Chapter 122 Is It Worth Taking This Risk for Dennis?
Isabella pouted and said, "I'm really sorry about today. I didn't mean for him to get hurt, I..."
"Did you find anything?" Frederick cut her off.
Isabella knew what he was getting at. Sitting on the sofa across from him, she said, "Dennis isn't as bad as I thought. From what I saw today, he knows right from wrong and gets social norms."
Dennis had her back today, probably because she'd been looking out for him these past few days.
She took care of Dennis, and Dennis protected her. It showed he understood social norms.
"You've always been kind to me, and I appreciate it. So, I'll return the favor."
Isabella continued, "Dennis just doesn't like to show his feelings, but he gets everything. His standoffish vibe comes from his psychological issues and upbringing. He's kinda like you."
Frederick glanced at her. Was she calling him aloof?
Isabella went on, "Your environment shapes who you are. You're always cold and distant; Dennis can't be all lively and sunny."
Frederick pressed his lips together, staying silent.
Isabella ignored his icy look and kept talking, "Dennis might seem cold, but he's got a warm heart. He's a good kid, brave, not a pushover. You saw that today. Overall, Dennis is doing better than I thought."
A flicker of joy crossed Frederick's eyes but vanished quickly. He asked, "What's the plan now?"
Isabella frowned, "Emotional problems need emotional solutions. To help him, we need to start with his mom."
Frederick said coldly, "There's no trace of his mom right now."
"I know, let me think." Isabella stared at Dennis's room for a bit, then said, "I'll go make lunch first."
Not coming up with a solution, she got up and headed to the kitchen.
Frederick watched her leave, then went back to his room.
Besides talking about Dennis, they had nothing to say to each other.
Neither mentioned the kiss from the other day. It wasn't forgotten; they just chose to ignore it to avoid awkwardness.
Elliot came back, and Isabella asked, "Is everything sorted?"
Elliot nodded, "Yeah, the boy's parents apologized."
"They should," Isabella agreed.
"Is Dennis okay?" Elliot asked.
"Just some minor scrapes."
"Where's Eric?"
"In the study. Keep an eye on Dennis. I'm going to the supermarket downstairs to get some stuff. I'll be back soon," Isabella said.
"What do you need? I can go," Elliot offered.
"No need. By the way, have lunch at home today. No need to eat out; just eat here." Isabella put on her coat and left.
Elliot thought he'd be thrilled if Isabella became Frederick's wife.
So beautiful, gentle, and kind. What a wonderful woman!
Elliot went to the study to find Frederick, muttering, "I called the cops. Let that boy's dad suffer a bit first."
Frederick said coldly, "They deserve a lesson!"
"Yeah, Ms. Beniere said the same thing. You two are really in sync."
Frederick shot him an annoyed look, and Elliot smiled, "I mean, when it comes to raising kids, you two think alike."
Frederick flicked the ash from his cigarette and changed the subject. "Any news from Always IsaBabe's?"
He meant Hugo.
Elliot's smile faded, looking worried. "I've sent a bunch of messages, but no response. I heard working with him depends on luck and his mood. We can't rush it."
Frederick's expression darkened, looking frustrated.
He wanted that thing from Always IsaBabe's!
With it, there was a 99% chance of finding Dennis's mom.
Finding Dennis's mom would fix Dennis's emotional issues, and he wouldn't have to suffer anymore.
"The Valdemar family is on our case again about the memorial event. They want us to plan everything in advance, and Dennis's speech draft needs to be submitted early."
Frederick's face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger.
The best thing about the old neighborhood was how convenient everything was.
Right at the entrance, there were small shops selling breakfast, fruits, veggies, and clothes.
Isabella bought some fresh meat and vegetables.
She saw some fresh oranges and thought about making orange juice for Dennis, so she grabbed another bag and started picking oranges.
As she was picking, a male voice suddenly whispered in her ear, "You almost got hit, and you still care for him. Are you stupid, or do you think you can always get lucky?"
Isabella's heart skipped a beat!
She hadn't noticed when a masked man appeared beside her.
A luxury car was parked by the roadside, its windows tinted so she couldn't see inside.
Isabella knew those who didn't want Dennis to get better were warning her again!
She bit her lip and frowned, saying, "Dennis is already better now. I'm just here to cook for him and earn some money, nothing else."
The man seemed surprised, "Better?"
"Yeah." Isabella nodded and hurried back home.
As soon as she closed the door, she leaned against it, panting.
Elliot and Frederick heard the noise and came out. Seeing her pale face, Elliot asked, "What's wrong, Ms. Beniere?"
Isabella frowned and looked seriously at Frederick, saying, "I need to talk to you!"
Frederick looked puzzled but let her into the study.
As soon as the study door closed, Isabella blurted out, "You need to tell everyone that Dennis is already better!"
Frederick was confused, "Why?"
Isabella answered, "I'm afraid of being retaliated against! If you say Dennis is better, no one will bother me anymore."
Elliot couldn't help but interject, "But Dennis isn't better. The lie will be easily exposed."
"Just don't let anyone see Dennis," Isabella insisted.
Elliot said, "There's a family memorial event early next month. Dennis has to attend and will definitely meet people."
Isabella was curious, "Family memorial event? All of Dennis's relatives will be there?"
"Yeah."
This was actually a good opportunity.
But if she really did what Hugo suggested, it would be too dangerous for her!
For Dennis, was it worth taking this risk?
Thinking of Dennis's innocent little face, Isabella gritted her teeth, saying, "I don't care! If you don't do as I say, I'll leave now and never care about Dennis again!"
Frederick's face darkened, and Isabella raised her chin stubbornly, exclaiming, "I mean it!"
Elliot looked at Frederick, embarrassed. They didn't know what Isabella was thinking.
They thought Isabella was just afraid of retaliation and made this request.
They could understand Isabella's feelings, but if they really said that, wouldn't they be a laughingstock at the family memorial event?
Frederick and Elliot had the same thought and said in a deep voice, "If you're just afraid of retaliation, I can guarantee your safety."
"I don't trust you! If you can't meet my conditions, then there's nothing more to say. Goodbye," Isabella turned to leave, and Frederick urgently said, "Do as she says!"
Isabella stopped, pressing, "Say it now."
Frederick glared at her unhappily, picked up his phone, and sent a message in the family group chat.
Frederick: [Notice, Dennis is completely better.]
With just one sentence, the Valdemar family chat exploded!
The next second, Frederick's phone rang. It was Nicholas calling.
Frederick didn't answer but looked at Isabella and asked, "Are you satisfied?"
Isabella's momentum softened, replying, "Yeah."
Frederick then got angry again and shouted, "Then get out!"
Isabella remained silent.