The Alpha's Contracted Mate

Chapter 14 Unmoved Resilience

Chapter 14: Unmoved Resilience

Matthew's eyes were as dark as ink, his wolf now tugging at him for denying Isabelle and leaving her outside the cold, his fingers tracing the delicate contours of the teacup in a contemplative manner.

His expression remained inscrutable, a veil of mystery shrouding his thoughts. Across from him, Hugh smiled knowingly, choosing to remain silent, his eyes fixed on his friend.

The meal had stretched on for over two hours, the atmosphere inside the restaurant filled with a mix of anticipation and tension. The elegant decor and soft lighting created an intimate ambiance, enhancing the weight of the discussions taking place.

Sarah, sensing the significance of the moment, purposely slowed down her pace, savoring each bite of the meticulously prepared dishes.

She relished in the delicate flavors dancing on her palate and ordered a decadent mousse cake for dessert. The indulgent treat added a touch of sweetness to the already captivating evening.

Outside, Isabelle and Lindsay stood side by side, enduring the bitter cold that wrapped around them like an icy embrace. Their bodies shivered from the relentless wind that whipped through the streets, but their determination remained unyielding.

Lindsay couldn't help but steal glances through the floor-to-ceiling window, her eyes fixated on Sarah leisurely enjoying her meal and dessert.

With each passing moment, her frustration intensified, fueled by the stark contrast between their warmth and comfort inside the restaurant and the biting chill that surrounded them outside.

"Ms. Morgan, they are doing this on purpose! They know we're freezing outside, but they're still eating dessert after their meal," Lindsay vented, her voice tinged with both irritation and disappointment.

"Look at Sarah, this wicked witch wolf" Lindsay blurted out.

Isabelle "Lindsay, never call her that again"

Lindsay was taken aback by Isabelle's correction, she simply nodded her head, her frustration, visible on her face.

Compared to Lindsay's restlessness, Isabelle's expression was remarkably calm. She tilted her head slightly, gazing up at the darkening sky adorned with scattered stars.

The corners of her lips curled into a slight smile, hinting at a hidden thought. "It seems like it's going to snow."

Lindsay, thinking Isabelle hadn't fully comprehended her frustration, repeated her complaint in a slightly exasperated tone.

"Mr. Matthew too, you're part of the Ace family, how could you not have any sympathy?"

Isabelle turned her attention to Lindsay, her eyes radiating a rare gentleness. "Lindsay..."

Caught off guard by the tenderness in Isabelle's voice, Lindsay straightened her posture, her curiosity piqued. "Huh?"

Isabelle continued, her calm demeanor unwavering.

"We are the ones asking for a favor, it's normal for them to act superior. We must maintain our composure and focus on our goal. Let their actions be a reminder of why we're here."

Lindsay pursed her lips, her initial frustration giving way to admiration for Isabelle's unyielding resolve. She mumbled, almost to herself, "Ms. Morgan, aren't you angry?"

Isabelle smiled back, her eyes filled with a tranquil determination that seemed to radiate warmth.

"No, there's nothing to be angry about. Even if Hugh rejects me today, even if I've endured this cold for nothing, I won't be angry. I will only reflect on my own abilities, recognizing that I may have fallen short in moving others."

Lindsay fell silent, captivated by Isabelle's unwavering strength and wisdom beyond her years. Her admiration for her boss deepened as she realized the depth of her character.

Just as Lindsay was lost in her admiration, a waiter emerged from the restaurant, carrying two steaming bowls of hot soup.

The aroma wafted through the air, offering a tantalizing reprieve from the biting cold. The waiter made his way towards Isabelle and Lindsay, their faces brightening with hope.

"Miss Morgan, right?" the waiter confirmed.

Isabelle nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Yes, that's me."

"Someone asked me to bring you two some hot soup," the waiter explained, holding out the bowls.

Isabelle's eyes widened with surprise. "Who asked you to bring this?"

The waiter pointed towards Hugh, who sat by the window, observing their interaction with a hint of satisfaction. "That gentleman over there."

Isabelle expressed her gratitude, accepting the warm bowls of soup with a sense of appreciation. She blew on it gently, allowing the steam to dissipate, before taking a small sip.

The comforting warmth spread through her body, reinvigorating her spirit and offering solace in the midst of the biting cold.

Lindsay followed Isabelle's lead, imitating her actions and savoring the soothing warmth that enveloped her senses.

Once finished, she handed her empty bowl back to the waiter, her face beaming with a victorious smile. "Persistence pays off."

Isabelle nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with a sense of accomplishment. The small act of kindness had fortified their resolve, reminding them that their persistence and dedication had not gone unnoticed.

After what felt like an eternity, Hugh, Matthew, and Sarah finally came out from the restaurant. Isabelle and Lindsay hastened their steps, their anticipation mingled with nervousness.

Hugh's expression had shifted from displeasure to resignation as he locked eyes with Isabelle.

"You're quite persistent," he remarked, a trace of admiration evident in his voice.

Isabelle responded with a genuine smile, her gratitude shining through.

"Hugh, thank you for the soup earlier. It warmed our spirits."

Hugh raised an eyebrow, glancing briefly at Matthew, who idly toyed with a lighter in his hands. He responded vaguely, his tone filled with both appreciation and uncertainty.

"It's only right. I couldn't let you two freeze out here."

Unaware of Hugh's subtle gesture, Isabelle expressed her gratitude once more and swiftly transitioned to the purpose of their encounter.

