Chapter 246 Mrs. Lawrence, the High-Society Castaway
Isabella kept her head down, eating her meal quickly. She only allowed herself fifteen minutes for lunch, with no time for idle chitchat.
She wanted to tell Olivia Parker not to fret about it. Not to mention that Sebastian's heart belonged to someone else; she couldn't let innocent people waltz into a trap.
Besides, she was still technically Mrs. Lawrence. Asking her about Sebastian's preferences seemed improper.
"Take it easy, Wallace," Olivia Parker urged, reaching out affectionately to place a chicken leg on Isabella's plate. "Let's have a chat, shall we?"
The display of sudden affection overwhelmed Isabella, leaving her unable to accept or refuse, only adding to her troubles.
She glanced at the chicken leg for a moment, then set down her chopsticks and gave a faint smile. "Sure, Olivia Parker, go ahead."
"Don't be so nervous, Wallace. We're just girls gossiping here. You're always at headquarters and know so much. Tell me, does Mr. Lawrence like... the mysterious and never publicly seen Mrs. Lawrence, or is he into Lynda, whose name is buzzing all over?"
Isabella's smile froze on her face. How could it be that even a thousand miles away in San Francisco, she couldn't escape this question?
"Wallace?" The female manager waved her hand in front of Isabella's face.
"Sorry, I just remembered something about work," she deflected.
"Ha, you're so dedicated, Wallace," the manager laughed, pressing on. "About what I just asked, what do you think, Wallace?"
Isabella laughed wryly. "What do you think, Olivia Parker?"
"I think it's Lynda. Rumor has it that Mrs. Lawrence is just a high-society castaway. After all, she never even showed her face in a photo. Once they're divorced, it would be as if the marriage never happened."
"A high-society castaway?" Isabella's expression grew wistful as she lowered her head to sip her soup, concealing her emotions. "That description is quite spot-on."
Unaware, Olivia Parker cleared her throat. "Wallace, do you know what kind of person Lynda is? She must be kind, innocent, and beautiful to be liked by Mr. Lawrence, right?"
Women understand the thoughts of other women best.
‘Confrontation at the Office’
Isabella knew that Olivia Parker had officially broached the topic of interest. She sought to understand Sebastian's preferred type and then planned to cater to his tastes. She could handle facing the ridiculous sham of a marriage contract, but uttering false platitudes about Lynda being pure and kind was more painful than death itself.
Lynda was a vile, malicious woman with influential connections, allowing her to act with impunity.
Knock, knock, knock…
As Isabella was contemplating an excuse to leave and avoid the topic, the sound of knuckles rapping on the table surface startled her. Looking up, she saw CEO Sawyer with a stern expression, lowering his voice to warn, "What is with this discussion? Mr. Lawrence's private life is not something to be casually talked about!"
Olivia Parker panicked, nodded hastily, and then put on a cheeky grin, "CEO Sawyer, I wouldn't dare do it again."
Isabella's gaze shifted past CEO Sawyer and she noticed Sebastian had followed him in.
So, it was Sebastian who probably feared that she would say something damaging to Lynda's reputation and had come to give her a warning. He really knew how to protect the one he loved, in every possible way.
"CEO Sawyer, Olivia Parker, I've got some documents to organize. I'll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your meal," Isabella said as she picked up her tray and rose from her seat.
If she couldn't address it head-on, avoiding it was the next best thing. She wouldn't say a good word about Lynda unless she lost her senses!
After placing her tray at the return station and passing by Sebastian, Isabella composed herself, straightened her posture, and with confidence, said, "Mr. Lawrence, enjoy your meal." With a polite nod, she then turned to leave.
Sebastian's expression shifted abruptly.
He caught Isabella's wrist, gave her a sidelong glance, and with a sneer said quietly, "I remember, just a few days ago, someone was professing their love for me. It seems that love is quite cheap, coming and going as it pleases."
Isabella tensed, her breathing tightening in frustration.
"I really underestimated you,” he said.
HIs grip on her was painful, but it was nothing compared to the aching in the depths of her heart. She had offered her heart to Sebastian, seeking his compassion, but instead, she had exposed her vulnerability for him to hurt.
Isabella had nothing to say but to accept that she deserved it.
As the sound of CEO Sawyer's footsteps approached, Isabella withdrew her hand and said with a nod, "You're right to reprimand me, Mr. Lawrence."
"Get out," he responded sharply.
‘Sebastian's Temper Flared’
Sebastian was usually composed, but in front of Isabella, his control of his temper had slipped several times. As soon as he uttered that word, it felt just as unbelievable as the slap he had delivered.
"Wallace..." someone called out to her.
Isabella's body shuddered fiercely. She quickly replied with a raspy, trembling voice, "Yes." Not wanting to stay another second, she hurried away.
‘Sebastian's Brow Furrowed’
Sebastian watched Isabella go, his brows furrowed and his hands clenched. He took a step to follow her. Then, an image of Lynda, who had been rescued and took two days to wake up from a coma, flashed in his mind. He stopped in his tracks.
After a moment, his legs moved faster than his thoughts as he headed in the direction Isabella had left.
‘A Timely Interruption’
Suddenly, CEO Sawyer caught up with him. "Mr. Lawrence, no matter how important work is, you have to eat. The food in our cafeteria is excellent; you really should try it."
Sebastian took one last glance at Isabella's retreating figure before he relaxed his grip and murmured an indifferent "Hmm" in response to Sawyer’s reminder.
‘Isabella Drowns in Work’
Back at the office, Isabella plunged into her work. She dared not give herself any idle time, otherwise, the cold, merciless "Leave" would torment her relentlessly. If possible, she would work nonstop to distract her, but she was pregnant and needed to balance rest with her tasks.
Around eight o'clock, when the day's work had been done and most people had left, Isabella descended the stairs and exited the building to be greeted by a cool breeze. In San Francisco, the temperature difference was like day and night, so she hugged herself and stomped her feet to stay warm.
Out of nowhere, her shoulder felt something heavy. A suit jacket had been draped over her, wrapping her in a crisp scent. Isabella glanced to the side, but no one was there. When she turned her face forward, Sebastian was walking ahead of her.
Isabella knew the address of the hotel and had planned to take a taxi there, so she had headed downstairs early to avoid encountering Sebastian. Nevertheless, they met.
"Let's go," Sebastian said without turning his head, his words short and awkward.
"Yes!"
Isabella wasn't the sort to overthink things, nor was there a reason to refuse a ride from Sebastian. Being alone and hailing a cab late at night was risky.
Once Sebastian got into the car, Isabella quickly opened the passenger door and slid inside. He glanced up and scoffed.
"Mr. Lawrence, I greatly appreciate this," Isabella said, removing the jacket and handing it back to Sebastian.
Sebastian gazed out the window, pinching the bridge of his nose, seemingly oblivious to the world around him.
Isabella, realizing she was being ignored, stretched out her arm and casually tossed his jacket beside him.
Afterward, she settled herself upright in her seat. Only after she turned away did Sebastian avert his gaze toward her direction, glancing momentarily at the jacket next to him.
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