At this point, Isabella paused and said, "So, you can rest assured, I’ve only had a few meals with Howard Geoffrey. We’ve never had any intimate gestures, nor have we ever overstepped boundaries."
Becca lowered her gaze and said softly, "Him holding you doesn’t count as an intimate gesture?"
Isabella was puzzled, "Holding me? When, how could that be?"
"Someone sent me a picture, where Howard Geoffrey was holding you, laughing and chatting, as you walked into a luxury brand store."
Isabella recalled for a few seconds and suddenly said, "I get it now, someone must have deliberately taken that shot to make you misunderstand... Actually, I only went to the XXX Shop with Howard Geoffrey once. I remember that day was the first time I went out with him, and I was so nervous that I nearly stumbled when stepping up the store’s steps. Luckily, Howard Geoffrey caught me... There was no such thing as holding my waist, even if you saw it with your own eyes, it was likely when I almost fell, and he accidentally supported me. As for the laughing and chatting you mentioned, it never happened. I was too nervous to speak then, let alone laugh. It was probably when he caught me, and I made an awkward laugh!"
Now thinking back on those pictures...
If it’s as Isabella described, it does make sense, but...
Becca stared blankly ahead, "Logically, once you agreed to give me the card, his goal was achieved. He wouldn’t get involved with you unless... unless he really had feelings for you."
Isabella shook her head vigorously, "You misunderstood, he doesn’t have feelings for me. I only found out through Roger Leonard. When Howard Geoffrey asked me out, it was actually to help Roger Leonard test what kind of person I am..."
Becca was confused, "Test?"
Isabella sighed, "It’s a long story between Roger Leonard and me, but at that time, Mr. Geoffrey was really helping Roger Leonard. I hope you don’t misunderstand him!"
Becca remained silent.
"I know you and Mr. Geoffrey have already separated, but no matter the result between you and him, regarding this matter, he didn’t wrong you."
After a while, Becca apologized, "I’m sorry."
"There’s no need to say these things between us. Besides, the fact that I had a few meals with Howard Geoffrey behind your back is also true..." Isabella felt deeply guilty.
"Let’s just move on from the past. Anyway, I’m not in contact with him now... Isabella, can you tell me why you’re here today?"
"I’ll need to explain it to you slowly, but right now I’m so happy because you finally called me ’Isabella’ again... My dear, I thought you’d never forgive me in this lifetime..." Isabella was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down.
Becca’s eyes also reddened, she choked up, "I was also very afraid of losing you as a friend..."
Isabella rushed over and hugged Becca tightly.
Busy with work, Isabella left the small town after dining at Christine Quinn’s house that night.
On the bus back to work, Isabella kept sighing, worried about Becca.
Becca was over four months pregnant and still seemed so exhausted...
During dinner, Becca, troubled by the baby in her womb, couldn’t quite settle while eating, sitting and standing alternately, feeling very uncomfortable...
Raising a child requires energy and money, and it shouldn’t all fall on Becca alone...
She always believed that there might still be a chance between her friend and Mr. Geoffrey...
And regardless of whether Mr. Geoffrey accepts it or not, he must give Becca an explanation for this child; he cannot let Becca’s youth be wasted in vain!!
Picking up her phone, Isabella dialed a series of numbers.
While waiting for the call to connect, Isabella silently apologized in her heart.
My dear, I’m sorry, forgive me for telling him about this without your consent. This might bring you temporary trouble, but I believe that a catalyst is needed between you two!
Because she had saved the phone number from Howard Geoffrey’s business card in her phone, Isabella could directly call Howard Geoffrey’s phone at this moment.
Howard Geoffrey was stepping out of the conference room when his secretary handed him the ringing phone.
Seeing the number displayed on the screen, Howard Geoffrey frowned and pressed the answer button.
In his ear came Isabella’s voice, holding back anger, "Mr. Geoffrey, I’m sorry to disturb you. But I really can’t hold back. I want to ask you, Becca is having your child, how can you ignore her?"
"The pregnancy is quite challenging, so Becca is having a harder time than most people."
Isabella’s words stirred waves in the depths of Howard Geoffrey’s heart, unable to settle for a long time.
Without hearing a response from Howard Geoffrey, Isabella continued, "Mr. Geoffrey, please don’t misunderstand Becca’s motives. She’s not trying to bind you; it’s because Becca’s health is very poor. Doctors say if she terminates the pregnancy, it might be difficult for her to conceive in the future."
"I understand... is there anything else?" Howard Geoffrey’s calm tone revealed no emotion.
"Nothing else. Do you need me to tell you Becca’s current address?"
"She’s in the U.S., right?"
Isabella was shocked, "You knew?"
How could he not know? Without Christine Quinn’s help, how could she, without anything, possibly disappear? Of course, just relying on Christine Quinn’s ability still couldn’t make her disappear without a trace from him.
Without responding to Isabella, Howard Geoffrey ended the call directly, and said to the secretary standing by, "Secretary Cecily, make arrangements. I need to return to the U.S."
She had always been unyielding, and at this moment, he finally understood why she obediently listened to him and left.
The U.S., Illinois, Alton.
Through thin glasses, Howard Geoffrey folded his arms and looked up at the house standing tall under the scorching sun.
The breeze ruffled his unruly black hair, adding more charm to his handsome face. His proudly erect figure exuded an innate, imperious aura.
The dark sunglasses concealed his eyes, making it difficult for the accompanying subordinates to gauge whether the master’s mood was good or bad.
It seemed like an eternity had passed, and just when the subordinates were all pondering the master’s state of mind, Howard Geoffrey’s deep voice finally spoke―