Chapter 70
Back in the day, when Izzy walked out the door, she thought she’d never see the place again. Yet she ended up back here after all.
The Gana family owned a standalone villa. Even though Izzy couldn’t remember a lot from the past, stepping into the villa brought back a wave
of familiarity. She stared at the flower bed, lost in thought. Hunter followed her gaze, a flood of memories coming back to him too. “There used to be a ton of roses there, all colors of the rainbow. Your mom loved them. You used to be a little rascal, always pulling out the newly planted roses just to see your mom lose her cool.”
Izzy finally reacted. She looked at Hunter with an indifferent smirk. If there was anyone who had no right to mention her mom, it was him. Seeing her expression, Hunter’s face fell, and his expression hardened.
Just then, a middle–aged woman ran out. Seeing Izzy, she immediately grabbed her hand, with tears of joy streaming down her face. “Miss, you’re finally back. I thought I’d never see you again.”
Izzy felt a bit uncomfortable with her reaction, but she recognized the woman. It was Silas’s wife, who took care of the Galeana family’s household chores. She was one of the very few who treated Izzy with genuine kindness. When Izzy left years ago, she held her and cried.
“Eda.” Izzy called out.
Eda responded with a joyous nod.
Silas told his wife, “Let’s not keep the lady standing at the door. Whatever needs to be discussed can be done inside.”
Eda led Izzy inside. As soon as they entered, a woman blocked their way. She was heavily made up, but she couldn’t hide the wrinkles around her eyes. Her strong perfume hit them like a wall.
“Eda, who have you brought home?”
Shirley’s words died on her lips when she saw Izzy. She pointed at Izzy in anger, “Eda, have you forgotten who’s the hostess of this house? How dare you bring her back?”
Izzy shot Shirley a sharp look. All the happiness in her former home had been shattered because of this woman. She had to use all her self–control to not get up and slap her.
She reminded herself to stay calm, but her rage was flaring up. She clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms, snapping her back to reality.
Shirley shivered under Izzy’s icy gaze. After not seeing each other for years, Izzy seemed colder and more intimidating. Her harsh eyes seemed to strip Shirley bare.
Just then, Hunter’s cold voice filled the room. “I brought her back. Got a problem with that?” At the sight of Hunter, Shirley’s anger and surprise were quickly replaced by a smile. She stepped forward and took Hunter’s arm, with her tone softening. “Hunter, this is your house. You can bring back whoever you want. I’m not in a position to disagree. I was just taken aback and couldn’t control my emotions.”
Izzy stood by Eda, noticing the disdain for Shirley on her face. It was clear that Shirley hadn’t won anyone’s heart in the Galeana family during her years here.
Hunter was irritated. He shook off Shirley’s hand and strode toward the living room. “Eda, let’s eat.”
Shirley’s face fell as she awkwardly withdrew her hand. Her fingers tightened, but she kept her smile and sat next to Hunter.
Eda nodded, gently patting Izzy’s hand. “Ms. Izzy, have a seat. The kitchen prepared your favorite dishes today. I’ll have them brought up shortly.” Izzy didn’t sit in the living room, not wanting to face Hunter and that woman. She headed straight for the dining room and took a seat. Just as she sat down, Emma walked in from outside. Upon seeing Izzy at the dining table, her eyes instantly reddened. She was about to lash out, but a look from Hunter silenced her.
She forced a smile at Izzy, “Sis, why did you suddenly come back?”
Izzy found it amusing. Was this a normal family conversation? Half an hour ago, her so–called father had asked her, “I heard you got married?” Now her so–called sister was asking, “Why did you suddenly come back?” Didn’t they find these questions awkward, even ridiculous?
“Ms. Galeana, please get your facts straight. I’m not your sister. My mom only had one daughter, that is me. My husband’s name is Ethan. You can refer to me as ‘Mrs. Meyer‘.” Izzy reminded her.
Emma wanted to lash out, but with Hunter nearby, she didn’t dare. She glared at Izzy and took a seat across from her.
The food was served and then Hunter and Shirley joined them. The whole meal was filled with silence.
Since Izzy returned to A City, Emma had been on edge. Now that Izzy was actually back in their house, Emma couldn’t hold back her words any longer. She looked at Hunter tentatively. “Dad, why did you bring sis back?” Hunter gave Emma a cold look, making her shudder. She mumbled, “Never mind, I didn’t ask anything.” >
Emma thought Hunter wouldn’t answer, but to her surprise, he put down his cutlery and turned to Izzy. “Izzy, starting tomorrow, you’ll be working at the Galeana Group.”
Three voices chimed in at once.
“No way.” Izzy was the first to object.
11:32
Chapter 70
“No!” Emma shrieked.
“No.” Shirley whimpered.
With a ‘clatter,‘ Hunter dropped his cutlery, the impatience in his eyes was hard to miss. “It’s my company, I’m the CEO. I don’t need your permission on who I want to bring in.”
“Hunter, you promised me!” Shirley was on the verge of tears.
“Dad.” Emma bit her lip, looking utterly aggrieved.
Hunter hadn’t been feeling well lately, and Izzy had only added fuel to the fire today. Looking at the tears on Shirley’s face, he couldn’t shake off his irritation. “Is crying the only thing you know how to do?”
At some point, when he looked at this woman who was his childhood friend, and her tears, he no longer felt the pity and guilt he once did.
Izzy said, you don’t have to act like this. Even if the Galeana Group begged me, I wouldn’t go over there.”
