The Alpha's Contracted Mate

Chapter 13 An Unexpected Turn

Isabelle remained silent.

Matthew chuckled, seemingly half-joking, "I said I would stop, but I didn't."

Isabelle took a deep breath and walked away.

Matthew leaned lightly on his golf club, watching her as she hit the last ball. He approached from behind and wrapped one arm around her waist while resting his other hand on the golf club in her hand.

"After playing for so long, you haven't made any progress."

"Stand with your feet together, slightly turn your left foot outward, and shift your weight onto your left foot."

Matthew, with a cigarette between his lips, whispered in Isabelle's ear. Isabelle's body tensed slightly, but she didn't dare show any resentment in front of Hugh.

Isabelle hit the last ball beautifully, accurate and perfect.

However, the gap between her and Matthew was already too significant. Even with a perfect shot, it didn't make a decisive impact.

Matthew released his hold on her, saying, "You lost."

Isabelle pursed her lips, "I'm willing to admit defeat."

In the end, Isabelle couldn't make use of Matthew's shortcut. A thin layer of sweat formed on the tip of her nose as she turned and walked toward Lindsay.

Lindsay, her face flushed and her body trembling from the cold, handed Isabelle a bottle of water and a towel. "Mr. Matthew is so amazing at golf!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and admiration.

Isabelle took the towel and wiped off the sweat from her brow, the fabric feeling cool against her heated skin. "Yes, he certainly has a talent for it," she replied, her tone calm and composed.

Lindsay's expression suddenly changed, and she cautiously tugged on Isabelle's sleeve, her voice filled with concern. "Ms. Morgan, S-Sarah," she stammered, drawing Isabelle's attention to the figure that had appeared at some point beside Matthew.

Sarah stood there, donning a stylish woolen coat, engaged in a seemingly intimate conversation with Matthew. The sight of them together, like a perfect couple, made Isabelle's heart skip a beat.

Instinctively, Isabelle averted her gaze, adjusting her posture to deliberately avoid catching Sarah's eye. She couldn't let her emotions show, not now, not in front of Hugh. She had a mission to accomplish, and she couldn't let personal distractions hinder her progress.

Lindsay, too, appeared startled by Sarah's sudden appearance, her worry etched on her face. "Ms. Isabelle, will Sarah sabotage us?" she whispered, her voice filled with trepidation.

Isabelle met Lindsay's gaze, her expression firm and determined. "Yes," she replied, her voice tinged with conviction.

She knew Sarah's capacity for manipulation and understood the potential threat she posed to their plan.

As soon as Isabelle spoke, Hugh, who had been standing behind her, let out a hearty laugh. "Little girl, we have to leave. We'll see each other again sometime," he said, his tone lighthearted and filled with amusement.

Isabelle pursed her lips, realizing that she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. It wouldn't be right to let them walk away without a proper farewell. Gripping the towel tightly in her hand, she turned around with a faint smile and said, "Take care."

Hugh smiled and turned to Sarah, who had just arrived. "This little girl plays exceptionally well, slightly better than this kid, Matthew," he remarked, a glint of admiration in his eyes.

Sarah's gaze flickered to Isabelle, a momentary pause betraying her surprise. She quickly regained her composure and teased,

"Ms. Isabelle, you went to great lengths just to replace me," her words laced with a mix of amusement and subtle challenge.

Isabelle remained silent, her eyes briefly meeting Sarah's before she shifted her focus elsewhere. She couldn't allow herself to be drawn into Sarah's mind games, not when there was much at stake.

Hugh, overhearing their conversation and realizing that they knew each other, expressed his surprise.

"Sarah knows this girl?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Sarah chuckled, her voice filled with a hint of superiority.

"Of course, Isabelle is the PR Manager of ACE Media Company. She has gained quite a bit of fame in the past two years.

Didn't you know, Hugh?" she remarked, as if unveiling a hidden truth.

Hugh, an old beta wolf, admittedly out of touch with the entertainment industry since his retirement, shook his head in acknowledgment.

"I must confess, I wasn't aware," he admitted, his tone revealing a mix of intrigue and indifference.

Isabelle's role in the Ace family and her growing reputation had gone unnoticed by him, hidden beneath the surface of the bustling industry.

With the revelation of Isabelle's true identity, Hugh turned his attention to Matthew, who was wiping his hands with a cloth.

His voice showed no emotions as he addressed Matthew, "She's your person, and you don't know her?" he inquired, a hint of curiosity and scrutiny in his eyes.

Matthew glanced over at Isabelle, his lips curling into a thin smile. His expression remained unchanged, revealing nothing.

