Reborn Against Family Schemes

I didn't respond immediately. I waited a moment before unblocking my mother and sending her a message: "I need to discuss some details regarding the loan."

My mother replied brusquely, "What details?"

Seeing this, I quickly began recording the screen and audio, then replied: "Mom, Dad's friend borrowed his car and got into an accident. The responsibility for compensation is first on his friend, then on Dad. How am I involved?"

She immediately shot back, "What do you mean by that? Like it or not, you have to pay it off!"

She even sent a voice message: "And don't go bothering Peyton about this. You can pay through your father and me. You've broken up with him, and he's interested in your sister. Be sensible and leave them alone."

She then sent more voice messages, criticizing me for not being as considerate as Isabella. Seeing no useful information, I blocked her again.

I turned on the TV, which was airing an interview with Peyton Fox.

The reporter asked him, "Many of your fans are curious about your personal life. What kind of girl do you like?"

He smiled and said, "Actually, there's a girl I've liked since we were kids. I plan to confess to her after this tour."

With Peyton Fox's massive following, admitting he likes someone was quite a bombshell.

The reporter seemed surprised and asked, "Since childhood? So you've never been in a relationship?"

Peyton paused before responding, "No, I haven't."

Was I dating a ghost this whole time?

Oddly, I was calm. Hearing Peyton's words didn't stir any sadness in me. The heartbreak and confusion during our breakup now felt like a lifetime ago.

The reporter concluded with a smile, "Well, I wish you success in both your tour and your confession."

And I hope you and Isabella live happily ever after, like a match made in heaven.

Peyton's words set the internet ablaze, with trending topics like "Peyton Fox confesses," "Peyton Fox has someone special," and "Peyton's childhood sweetheart" staying at the top.

After quickly skimming through this nonsense, I closed Twitter and decided to watch a movie.

The buzz lasted until Monday and then finally began to die down.

After work that day, I found Isabella waiting outside my office building, looking all pitiful.

"Genevieve, can we talk? Just for a moment!"

"If you don't want to, just say no."

Kingsley's voice came from behind as he walked up beside me, concern in his eyes.

"Need help?"

"No, I got this."

With just Isabella here, I wasn't so weak.

"If you need anything, call me," Kingsley said, giving Isabella a brief glance, "or the police."

I chuckled. "I know, thanks."

I hesitated to call him by name, concerned about being too familiar with my boss, so I kept it vague.

Isabella, hearing the word "police," coldly replied, "Mr. Lynch, you're exaggerating. I'm Genevieve's sister. How could I harm her?"

Kingsley ignored her and went to get his car.

Isabella's expression faltered, and she awkwardly changed the subject, "Genevieve, let's find a place to talk."

Not wanting to prolong the conflict, I agreed to go to the café across the street.

As soon as we sat down, Isabella urgently said, "Genevieve, I didn't know Peyton would say that on TV!"

Quietly, I started recording on my phone.

She continued, "Genevieve, if you’re not okay with it, I won't accept him!"

Here we go again.

"Did anyone else know you came to see me?"

"N-No, I rushed over without telling anyone else."

"Alright, let me be clear. Whatever your relationship with Peyton is, I don't care. Whether you’re together or not is none of my business."

I stood up to leave, but Isabella grabbed my hand again.

Damn it! I was genuinely afraid she'd pull some stunt and fall, making it impossible for me to explain.

That trick, despite being cliché, was quite effective.

"Genevieve, I’ll turn Peyton down. Please don't distance yourself from us. Mom and Dad miss you…"

"Isabella!"

I looked up to see my mother—or rather, Nicole Butler, as I preferred to call her now.

Nicole rushed to Isabella’s side, glaring at me.

"Genevieve, are you ignoring everything I say? I told you not to disturb Isabella!"

Right on cue, Isabella found herself unable to speak properly, starting to gasp.

"Mom, it wasn't Genevieve… it was me…"

I sighed and clarified, "Your daughter asked to meet me, and she’s the one holding my hand right now!"

"Your sister is like this, and you're still saying such things!"

Nicole was furious, raising her hand to slap me.

With Isabella clutching my other hand, dodging wasn't an option, so I turned my head, using my free hand to gently push Nicole away. Her slap missed me and inadvertently landed on Isabella's face.

The slap made Isabella's head tilt, naturally loosening her grip. I quickly pulled free and ignored Nicole's shouting as I rushed out of the café.

Standing by the street, about to hail a cab, a Bentley Continental pulled up in front of me.

"Get in," Kingsley said, leaning out the window with a smile.

Feeling awkward about riding in my boss’s car, I noticed Nicole and Isabella hurrying towards me… and before I knew it, I was already in the passenger seat.

As the car started moving and we drove away, a realization struck me belatedly: Did it really take him that long to get his car? Could he have been waiting for me the entire time?