe of someone who could handle himself.

“My company probably doesn’t have any reason to work with him,” Isabella said. “He tried to buy me a drink earlier, but I don’t know him at all. And since he brought the drink himself, I didn’t feel safe taking it, so I turned him down.”

She wasn’t surprised York knew her last name. In a crowd like this, everyone’s connected, and asking around would get him any answer he wanted.

She never accepted drinks from strangers. After what happened with Sophia, she’d learned to be careful, especially with anything someone handed her. Drinks were the worst. She couldn’t help thinking someone might use the chance to hurt her.

Laura leaned in. “He was definitely interested in you. I saw him staring your way for ages.” Then she grinned at Harold. “Harold, you better keep an eye on Isabella before someone sweeps her off her feet.”

“I haven’t really had much either. Wine doesn’t bother me, but since you told me not to overdo it, I’ll stop. Sit tight. I’ll go get us something to eat.”

Harold stood and left, coming back quickly with two plates. One was stacked with Isabella’s favorites, and he set it down in front of her.

He lowered his voice. “Natalie’s got Ethan roped in over there. No idea what they’re talking about, but he tried to leave and she wouldn’t let him.”

Harold sat down, throwing some shade at Ethan. They were rivals, after all.

He knew Isabella would only be more disappointed if she saw Ethan tangled up with Natalie again. That would be the end of any chance Ethan had.