Isabel and Julian wouldn't be dining at home. They were flying directly to the Fiorhaven Principality.
Evelyn had wanted to tag along, but Julian told her tonight wasn't the right time; she could make her appearance at the official announcement. So, Evelyn headed back to the Ysolde Empire to tell her husband, Richard, about her partnership with Isabel.
Martha had nothing urgent to do. She had had a long journey, and before leaving, Isabel had urged her to get some proper rest. But she insisted on tidying up the dressing room they had turned upside down before finally going to sleep.
***
The private jet landed. As Isabel and Julian descended the stairs, they saw Miles Ashford waiting for them on the tarmac.
He was dressed more formally than their last meeting, wearing a sharp, British-style suit, his hair neatly styled. The sight immediately made Isabel nervous. Julian had only said they were meeting Miles’s aunt and uncle. Looking at his attire, then at her own, she couldn't help but feel she had underdressed for the occasion, especially since she was the one asking for a favor.
“Why didn’t you just tell me what kind of dress I needed to wear?”
Julian felt the warm, fragrant puff of her breath against his ear. He tilted his head away slightly and gave her a once-over. “What’s wrong with what you’re wearing? You look great. I have no complaints.”
“I’m being serious.”
“So am I.”
“Whoa, whoa,” Miles said, covering his eyes with his hands, though he peeked through his fingers. “Don’t start flirting in front of a single guy like me.”
Isabel’s attention shifted. “His command of our language seems quite good.”
“Yeah,” Julian said. “He’s a big fan of our culture.” He placed a hand on her arm, guiding her down the last step before giving Miles a playful kick. “What’s the point of this getup? It can’t hide your true nature.”
Miles opened the car door, gesturing for them to get in. “You don’t come here often. Naturally, I have to give you the royal treatment.”
The car pulled away from the airport. Isabel took out a small mirror from her purse to check her appearance, then leaned over to whisper questions to Julian about the situation.
Isabel was a skilled professional in a state-sponsored field; she was highly valued, with a respectable salary, benefits, and a good pension. But compared to people this wealthy, she was in a different world entirely. The sheer scale of the estate left her breathless.
Julian asked, “You like it?”
Isabel was honest. “I do.” She added, “You don’t earn all this money just for fun, do you? That seaside villa you have in Aurelia City is incredible too. People work hard to get the things they want and like.”
Julian nodded in agreement. “Good. I happen to own a manor. I’ll give it to you after we’re married.”
“...”
Isabel decided to ignore him. She could barely get two sentences out without wanting to knock his head off.
From the front seat, Miles chimed in, “Isabel, if you become one of the Ashford family, we’ll have your back. I feel like we hit it off right away. If you don’t want to marry that scoundrel in the back, don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Blizzard First Love and a Wife Who Finally Snaps
Beautiful story, thank you....