Chapter 2
Isabella stared at the text message for a long time, thinking about how Robert, that crazy and stubborn man, would never let her go easily. Her gaze gradually became resolute as she typed her reply: [I've made up my mind. Please make the arrangements.]
The response came quickly: [I'll send a car to pick you up right away.]
Ten minutes later, a Bentley silently pulled up in front of Isabella. The driver opened the door, and Isabella nodded at him before getting in.
Familiar scenery quickly faded away. The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror and hesitantly reminded her, "Ms. Taylor, could you leave your parents' photos in the car later?"
Isabella was taken aback but understood that a family like the Moores would have certain concerns. She bitterly agreed, "Alright."
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Moore Manor.
Isabella followed the butler into the hall, where a distinguished lady approached her.
Ava Moore greeted her with a polite smile, "Isabella, I'm sorry for bringing you here in such a rush."
"No, it's me who should apologize for the trouble," Isabella replied, knowing she had to be mindful of her position.
Ava nodded in satisfaction, her gaze sweeping over Isabella. When she noticed the red marks on Isabella's neck, her expression immediately soured. "A young lady should be mindful of her private life."
Isabella was stunned and looked down at her neck, guessing the reason behind Ava's comment. "It's mosquito bites," she lied, not wanting to make a bad first impression.
Ava didn't respond, instead leading her upstairs. "Matthew has a bit of a temper and usually doesn't come downstairs. You might have to deal with that."
Isabella lowered her head submissively, "It's alright. I'll take good care of him."
They arrived outside a bedroom. Ava pushed the door open, revealing a starkly empty room. A man sat in a wheelchair, facing the window, seemingly unaware of their presence.
Ava walked over and communicated with him in sign language, which Isabella couldn't understand, but it chilled her heart. The rumors were true—the Moore family's heir was deaf, mute, and paralyzed.
It made sense. With a family as prominent as the Moores, there would be countless people eager to marry into it. If the heir didn't have irreversible disabilities, how could someone like Isabella have a chance?
Ava beckoned her over. Isabella obediently walked to Matthew and finally saw his face. He had a cold demeanor, and his prolonged physical limitations gave him a faint aura of death. Only his eyes were deep and inscrutable.
At that moment, those eyes were quietly assessing her.
He gestured with his hands.
Isabella was taken aback.
Ava interpreted, "Matthew is asking what conditions you have."
Isabella's first thought, 'Does this mean I've passed?'
Her second thought was, 'I need to learn sign language.'
She pushed aside her chaotic thoughts and honestly replied, "I want to keep the Taylor Villa."
Feeling it was inappropriate to make Ava act as a translator, she took out her phone, typed her request, and handed it to Matthew.
Matthew's brows furrowed slightly.
Isabella felt anxious. Surely the Moore family wouldn't be stingy enough to refuse to help with a house?
Matthew reached out, took her phone, and quickly typed: [Is that all?]
Isabella nodded firmly.
Matthew stopped typing and nodded in agreement.
Ava, sensing the conversation was over, became anxious. "There's one more condition. You must ensure the Moore family has an heir."
Isabella's eyes widened, and she instinctively looked at Matthew's lower body. Without thinking, she blurted out, "Can he even have children?"
Ava's face instantly darkened.
Isabella realized her mistake and quickly covered her mouth, glancing at Matthew. His expression had stiffened.
He could hear? No, she had clearly looked at that area, and he wasn't stupid; he must have guessed.
Ava sternly said, "Watch your words once you're married into the Moore family."
Isabella nodded repeatedly and was promptly shown out.
Although Ava mentioned they would notify her of the wedding date and details in a few days, Isabella now doubted if the wedding would even happen.
After Isabella left, Ava signed to Matthew: [Should we find someone else? She doesn't seem very suitable.]
Matthew shook his head and signed back: [She is fine. A fool is better than a cunning person.]
Ava paused and signed: [True, she may not think things through, but at least she has no ulterior motives.]
Isabella returned to the motel she was temporarily staying at and settled her parents' photos before browsing job listings. She couldn't completely rely on the Moore family; she needed to make her own plans.
After submitting her resume, it was already late at night. Exhausted, Isabella didn't have the energy to review the day's events. She showered and fell asleep.
The next morning, Isabella received an interview invitation, giving her a moment to breathe and relax. She regained her composure, prepared herself, and went to the interview.
The position was a basic administrative role, something Isabella had dabbled in before and wouldn't be too difficult to handle.
She easily passed the initial and second interviews, hardly believing her luck as she waited in the reception room for the final interview with the CEO.
Ten minutes later, the door to the reception room opened.
Isabella adjusted her expression and stood up to greet, "Hello, I'm..."
She froze, her expression turning to horror.
Robert smirked and closed the door behind him. "Why did you stop introducing yourself?"
His eyes greedily traced Isabella's body.
Isabella felt nauseous and grabbed an ashtray, cautiously backing away to create distance. "Why is it you?"
"This means we're destined to be together. Aren't you happy?" Robert's smile grew more disgusting as he slowly approached. "The Taylor family has fallen. You're all alone with nowhere to go. Why not come with me? I can give you a complete home, cherish and protect you."
"Get lost!" Isabella warned sharply.
Robert had been pestering her even when the Taylor family was still around, and now he was even more brazen.
Unfazed, Robert stared at her, "Isabella, you can't fight me. Who can protect you now?"
Isabella swallowed nervously, thinking quickly, "I'm already engaged to the Moore family. Do you think they'll let you off?"
"The Moore family? You should be more realistic with your lies. Why would they be interested in you?" Robert was convinced she was making things up and casually said, "Say something nice, and I'll give you the job. How about that?"
"Never!" Isabella glanced at the reception room door and dashed.
She barely took two steps before Robert grabbed her hair.
He pinned her down and shouted, "Don't push your luck!"
"Let her go." The reception room door suddenly opened, and the company's vice president, Ian, stood at the entrance.
Ian smiled at Isabella and said, "Ms. Taylor, you can start work tomorrow."
Robert was stunned and questioned, "What?"
Ian glared at him before turning back to Isabella with a friendly expression, "Ms. Taylor, see you tomorrow."
Isabella was confused but knew the job was secured. She didn't want to argue with Robert and nodded, ready to leave.
Robert, unwilling to accept defeat, spat out, "Did she really marry that cripple?"
Isabella stopped, turned to glare at Robert, and walked over.
"You changed your mind? I told you, obey me..." Robert's smugness turned to a scream as he clutched his groin in pain.
Isabella calmly withdrew her foot. "My husband is not for you to talk about."