Chapter 9

Same old story. Always the same. He worked so hard to marry me into the Wright family just to latch onto their power. Since the day I got married, every single time he calls me back home, it’s always for this kind of crap. In both lifetimes, I’ve just been his means to an end. All I’ve ever heard from him is “keep Ronald happy” so he can suck a little more benefit from our connection. Never once cared how I was doing. And I, like an idiot, kept helping out just for a sliver of so-called family love. Truth be told, Ronald was right—I've been living like a parasite that can’t survive without him. I forced down my emotions, picked up a piece of fish, and looked up with a mocking glint in my eyes. My voice was calm, “He doesn’t owe us anything. And I’m not planning on owing him either. If you want an investment, ask him yourself.” First time I ever defied him like that. Everyone looked stunned like they couldn’t believe that the usual pushover me had finally snapped. Thomas’s pride took a real hit. He slammed his fork down, glaring and shouting, “Isabella! How did I raise such an ungrateful daughter? “I’m still able to provide for myself and this is how you treat me? When I get old, who knows what you’ll do to me! “Let me tell you—no matter what, I’m your father! You married well, and now I ask you for a bit of help and you act like it’s a crime? This isn’t optional! You’re doing it, period!” Olivia grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down, then turned to me with her usual fake warmth. “Isabella, sweetheart, you’re still part of the Carter family, right? Your family’s your backup. If we're doing well, that only strengthens your position as Mrs. Wright, right? “It’s not a big favor—just mention this to Ronald, get us a little bit of support. If your dad’s business gets running smoothly, everyone wins, don’t you think?” I gave a cold smile. Sure, it’s great for them—if I throw myself under the bus. I didn’t blow up just yet. Let him gloat a little longer. One day, he’ll watch everything he built collapse, lose every ally he’s got, and regret it all on his knees. “Open the business if you want, but we’ll talk about everything else when the time comes.” That was enough to make Thomas’s face ease a bit. “Now that’s more like it. While you’re at it, talk to Ronald about getting Sophia a job at his company.” Hearing that, Sophia’s entire attitude changed. She looked at me like I was her last hope. “Isa, don’t let him overwork me, okay? Also, the pay’s gotta be decent. You have to help me out with this.” Bang. I dropped my fork onto the table and said in a flat, cold voice, “And why should I?” Sophia stiffened, completely shocked, like she didn’t even recognize me anymore. Even Olivia was caught off guard, then quickly recovered with a laugh, “Come on, Isabella, you’re her cousin and Ronald’s wife. Sophia just graduated. If she starts from the bottom in another company, she’s gonna be running coffee and making copies all day!” “You know how spoiled she is. She can't handle that kind of hard life. I know it’s nothing for you to arrange a little job. I'm thanking you in advance, okay?” I raised a hand, cutting her off. “Whoa, hold on. I didn’t agree to anything yet—save your thanks.” “Every time I’m back here, it’s something. One minute it’s about money, the next it’s a job. Feels like every meal is just an ambush.” Thomas's face went dark fast. He slammed his hand on the table. “Watch your tone, who do you think you're talking to—?” I cut him off outright, scoffing coldly. “Before now, when you needed something and I could help, I helped. But from now on, if anyone wants anything from Ronald, they can go ask him face to face. I’m out of it. “Dad, seriously? You do realize favors like this aren’t easy to repay, right? Making me deal with this kind of stuff all the time—what if someone gets annoyed and suddenly says they want a divorce? Then everyone’s screwed. Think it through.” The room instantly went quiet. Thomas’s face turned darker by the second, and I could feel his eyes stabbing into me, but he didn’t say another word. “Okay, okay, let’s just eat. The food’s getting cold,” he said to break the ice. Sophia and her mom shared a glance, their jaws clenched so tight I could hear the grinding. But they said nothing either. I gave them a quick look and let out a dry laugh, picking up my fork again. Out of everyone at that table, I was the only one eating like I was actually enjoying the meal. Healthy body, good appetite, right? Once we were done, I headed upstairs to look for a pair of shoes. Just as I reached the stairs, I heard Olivia whispering to Thomas, “Don’t you think Isabella’s acting… different lately? Like she’s a whole other person.” I didn’t respond and kept walking. Reaching my room, I realized almost all my stuff was gone. Face calm, I searched around for a while before finally digging out a shoe box deep in the closet. Thankfully, there was still a pair of canvas sneakers. I slipped them on, ready to head out. But as soon as I turned around, there she was—Sophia—standing at the door, eyes full of smug disdain. I tried to ignore her, but she blocked the doorway, chin slightly raised, attitude screaming provocation. “You need something?” I asked flatly. “Oh yeah, I’m just here to check on how you’re doing.” Her tone was syrupy sweet and deliberately slow. “Those two tiny requests earlier—are you really saying they’re a big deal? Sounds like your life in the Wright family isn’t all sunshine and roses. Ronald doesn’t spoil you or something?” “Or…” she tilted her head, “is it that you just don’t want me in the company?” I stared at her. “What are you trying to say?” “I’m just wondering…” She smiled like she had the upper hand. “Are you scared that Ronald might like me better? I mean, I'm younger and prettier than you.” I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh at her smug little act. In Ronald’s world, there’s only that one woman he’s always been obsessed with. Where did Sophia get the confidence to think she had any shot? “How about this,” I suggested. “Why don’t you just call Ronald yourself? If he says yes, I won’t stop you.” She agreed immediately. I dialed Ronald. He picked up pretty fast, and I put the phone on speaker. “Hello.” That deep, distant voice came through. Sophia snatched the phone like it was gold and squeaked, “Ronnie, it’s me, Sophia~” He paused, then asked, “Where’s Isabella?” I raised a brow, not sure what he was thinking. “She’s right here,” Sophia said quickly. “I’m the one who wanted to talk to you. Just a little something I wanted to bring up.” “What is it?” Ronald asked, voice still cold. Sophia licked her lips and turned on her sugary charm. “I just graduated college, and I was thinking… it’d be amazing to work at your company. You’re always so kind, I figured there’s no way you’d say no, right? But Isabella’s kinda against it. Thinks I might steal your attention or something, since I’m younger and, well… you know…” “Mm.” Ronald’s reply was short and icy. Sophia lit up like she’d won the lottery, thinking he was on board. Then came the slap in the face. “I don’t run a daycare, and I definitely don’t need people who think too highly of themselves.” Sophia’s face froze. “Ronnie, I—” The corner of my mouth twitched upward, holding back a full-on grin. Ronald’s voice came again, even colder than before. “Who told you it was okay to call me that? Have you no sense of decency? Is this how your family raised you?” “You’re not even half as attractive as Isabella. No brains, no skills. What’s she supposed to be afraid of? That you’ll lose your mind?” Sophia’s hand trembled as she held the phone, her face pale as a ghost. I couldn’t hold back anymore—I actually laughed. Then Ronald added, “Isabella, I know you’re there. Take the phone.”