Chapter 233
"Marriage?"
Isabella Langley scoffed, leaning back lazily in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping the rim of her coffee cup.
"That's it? You stayed up all night just to come up with this ridiculous idea?" She rolled her eyes. "That girl hasn't even dated anyone. By the time she gets married and leaves, it'll be too late."
Vanessa Valrose took a slow sip of her coffee, lowering her voice mysteriously. "Hear me out."
Isabella raised a skeptical eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue.
"I have a distant cousin, Oliver Valrose." A calculating glint flashed in Vanessa's eyes. "On the surface, he's the most presentable young talent from the Valrose familyโcharming, handsome, and well-mannered."
She suddenly smirked. "But in reality, he's a scoundrel wrapped in gold, specializing in deceiving naive girls."
Isabella's eyes lit up. "You want him to..."
"Exactly." Vanessa looked smug. "I've already made arrangements with him. He's an expert at handling someone as inexperienced as Evelyn Roland."
Isabella clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The memory of Sebastian Valdemar's gaze at Evelyn last night sent a surge of jealousy through her.
"I'll create an opportunity today." She stood abruptly, her sunglasses hiding the malice in her eyes. "Tell your cousin to wait outside the Roland estate."
The sharp click of her heels echoed as she strode out of the cafรฉ without a backward glance.
Vanessa watched her leave, a knowing smile curling at her lips.
The next evening.
"Isabella, what a surprise that you have time to take a walk with me today." Sophia Roland affectionately linked arms with her younger daughter.
Isabella smiled sweetly. "Since Evelyn moved out, I didnโt want you to feel lonely."
As they strolled toward the estate gates, Isabella spotted a black sedan parked nearby. Her phone conveniently rang.
"Mom, I need to take this." She hurried to the corner and quickly sent a text: When the car comes, make sure he plays the hero.
The black sedan suddenly accelerated, heading straight for Sophia.
At the last second, a figure in gray lightning-fast pulled her to safety. The car roared past them, missing by inches.
"Are you alright, ma'am?" The man's voice was gentle, his tailored suit exuding an air of refinement.
Isabella rushed over, feigning panic. "Mom! You scared me to death!"
"Thanks to this..." Sophia, still shaken, studied her rescuer.
"Oliver Valrose, a graduate student at Stanford." He introduced himself with impeccable manners.
"What a coincidence!" Isabella exclaimed with feigned delight. "My sister Evelyn also graduated from Stanford!"
Oliver's ears turned slightly pink. "I... I've always admired Evelyn."
Sophia's eyes brightened. She warmly clasped his hand. "What a wonderful connection! Young people should spend more time together."