"I don't know her," he replied simply, his words drawing a clear boundary between himself and Isabelle.

Lindsay, standing behind Isabelle, felt a mix of embarrassment and discomfort. Her face flushed with a tinge of guilt, she looked at Isabelle again, who appeared remarkably composed and collected despite the situation.

With the lie now exposed, there was no need for pretense. Isabelle turned to pass the towel in her hand to Lindsay, her movements deliberate and precise.

Then, she took a step forward, her voice steady as she introduced herself to Hugh.

"Hello, Hugh. I am Isabelle, the Public Relations Manager at ACE Media Company," she said, extending her hand in a polite gesture.

Hugh regarded Isabelle for a moment, his gaze lingering on her outstretched hand. The smile on his face noticeably cooled, replaced by an air of detachment.

"That's a good name," he responded, his tone lacking the warmth he had displayed earlier.

Sensing Hugh's displeasure, Isabelle swiftly retracted her hand, a hint of regret crossing her features.

"I'm sorry to meet you this way. I'm here mainly to invite you to be a special guest at ACE Media Company's annual conference," she explained, her voice laced with a touch of apology.

Hugh glanced down at Isabelle's hand once more before he responded lightly, "I'm getting old and can't handle all this hustle and bustle.

You should go and find some other young people instead." His words, tinged with a sense of resignation, made it clear that he had no intention of accepting Isabelle's invitation.

With a twinge of disappointment, Isabelle realized that her attempts to sway Hugh had fallen short. However, she knew that giving up was not an option. She couldn't let this setback deter her from her mission.

She watched as Hugh turned his attention to Matthew and Sarah, summoning them to leave. With a firm resolve, Isabelle tightened her grip on the towel in her hand. It was clear that she had to find another way to gain Hugh's cooperation.

Turning to Lindsay, who stood faithfully by her side, Isabelle offered her a reassuring smile.

"Let's follow them," she said firmly, her voice filled with determination.

Lindsay hesitated, her eyes darting between Isabelle and the departing trio.

"Follow them?" she questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Isabelle met Lindsay's gaze, her eyes shining with unwavering resolve.

"Yes," she affirmed, her voice brimming with confidence. "We need to understand their intentions and find another opportunity to engage with Hugh."

Lindsay's worry was evident, but she didn't want to abandon Isabelle in her pursuit. "Ms. Morgan, isn't this inappropriate?" she voiced her concerns, her tone laced with hesitance.

Isabelle turned to face Lindsay fully, her gaze unwavering. "If you're not comfortable with it, you can go back to the hotel first," she offered, her voice gentle yet firm.

Lindsay's initial hesitation wavered as she looked into Isabelle's determined eyes. She understood the importance of their mission and couldn't bear to leave Isabelle to face the challenge alone.

With a newfound determination of her own, Lindsay straightened her posture and met Isabelle's gaze.

"I... I'll stay with you," she declared, her voice filled with newfound resolve.

A sense of gratitude washed over Isabelle as she heard Lindsay's words. She knew that having a loyal companion by her side would make all the difference in navigating the uncertain path ahead.

With a grateful smile, Isabelle nodded and they set off, trailing behind Hugh, Matthew, and Sarah.

They soon found themselves in front of an elegant hotel. Bathed in warm golden lights, the grand entrance beckoned them inside.

Isabelle couldn't help but admire the luxurious establishment before her. The hotel exuded an air of sophistication and refinement, a testament to its impeccable reputation.

Whispering to Lindsay, Isabelle urged her to maintain a low profile as they entered the hotel. The plush carpet under their feet muffled their footsteps as they navigated the opulent lobby.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a soft glow that illuminated the marble floors and intricately designed furnishings.

Isabelle's eyes darted around, trying to catch a glimpse of the trio they were following. Her keen instincts led her toward the hotel's lounge, an intimate space adorned with plush velvet armchairs and low-lit tables. The atmosphere was hushed, evoking an aura of exclusivity.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the melodious notes of a live piano, creating an ambiance of refined relaxation. The lounge's decor reflected the taste of its discerning clientele, blending classic elegance with contemporary accents.

Isabelle couldn't help but notice the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect, from the carefully arranged floral centerpieces to the artwork adorning the walls.

Isabelle and Lindsay found a discreet spot near the entrance of the lounge, concealed behind a tasteful room divider adorned with intricate woodwork.

From their hidden vantage point, they could observe without being easily noticed. Isabelle's eyes scanned the room, her gaze landing on Hugh, Matthew, and Sarah seated at a secluded corner table.

The corner table was a haven of privacy, shielded from prying eyes by strategically placed potted plants and elegant drapes. The tablecloth was pristine white, accented with delicate floral patterns.

