Chapter 981 The Will
Isabella gazed out the window, not noticing the misty look in Francis's eyes. After a moment, she said, "How about I work at your flower shop? That way, I can really nail down my role as your girlfriend."
Her tone was clearly joking, but Francis felt a warmth spread through his chest.
His voice was a bit hoarse. "Work? More like you'd be inspecting the shop."
"True..." Isabella nodded to herself, then suddenly laughed softly at some private thought. She picked up her wine glass, drained it, and then lay back.
The balcony was covered with a thick carpet, making it soft and comfortable to lie on.
She sighed lightly, her voice carrying a distant, lingering quality. "I grew up in the Harringtons Villa, always feeling like I was born to study, to excel, and to dedicate myself to the Harringtons Family's business. So, I was always studying, studying, and never had a moment to just lie down and enjoy the view."
Francis didn't say anything, but a molten emotion spread through him, burning his entire being.
He knew that Isabella was finally opening up to him.
Did his heart draw closer to hers?
"And then?" he prompted.
"And then..." Isabella's eyes reflected the gray ceiling, her gaze lost in memories. "Harold was actually very good to me. Even though I was just a tool to him, I genuinely respected him. If he hadn't used me against Antonio, I might have still held some gratitude towards him."
"It was because of that incident that I broke free from my old life, realized there were so many possibilities for my own life, started anew, and then met..."
She turned her head slightly, her sparkling eyes landing on Francis.
Wow, he really is so handsome.
A smile spread across Isabella's face, her eyes twinkling like stars. "Met you."
In that moment, the world seemed to burst into color.
Francis didn't know what she was feeling when she said that, but he felt his soul tremble, a rush of heat and excitement overwhelming his reason.
Isabella continued to murmur, her eyes closed, her voice carrying a hint of post-wine sensuality. "If I hadn't met you... I wouldn't feel so relaxed every day. You were the first person to cook for me..."
She suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Francis's face was right in front of hers.
He was...
Kissing her!
Francis hadn't expected to lose control of his emotions like this. Seeing her serene, gentle face, he had only one thought in his mind—
So sweet.
He wanted to kiss her.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but Francis let himself get closer and closer, finally kissing her without a second thought.
It was sweet.
Isabella's mind went blank, feeling like she had turned into a dandelion, floating in the air.
Everything around them seemed to freeze.
All she could hear was the pounding of their hearts.
She couldn't tell if it was hers or his.
Francis's deep eyes locked onto her, seeing that she was just staring at him without resisting. His gaze darkened, and he cupped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
When the kiss ended, Isabella's face was flushed as she clutched his shirt.
A flash of regret crossed her eyes, and she sobered up a bit.
Isabella, what were you doing?
Francis was still half-leaning over her, his eyes filled with a fiery tenderness, letting her hold onto him.
She lowered her head, looking soft and startled.
"Like..."
Before she could finish, the usually gentle Isabella suddenly pushed him away with surprising force. He fell back onto the floor, unprepared, and she stammered, "Everett... we drank too much!"
"Nothing happened just now! Remember... nothing happened!"
With that, she scrambled up and ran off.
In a few steps, she was back in her room, slamming the door shut and locking it.
Francis was speechless.
Was she embarrassed?
Or was she planning to deny it?
He stared in the direction Isabella had fled, feeling a surge of emotion. Thinking about the sweetness that was uniquely hers, he couldn't help but chuckle.
He had kissed her.
That was a big step forward.
But would Isabella really pretend nothing happened tomorrow?
Sarah would never guess how quickly things had progressed between them. The next morning, she was even discussing with Antonio whether they should try to set up Francis and Isabella.
Antonio pinched her nose, "Honey, are you addicted to matchmaking?"
"What do you mean?" Sarah pouted. "I just want to see them happy. And it's rare for my brother to find someone he likes. Don't you want him to find his happiness?"
"Some things we can help with, but matters of the heart are up to them," Antonio said, handing her a cup of hot milk. "We don't want to mess things up and disrupt their natural pace."
Not long after, Antonio's phone rang.
"Is this Mr. Harrington?"
"Yes, what can I do for you?"
"I'm Harold's lawyer. He had me prepare a property certification for him. Now that he won't be coming out, it's time for the document to take effect. Do you have time to come by and confirm the details?"
Harold left something for him?
Antonio smirked, "Where is it? I'll be right there."
After hanging up, he briefly explained the situation to Sarah. "You rest at home. I'm going to see what he left me."
Sarah studied his face for a moment, making sure he wasn't upset, then nodded. "Be careful. Call me if you need anything."
"Okay."
Antonio kissed her forehead and grabbed his car keys.
The lawyer's office wasn't far, just a twenty-minute drive. To his surprise, Isabella was there too.
Isabella had also received a call and wasn't surprised to see him. She smiled and greeted him, "Mr. Valencia."
Antonio raised an eyebrow, remembering what Sarah had said that morning. He nodded, "You're friends with Sarah now. No need to be so formal."
Isabella beamed. "Yes, where is Sarah?"
"She didn't sleep well last night, so she's resting at home."
With the pleasantries over, the lawyer stood up with the will. "Since you're both here, you can review the contents of this will. If you have any objections, please let me know."
Harold had prepared the will long ago, stating it would take effect in the event of a major incident or accident.
The court had recently issued a final verdict, ensuring that Harold would never be released from prison. So, the will was now in effect.
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