Chapter 17 The Lawrence mansion
Isabella stood still, feeling a bit uneasy, as Sebastian took a step forward and reached out his hand to hold hers, intertwining their fingers tightly.
With Sebastian leading the way, he introduced Isabella to the members of the Lawrence family.
Master Bo, Mr. Bo, eldest brother Bo Sisu, and youngest sister Amber.
Isabella politely greeted each one, presenting them with prepared gifts, her face adorned with a gentle and serene smile.
When she saw the wheelchair that Bo Sisu was sitting in, she was secretly taken aback, but showed no signs of surprise. Instead, she squatted down and handed him the gift with both hands.
Master Bo couldn't stop smiling, "It has been a while since our Lawrence family had joyous occasions. Come, my daughter-in-law, I have also prepared a gift to welcome you."
The butler brought over a brocade box, and the master opened it, revealing a jade bracelet inside.
Isabella had seen many treasures before, so at a glance, she recognized that this jade was translucent and precious beyond measure.
"Allow me to put it on for you," the master said, "This bracelet has been worn by Sebastian's grandmother and mother, and now it shall be passed on to you."
She had intended to refuse such a valuable jade, but the master's words left her with no choice but to extend her hand.
Emily had once said that she had a face that old people would adore at first sight. Although Isabella didn't believe it before, now she felt that... maybe there was some truth to it.
It fit perfectly.
"Live a good life with Sebastian, and have a fat, healthy child soon," the master patted the back of her hand, "This jade bracelet is meant to be passed down through generations."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, "I have the same idea."
The master was momentarily surprised, then burst into laughter, "Very well, I will be waiting for your good news!"
Amber chimed in, "By then, I will become an upgraded aunt! I will have a little nephew or niece!"
"What if it's a niece instead?" Sebastian countered, "How do you know it will be a boy or a girl?"
Amber, quick-witted as she was, immediately replied, "Then give birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins! That way, we'll have both a nephew and a niece."
"Deal. You'll pay for the formula,"
"I will pay only when I have to," Amber huffed, "I'll take on more roles and attend more events to earn formula money for my little nephew or niece!"
Isabella could only maintain an awkward yet polite smile.
Amidst this joyful celebration, she noticed that Bo Sisu's gaze had been fixed on her the whole time.
When she raised her eyes to meet his, he didn't seem embarrassed or shy. Instead, he nodded at her in a calm manner.
Isabella thought to herself, this young master of the Lawrence family is truly talented, but... being disabled is truly a pity.
Before dinner, Isabella made a trip to the restroom.
She had thought that a grand mansion like this would be strict and difficult to get along with, but surprisingly, it was quite relaxed, and even Adding Amber's lively presence has made her feel less pressure.
Dealing with the Lawrence family is easier than dealing with Sebastian.
Isabella wiped her hands and walked out of the room. As she raised her eyes, her footsteps paused.
"Big brother," she smiled, "what a coincidence..."
In truth, she was feeling a little uneasy. Why would Bosu Su be here at a time like this? If he needed to use the restroom, he should have his own exclusive one.
"Not a coincidence," Bosu Su said directly and calmly, "I came to look for you."
"Big brother... is there something you need?"
"You should be aware that both grandpa and dad really like you."
"Yes."
"Then," Bosu Su asked, "do you know the reason?"
Isabella couldn't answer. She had asked Sebastian several times before coming to the Lawrence family.
But every time, his response was more like avoiding the question altogether. Seeing her unable to speak, Bosu Su asked again, "Do you know about Sebastian's past?"
"What happened before...?" Isabella asked.
"It seems like you don't know. He wouldn't tell you these things either," Annabel Cooper sighed.
Isabella looked at him and asked, "What does elder brother want to tell me?"
Annabel Cooper sighed again and said, "I thought you had the means to conquer Sebastian. But now, it seems that you are just a controlled puppet wife in his eyes."
His words startled Isabella secretly.
