After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 850

Isabella was just pulling out of the parking lot when she spotted Natalie stepping out of the building across the street. Natalie was standing on the curb, trying to hail a taxi.

The second Natalie caught sight of Isabella’s car, she waved, signaling for her to stop. Isabella recognized her right away and drove over, pulling up to the curb.

She rolled down her window and looked at Natalie. “What are you doing here?”

Natalie didn’t bother to be secretive. “I’m planning to start a new company and need an office. I heard there was a spot for rent here, so I came to check it out.”

She grinned, a little too pleased with herself. “I already signed the lease. It’s actually your old studio. I don’t even have to redecorate, just clean up a bit and it’s ready to go.”

“Isabella, looks like our companies are going to be neighbors now. I hope you’ll take care of me.”

Isabella glanced at the building behind her. “You need to rent an office? Natalie, you could just buy a whole building if you wanted. Why bother with renting?”

“Can I get in? Let’s go to your coffee shop, grab a coffee, and catch up for a bit.”

Isabella’s voice was cool. “I’m busy. I don’t have time for that. If you want to support my business, you can take a taxi over. Since we go way back, I’ll tell Laura to give you a discount.”

“Where are you headed?” Natalie asked.

“I’ve got something to take care of,” Isabella replied, not about to tell her rival anything else.

“Could you give me a ride, at least?”

“I’ll give you a ride when you’re beyond saving.”

About fifteen minutes later, Isabella was sitting alone at a corner table in her coffee shop.

Laura came over with a tray, setting down a cup of coffee and two little plates of pastries.

“These are brand new,” Laura said. “The chef made them today. They look even prettier than usual, and everyone’s been loving them. She made extra, hoping you’d come by and try them.”

Isabella smiled. “They look amazing. Just looking at them makes me hungry. I’ll try one now.”

She put on a disposable glove, picked up a pastry, and took a slow bite, savoring the flavor.

Laura sat across from her, watching her expectantly. When Isabella finished the first piece, Laura asked, “So, what do you think? Are they good? The chef’s been waiting for your verdict. She said if you like them, she’ll know they’re a success.”