The silverware gleamed under the soft lighting, and crystal wine glasses stood ready to be filled.

Isabelle couldn't help but note the subtle details that reflected Hugh's refined taste. The fine china and intricate silverware were undoubtedly chosen with care, a reflection of his penchant for sophistication.

The comfortable yet luxurious chairs showcased the importance of both comfort and style in his world.

The lounge itself seemed to mirror Hugh's refined sensibilities. It catered to a discerning clientele seeking solace in the midst of a bustling world.

The ambiance was tastefully intimate, fostering an atmosphere of quiet conversations and whispered confidences. The lounge's subdued lighting and carefully curated music created a sense of tranquility, allowing guests to escape the outside world.

The night was bitter cold, the northwest wind howling through the streets. Lindsay shivered, her body unable to withstand the biting chill. Isabelle, ever considerate, noticed Lindsay's discomfort and reached up to remove her own scarf.

She wrapped it around Lindsay's neck, the soft fabric providing a shield against the biting cold.

Lindsay's instinct was to resist, not wanting to burden Isabelle with her own discomfort.

"Ms. Morgan, you don't need to do this. Keep it for yourself," she protested, her voice laced with concern.

Isabelle smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. She gently adjusted the scarf, ensuring it was secure and comforting around Lindsay's neck.

"It's alright," she reassured her. "I handle the cold better, and I want you to be comfortable."

Lindsay, looking up at Isabelle with gratitude, felt a wave of admiration wash over her. Isabelle's selflessness and genuine care for others were evident in every action she took.

In that moment, Lindsay couldn't help but see her boss in a new light-a compassionate and remarkable woman who went above and beyond for those around her.

As they followed Hugh, Matthew, and Sarah to a nearby restaurant, Isabelle couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

She knew that eavesdropping on their conversation was a risky move, but she believed it was necessary to gain insights into their intentions. Standing outside the restaurant in the freezing weather, with the wind howling around them, Isabelle's determination burned bright.

Isabelle and Lindsay stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the window where Hugh, Matthew, and Sarah were seated. Isabelle's gaze was focused and attentive, analyzing every movement and gesture.

She observed their interactions, searching for any clues that could help her decipher the dynamics between them.

Isabelle's keen observation skills came into play as she meticulously studied their body language, their expressions, and the tone of their conversation.

She absorbed every detail, piecing together the puzzle that lay before her. It was as if she was constructing a complex tapestry, interweaving strands of information to unravel the truth.

The window acted as a barrier between Isabelle and the trio, yet her presence outside was inconspicuous yet unignorable. She remained like a silent force, a strategist mapping out her next move. Her eyes, filled with unwavering determination, never wavered from their targets.

As the dinner progressed, Isabelle's mind raced, analyzing every word spoken inside the restaurant. She strained her ears, trying to catch fragments of conversation that could offer valuable insight.

Her breath misted in the cold air as her thoughts swirled with strategies and contingency plans, searching for a way to turn the situation in her favor.

Isabelle's ability to read people served her well in this moment. She had honed her skills over the years, learning to decipher the nuances of human behavior and draw accurate conclusions.

Her instincts guided her, her intuition acting as a compass in the sea of uncertainty.

Outside the window, Isabelle's presence commanded attention. Her unwavering focus and determination were palpable, radiating an invisible aura that hinted at the fire burning within her.

The chilling wind seemed to carry her determination, whispering tales of her unwavering resolve.

Inside the restaurant, Sarah deliberately chose a seat by the window, a vantage point from which she could cast her disdainful gaze at Isabelle.

"Ms. Morgan is really dutiful, not afraid of the cold at all," she remarked, her voice filled with a mixture of mockery and thinly veiled jealousy.

Hugh followed Sarah's gaze, his eyes landing on Isabelle standing resolutely outside. He couldn't help but admire the young woman's determination, her unwavering commitment to her mission. "That girl is quite determined," he mused, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.

Sarah scoffed at Hugh's remark, unable to hide her annoyance. "What determination? She's just annoying," she retorted, her voice tinged with a trace of envy.

Hugh chuckled at Sarah's reaction but chose not to engage further. Instead, he turned his attention to Matthew, his voice filled with curiosity. "The girl outside the window, don't you recognize her?" he asked, with genuine intrigue in his eyes.

Matthew shifted his gaze outside, his eyes falling upon Isabelle. The sight of her, slim and delicate, her face reddened from the cold, stirred something within him. Moisture glistened in her eyes, giving her an air of vulnerability that tugged at his heartstrings.

She appeared as both pitiful and charming she-wolf in that moment, a captivating blend of strength and fragility.