Her marriage with Sebastian was originally a union of interests, devoid of any love. But she didn't expect that Annabel Cooper could discern something with just a few simple questions.
However, this was her and Sebastian's affair, and it should not be known by others.
"I don't quite understand elder brother's words," Isabella smiled. "My husband and I have a registered marriage, with freedom in love and marriage. What puppet? It's just a joke."
Compared to Isabella's changing expressions, Annabel Cooper remained calm and composed throughout.
Isabella couldn't help but wonder... Were all the men in the Lawrence family expressionless?
"I have no malicious intent or other meanings. I simply think that you are pitiable. Or perhaps, you are not pathetic and have obtained what you wanted," Annabel Cooper said. "But I still want to remind you."
"Please, elder brother."
"The Lawrence family accepts you, likes you, and doesn't care about the Wallace family's billions in debt, solely because you are Sebastian's wife."
"I already am, elder brother's words... are perplexing."
"Listen carefully, little sister. It's you, not her. In simple terms, as long as it's not her, any woman who becomes the Lawrence family's second lady will be treated the same as you, valued, accepted, and given face and glory, just like today."
...her?
Who is she?
Isabella stood still, unable to react for a long while.
Only when footsteps approached and grew closer did she suddenly snap out of it and looked up.
She met eyes with Sebastian.
Annabel Cooper turned his wheelchair around and headed towards the sink.
"Why is elder brother here?" Sebastian said calmly. "Do you want to wash your hands?"
"Yes."
"These small matters can be taken care of by the servant who looks after you. There's no need for you to come personally."
Annabel Cooper replied, "I can handle these trivial matters; I don't want to be a complete waste of a person."
"But, elder brother, it makes my wife uncomfortable," Sebastian's gaze shifted back and forth between the two. "Men and women are different."
"I apologize for that. I will pay attention next time."
Sebastian didn't say anything more and took Isabella by the hand, walking out.
"You're hurting my hand..." she followed behind him with unsteady steps. "Sebastian, slow down."
As soon as Isabella finished speaking, he immediately stopped.
Unexpectedly, she said stop and he stopped. Isabella hadn't even adjusted her steps when she suddenly bumped into his back.
Sebastian, who exercises regularly and has muscles, made Isabella feel like her nosebleed was about to explode.
She was in so much pain that her facial features were all scrunched together.
Sebastian, however, paid no attention to it and asked, "What did he say to you?"
Seeing his serious and nervous expression, Isabella thought of Mr. Bu Su's words.
At this moment, Sebastian should have guessed something, which was why he asked in this manner.
"...He didn't say much," Isabella replied, "just asked if I'm adapting well, if I'm comfortable, things like that."
"Isabella, don't lie."
"That really was all, or what else could he have said to me?"
Sebastian stared at her, as if trying to discern the truth from her words. His gaze almost felt like it would bore a hole through Isabella's face.
Isabella tried hard to maintain her composure as she accepted his scrutiny.
However, she had initially been skeptical of Mr. Bu Su's words, but now... she believed them to some extent.
Who exactly was she?
Was she the woman Sebastian held in his heart?
Since he had someone he loved, why did he pick her up and marry her on that rainy night?
A series of questions filled Isabella's mind, giving her a headache.
"Stay away from him in private," Sebastian said, "do you understand?"
"But why? Isn't he your half-brother?"
"In powerful families like the Lawrence family, do you think a half-brother can have much genuine affection?"
Isabella understood.
Although Mr. Bu Su currently held power in the Lawrence family, Sebastian controlled the Lawrence Group. If we were talking about actual power... it all lay in Sebastian's hands.
Mr. Bu Su must feel jealous and unwilling. His younger brother was so excellent and capable, while he himself was a failure and handicapped.
So, the "she" mentioned by Mr. Bu Su earlier, was he deliberately provoking her and Sebastian's relationship?
Real or fake, Isabella was starting to lose track.
She sighed suddenly and raised her hand to smooth out his furrowed brows. "Sebastian, you must be living a very exhausting life..."
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