Chapter 25 Isabella was Surprised by My Transformation

Elena Garcia's POV:

This was definitely not what I had in mind.

I glanced at James, taken aback by his intense look and harsh words.

It made me feel like I'd messed up. "But, Mrs. Fisher said..."

I wanted to tell James that I'd sorted it out, and Emily wasn't upset. Everything turned out fine.

He shouldn't be mad at me for a good outcome.

But nope, there was no hint of relief in his eyes, just pure anger because I went behind his back. I instinctively looked at Isabella, my mom.

She looked surprised, then confused as she turned to James.

She seemed just as puzzled by James's reaction, but she kept quiet.

She silently sided with the man of the house, which hurt more than if she'd agreed with him.

James was livid. "Shut up! Do you even know what could've happened if you failed? You're such an idiot. Mrs. Fisher might think even less of the Garcia family because of your recklessness."

"But it worked out." I didn't think I did anything wrong.

I shouldn't be blamed, and even if Emily was annoyed, it wouldn't have changed the outcome!

Just then, Albert chimed in, "Who's the real fool here, James?

Don't act like you care about the process. If you did, you wouldn't have almost gotten us mocked in the newspapers."

I turned to him, and he winked at me. He didn't take James's anger seriously at all, not intimidated by his father's status, like he was scolding a stranger. He went on, "And you wouldn't have tried to beg Mrs. Fisher again after she said no, like a puppy trying to please its owner.

Elena went to downtown LA with no social experience and no connections, yet she still managed to fix everything, giving you, an idiot, a chance to apologize to Mrs. Fisher. What more do you want?"

James had no comeback. He was speechless, unable to keep up his anger towards me.

Albert added, "Or do you think Isabella and Sofia would've done better? Need I remind you that Mrs. Fisher already turned down their private meeting requests?"

Marco jumped in, "Maybe Elena can contact Mrs. Fisher again and tell her that her dad doesn't need the opportunity she secured for him."

James's face turned awkward as he slumped back in his chair, trying to act like nothing had happened.

His anger was confusing, fitting the newspapers' description of him as a male chauvinist.

Even social interactions handled by women needed his approval to make him happy.

Albert and Marco's words calmed me down. I looked at James's still annoyed face and decided to play along with his authoritarianism.

So I pretended to apologize, "Dad, I'll contact Mrs. Fisher again. I don't want you to be mad. Maybe your plan would've been better than mine."

My fake apology changed James's expression, and his annoyance turned into panic. "No. I mean, there's no need to contact Mrs. Fisher again. She might think she's being messed with."

"She won't. Mrs. Fisher will understand. After all, I'm just a reckless idiot with no social experience. I'll tell her it was all my decision to beg her to give you another chance to apologize."

James looked at my face and seemed to realize I was serious.

He started apologizing, his tone softening. "Elena, I was wrong. I'm really sorry for what I said earlier. It was uncalled for. You clearly helped me out.

I really appreciate everything you've done for me and the Garcia family. You're an amazing kid. Please, don't contact Mrs. Fisher again. The foolish one here is me."

Hearing his apology, I felt a wave of relief, but I still kept up my sad act.

The rest of the meal was way less tense. James, worried I might actually contact Emily, turned super kind and gentle towards me.

He gently reminded me of the stuff I needed to prepare for my upcoming enrollment and told me to let him know if I needed anything.

Albert lightly kicked me under the table. When I looked at him, he winked, and Marco smiled at me from beside him.

I discreetly flashed them a victory sign.

After dinner, I went back to my room, buried my head in the pillow, and laughed my heart out.

I wanted to share this with someone, but I couldn't think of anyone suitable.

On social media, the only person I was somewhat familiar with was William, so I told him about it.

But William didn't reply.

I checked his social media account. He was already back at school. A few hours ago, he'd posted a photo of himself in swim trunks, leaning by the school pool.

Sunlight glistened on his muscular chest, water droplets clinging to his muscles, and his gaze towards the camera was intensely sensual.

My face turned a bit red.

I remembered what he said, 'Maybe you'd like to visit some Los Angeles attractions together on the weekend?'

When William left last time, he mentioned again about visiting famous Los Angeles attractions.

Of course, at that time, I was mindful of his recent rejection by Sofia. I told him we could consider it later. I still remembered he wanted to invite Sofia, and I didn't want him to be sad.

After I enrolled, William and I would be on different campuses. The distance wasn't far, only about a fifteen-minute drive, but with the heavy medical coursework, meeting up would still be somewhat challenging.

I sent him a message: [Maybe we can go to Santa Monica Beach. Do you know how to surf? I can't swim and have never been to the beach. I've heard the scenery there is beautiful, and the beach turns golden at sunset, sparkling along with the sky.]

William replied: [Will Sofia be joining us?]

Me: [Do you want her to come with us?]

I was a bit worried that William hadn't given up yet, but his next message reassured me: [I'm just concerned that you might feel awkward going out alone with me. If you have family or friends who want to join, I don't mind the company.]

William's thoughtfulness made me happy. I told him I would ask my family, and if Sofia was willing, we could bring her along.

After finalizing the time, I rested for a while.

Then I looked up some useful books on Boston University's medical program to learn as much as possible about what I would be studying.

In the afternoon, I changed into a dress.

I still remembered Isabella's invitation for afternoon tea.

Isabella liked to keep things casual during afternoon tea, so I didn't dress too formally. I just tied my hair back with a ribbon.

I also brought a novel, as I wasn't sure if Isabella preferred chatting or quiet during tea.

When I arrived at the garden, Isabella was already waiting. She was wearing sunglasses while lying on a lounge chair, soaking up the sunlight.

I sat on the empty lounge chair next to her.

After I sat down, I felt Isabella's gaze on me. "You seem a bit different, Elena."