Chapter 337 The Stay-at-Home Dad
Isabella, feeling a bit awkward, stopped what she was doing and said, "Sorry for making a fool of myself."
Esme shook her head. "Nah, I'm just curious. Never seen anyone dump that much sugar in their coffee before."
Isabella took a sip and found it just right. "I can't stand bitter stuff."
"Why's that?" Esme seemed intrigued by everything about Isabella.
Isabella shrugged and said, "Had too much bitterness growing up. Now, I just want the sweet stuff. No more bitter for me."
Esme's face changed a bit, like she'd been hit in the feels, and she couldn't find her words.
Seeing Esme's reaction, Isabella laughed. "Just kidding. I just don't like bitter things. The rest was just me messing around. Don't worry, Aunt Esme."
Even though Isabella tried to lighten the mood, things still felt a bit heavy. Esme looked at her with a pained expression. "Bella, you said your mom left you. Do you hate her?"
Isabella thought for a second and said, "Nope, I don't."
Esme seemed relieved. "Why not?"
"Because I don't love her, so I don't care. 'Mother' is just a word to me. I know she exists, but I don't know her. Can't hate a ghost."
Esme looked down, nervously fidgeting with her coffee cup, lost in Isabella's words.
Esme had imagined all sorts of harsh, cold, and angry responses, but she never expected Isabella to say, "I don't care."
"Aunt Esme, Aunt Esme?" Isabella called out.
Esme snapped back, looking a bit stiff.
"You okay?" Isabella asked, concerned.
Esme forced a smile and took a sip of her coffee, feeling the bitterness spread through her.
Noticing the time, Isabella said she had to pick up Sweetie.
Esme quickly offered, "Where you headed? I can give you a lift."
"No need," Isabella waved her off. "I drove here."
Esme hesitated and then asked, "Mind if I visit your place? I'd love to meet your daughter and bring her some gifts."
Esme's enthusiasm was so genuine that if Isabella hadn't saved her at Blue Horizon Cafe before, she might've thought Esme had some hidden agenda.
Esme's sincerity left Isabella no choice but to agree. Isabella figured since Quentin lived next door, maybe Esme was just being neighborly.
Isabella said, "Alright then. I need to stop by the Landon Group first. My daughter's with her dad today."
"Okay," Esme nodded. "I'll grab some gifts and wait for you at your place."
They parted ways at the coffee shop entrance.
The Landon Group.
As soon as Isabella walked into the CEO's office, Laura stood up from her desk and loudly greeted, "Hello, Mrs. Landon."
There was a brief silence, then everyone stood up together, respectfully and loudly saying, "Hello, Mrs. Landon!"
Isabella blushed and pulled Laura aside. "Can you not make such a big deal out of it?"
Laura giggled, "It's not me. Mr. Landon wanted to make sure everyone knew who you were, especially the newbies. He even posted your photo in the group chat, saying you're his wife. You wouldn't believe it, but some folks here actually obsessed with your picture."
Isabella looked puzzled. "Why would be obsessed with me?"
Laura laughed, "You don't get it. The guys think you'll bless them with fat paychecks, and the girls hope they can marry rich and live the high life like you."
Isabella was speechless.
Feeling a mix of boredom and amusement, she asked, "Where's Seb?"
"Mr. Landon's in a meeting," Laura said, "In the K3 conference room. Want me to take you there?"
Isabella shook her head. "Nah, I got it. You can get back to work."
Isabella knew her way around the Landon Group, having worked there before.
Laura nodded, then remembered something and asked, "Is your nanny still around? Did you take my advice last time?"
Isabella replied, "She's gone."
"Why? Did she mess up again?" Laura guessed. It was odd enough that Seb brought Sweetie to work today. Laura's curiosity got the best of her, and she wanted to dig deeper to confirm her suspicions about Siena.
Isabella thought for a moment, deciding there was no need to go into details about Siena. She made up a reason to brush it off.
Laura didn't press further. "Good riddance. I always thought that nanny had a weird vibe."
Isabella patted her shoulder. "Thanks, Laura. I'll treat you to a meal sometime."
Laura's eyes lit up. "Really? I want a big feast. I've been pulling overtime with Mr. Landon every day. I'm beat."
Isabella smiled. "You got it. Your pick."
K3 Conference Room.
When Isabella got there, the door was closed, and the meeting was still going on.
Peeking through the blinds, she saw the execs in suits around the long table. Seb was at the head, looking all serious.
But then she noticed Seb's leg bent, resting on his other knee, forming a cradle. He had a black pen in one hand, scribbling on a notebook, while the other hand held Sweetie, occasionally patting her.
The scene was both funny and oddly heartwarming.
After a bit, Jack showed up.
He had a bottle of freshly made formula and handed it to Seb.
Seb placed Sweetie on his lap, put down the pen, and shook the bottle with both hands.
The exec sitting closest to Seb noticed first.
He nudged the person next to him, signaling them to look.
One by one, all the execs' attention shifted to Seb feeding Sweetie.