"Hugh, I understand that I may have been too forward earlier, and I apologize for my selfishness. However, I still hope you would consider my proposal. It holds great potential for both ACE Media Company and your esteemed presence."

Hugh chuckled, amused by Isabelle's seemingly contradictory words.

"You're quite a character. You apologize for being selfish and then ask me to reconsider. Your words contradict each other."

Isabelle lowered herself further, her humility shining through.

"Not being selfish is my principle, but asking you to reconsider is a professional necessity. I believe in the value of collaboration and the potential for mutual success."

Hugh laughed, recognizing the uniqueness of Isabelle's character and her unwavering determination..

"You're an interesting one, Isabelle, isn't it? Very well, go home. I'll give it some thought and contact you. Your persistence deserves consideration."

Isabelle retrieved a business card from her pocket and handed it to Hugh, her eyes conveying her appreciation.

"Thank you for your openness, Hugh. I eagerly await your decision."

Hugh accepted the card, studying it momentarily before tucking it away in his pocket.

"Young women like you are rare these days. Most can't handle the slightest criticism without becoming angry."

Isabelle's smile remained gentle and composed, her composure unshaken. She offered no verbal response, allowing her actions and unwavering resolve to speak for themselves.

As Hugh's attitude softened towards Isabelle, Sarah, who had been observing the exchange, grew increasingly displeased.

Sensing a shift in dynamics, she seized the opportunity to gain Matthew's attention, grasping his arm and complaining, "Hugh, aren't we leaving? I'm freezing to death."

Hugh turned his head, glancing at Sarah before redirecting his gaze towards Isabelle one last time, shaking his head in resignation.

"Young people, it's a good thing to keep your cool."

With a slight nod of acknowledgment towards Isabelle, he turned to make his way towards the waiting car parked on the side of the road.

Matthew and Sarah followed suit, their actions mirroring their internal dynamics. Matthew gestured for Sarah to take the passenger seat, a silent command she begrudgingly obeyed.

Sarah pouted, her discontent evident, but refrained from voicing her displeasure. As Matthew settled into the car, Hugh leaned in through the window, his curiosity piqued.

"Was it you who had the hot soup sent?"

Matthew, his long eyes half-closed, toyed with the lighter in his hand, its flame dancing in the cool evening breeze. He remained silent, the unspoken answer lingering in the air between them.

Hugh patted Matthew's shoulder, a mixture of amusement and admiration in his gaze. "You, huh!"

With a playful smile, Matthew teased, "What's up?"

Hugh responded, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

"I think that Isabelle is a tough nut to crack, and you may not be able to handle it."

A flicker of amusement danced in Matthew's eyes as he ignited the lighter with a satisfying 'click,' the flames dancing hypnotically before him.

"I've cracked its nuts before."

Hugh, surprised yet not entirely caught off guard by Matthew's response, scoffed, unable to resist a playful jab.

"Even if you have, it was all in vain. I can see she's not into you."

Blowing out the flame with a sense of finality, Matthew turned his head to meet Hugh's gaze, his voice laced with a subtle challenge.

"Old man, no wonder you have no friends in the entertainment industry."

Hugh, momentarily annoyed by Matthew's choice of words, fired back with a touch of frustration.

"You scoundrel! No wonder, despite your many affairs, not a single woman truly loves you and wants to have you as a mate!"

Their banter escalated into a heated exchange, their friendship temporarily overshadowed by their disagreements. Meanwhile, Sarah, seated in the front, grew increasingly displeased, her frustration mounting.

Though she couldn't discern the exact content of their argument, she sensed that Isabelle was somehow at the center of their dispute.

Berg, the assistant in charge of driving, observed Sarah's furrowed brow and tense demeanor through the rear-view mirror.

Anxious to avoid being caught in the crossfire, he focused on navigating the familiar streets, silently hoping for a resolution to their disagreement, he made his presence as less felt as much he could.

As the car pulled up to Hugh's mansion, he alighted from the vehicle, still seething from the quarrel. Despite their differences, Hugh couldn't shake his sense of duty as a host.

He leaned towards the car window, his voice tinged with annoyance but a lingering flicker of camaraderie present.

"You scoundrel, do you want to come in for a cup of tea?"

Matthew lowered the car window, a playful smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. As he leaned out, the black collar of his shirt slightly askew, his Adam's apple moved up and down with each word.

Hugh thought he had wanted to apologize but he silently said "Think about it when you get back. If you decide to go, I'll book your ticket."

Amused yet somewhat exasperated, Hugh laughed, his annoyance fading into resignation. "Are you playing the intermediary now? Didn't you claim not to know her earlier in front of everyone?"

Matthew tapped his long fingers lightly on the window, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're overthinking it, my dear friend. I'm simply concerned that you may waver, so I'm offering you a way out."

Hugh retorted, his frustration still lingering. "You should be worrying about yourself!"

With those final words, Hugh turned on his heels and walked away, leaving behind the simmering tension and their unresolved argument.

Berg, the ever-dutiful assistant, observed Matthew through the rear-view mirror, seeking guidance amidst the mounting tension. "Mr. Matthew, what do we do now?"

Matthew, unfazed by the intensity of their disagreement, maintained his leisurely demeanor.

He reached up to rub his temple with his fingertips, a calm expression gracing his features.

"Take Ms. Sarah to the airport," he instructed, his voice carrying a sense of assurance.