Chapter 961 Changing Identity to Approach Her
Both of them turned their heads at the same time.
Not far away, a man stood shrouded in dim, unclear light. His tall, upright figure exuded an intimidating aura without him even trying.
Francis took a few quick strides over, grabbed Sidney's hand, and yanked it away. "Where do you think you're taking my girlfriend? Didn't you hear her tell you to let go?!"
Isabella was shielded behind him, her eyes meeting Francis's broad back.
The owner of that flower shop... he said, girlfriend?
For some reason, Isabella's heart skipped a beat.
Sidney nearly stumbled to the ground from the force, barely managing to steady himself. He glared at Francis, unsure of his identity.
"You... you're her boyfriend?"
"Yeah, so what? Got a problem with that?"
"She's got a boyfriend, and she's still out here on a blind date? You're being ridiculous!"
Francis paused, seemingly surprised that this guy was Isabella's blind date.
He took a step forward, his authoritative presence radiating a natural intimidation. His icy voice sent chills down Sidney's spine. "Our relationship issues are none of your business. Do I need to call the cops for you?"
Sidney shivered involuntarily, feeling like Francis might attack at any moment.
He instinctively took two steps back, pointing at them before retracting his hand under Francis's warning gaze. "You... you just wait!"
Isabella watched him walk away before stepping out from behind Francis, letting out a heavy sigh of relief. "Thank you so much."
If he hadn't shown up in time, who knows what that creep would have done!
"It's no problem." Francis's emotions were a bit unsettled, but he smiled and shook his head lightly. "Do you work late every night?"
"Not really, just busy today." Isabella tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling. "I usually drive myself to and from work, and it's pretty safe. I just didn't expect this guy to find my office."
Francis understood, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Ms. Moore, how about you treat me to dinner?"
"...What?"
Francis chuckled. "Didn't you say you wanted to thank me?"
Isabella was taken aback, then laughed too. "Alright, let's go. I'm actually a bit hungry myself."
They drove to a restaurant, ordered, and found a quiet corner to sit.
The table was a bit low, and Francis carefully wiped it clean for her.
His legs were uncomfortable, and the exoskeleton he wore still took some getting used to. He frowned and shifted slightly.
Isabella noticed his discomfort and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are your legs bothering you?"
She had noticed before that the flower shop owner walked a bit oddly, but hadn't stared.
"It's nothing."
Francis smiled calmly, looking at his legs with contentment. "I actually have a disability. I use an exoskeleton to walk, and it can be uncomfortable sometimes."
"Oh... I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Being able to stand again is a gift from above."
Isabella looked at him with newfound admiration. "People with your positive attitude are rare these days. I used to know someone in a wheelchair who was a bit like you, but unfortunately..."
She thought of Francis.
Francis was also exceptional.
Seeing her smile fade, Francis grew inexplicably nervous.
If he guessed right, the person Isabella mentioned was himself... She actually talked about him to others!
So...
Did she have special feelings for him?
"That person... who were they to you?"
Isabella was surprised by the question but quickly shook her head. "Just someone I knew, nothing more."
"Perhaps it's the heavens that are jealous of talented people. I just think it's a shame for someone so vibrant to disappear suddenly."
She remembered Francis had a wife and child. They must be devastated...
"...I see."
Francis's smile turned a bit bitter.
He had hoped that if she felt even a little differently about him, he could use this chance to reveal his true identity and express his feelings.
But now, it seemed unnecessary.
To Isabella, Francis was just "someone she knew."
Maybe she even avoided him because of Antonio.
If he could get close to her with this new identity, then perhaps living as this "new person" and abandoning "Francis" wouldn't be so bad.
But would he get that chance?
Isabella suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, you helped me so much, and I don't even know your name."
She extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm Isabella."
Francis looked at her hand, pale and delicate, one he had longed to hold countless times.
"Everett Stevens."
This was his alias after returning to the country.
After a brief handshake, the waiter began serving their food. They chatted about the flower shop, finding it not awkward at all.
After dinner, Isabella drove him back to the flower shop.
She felt a bit embarrassed. "Mr. Stevens, I said I'd treat you, but you ended up paying..."
"Next time, you can treat me."
Francis smiled as he got out of the car. "Friends shouldn't fuss over these things, right?"
Friends?
But Everett had helped her so much today, and he seemed quite nice. Being friends wouldn't be bad.
"Alright, next time I'll treat you... Have a good night."
"You too."
Francis's smile softened as he waved. "Good night."
Isabella felt great and slept soundly that night.
But the next morning brought an unexpected headache.
Opening the door, she found her landlord waiting, about to knock. Seeing her, he sighed in relief. "Isabella, you're home. I thought you'd already left for work."
"I was just about to. Is something wrong?"
"My son is coming back from abroad to get married, so I can't rent this place to you anymore. You're young, you understand, right?"
Isabella was stunned. "Isn't this a bit sudden?"
"I didn't expect my son to come back so suddenly, but it is what it is. You understand, right?"
The landlord wasn't interested in negotiating. "I'm just here to inform you. Find a new place and move out quickly... I need to get a renovation company in."
With that, she left, leaving Isabella standing there.
Where was she supposed to find a place on such short notice?
Despite working at the Harrington Group for years, Isabella had no assets. Harold had provided a high-quality life but no real power or wealth.
So, leaving the Harrington Group meant starting from scratch.
Capital City's housing prices were sky-high, and she couldn't afford to buy a home.
Isabella was anxious.
She spent the day distracted at work and, on her way home, passed by Francis's flower shop. A rental notice on the door caught her eye.
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