Chapter 701

Isabella couldn't suppress her grin. She truly admired Harrison's razor-sharp intellect and perceptive nature.

"I returned to Metropolia today to visit my daughter, Isabella. Since we've bumped into each other, why not join us for dinner?"

Isabella's eyes widened in disbelief.

What? Her mother was actually inviting Harrison to their private family meal!

"Absolutely not!" she blurted out.

Harrison countered instantly, "I'd love to!"

Their voices clashed simultaneously.

Isabella's brow furrowed. "How can you be so shameless? First you invade our home as a guest, now you're inviting yourself to dinner? Did anyone ask if you're welcome here?"

Harrison relished watching Isabella's frustrated helplessness.

"Mr. Lancaster permitted my last visit. Now Ms. Brewer has extended this invitation. Why would I need your permission? Are you challenging both your parents' authority?"

The verbal jab made Isabella bite her lip in silent fury.

Isabella Brewer stepped between them. "That's enough, Isabella. I invited Harrison. End of discussion."

With her mother's command, Isabella dared not protest further. "Yes, Mother. As you wish."

The quartet arrived at The Grand View's private dining room. Harrison maintained perfect table manners while discreetly absorbing every word of conversation.

Isabella Brewer studied her daughter. "What exactly are you pursuing these days?"

"I trained in classical ballet, but I've lost interest. I want to join Lancaster Enterprises. May I?"

Harrison suppressed a smirk. Isabella's desperation to infiltrate the family business was almost comical.

"You wish to work at Lancaster Enterprises?" Isabella Brewer inquired.

"Yes! You're the CEO, and I've heard countless stories about your business brilliance. Everyone speaks of your formidable leadership. I want to learn directly from you. To become strong and independent like you," Isabella gushed with saccharine sweetness.

Isabella Brewer had no intention of nepotism. She strictly separated family from business. Her daughter lacked any corporate experience or qualifications.

Yet faced with the direct request, she offered no outright refusal. "Very well. Report to headquarters tomorrow. I'll arrange a suitable position."

Isabella beamed. "Thank you, Mother!"

Isabella Brewer then turned to Henry. "A word in private, please."

She led him into the corridor, standing with her back toward him, hands clasped behind her. The crimson evening gown clung to her curves, accentuating her slender waist before flaring over her hips.

Henry's lips curled coldly. No wonder his daughter failed to recognize her mother. Isabella Brewer hadn't aged a day since their separation - still the same tantalizing enchantress. She bore no visible traces of motherhood.

"You wanted to speak?" Henry prompted from behind.

Isabella Brewer turned. "Is Isabella truly our daughter?"

Henry stiffened. "What are you implying?"

"Something feels... off about her. Did you ever conduct a DNA test?"

Henry shook his head. "Unnecessary."

"Arrange one. I want to see the results personally."

Henry studied his ex-wife. The dim lighting accentuated his sharp, aristocratic features - a man molded by wealth, power, and decades of influence. The once most eligible bachelor of Metropolia now stood as one of the world's most formidable tycoons.

"I found Isabella in Willowbrook. Theodore raised her meticulously. That man who always carried a torch for you. How could there be any mistake?"

Their gazes locked in silent battle beneath the crystal chandelier's glow.