On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 229

Isabella Charles calmly instructed the maid to clean up the mess and replace the vases. “You are the victim here, the wronged party,” she said to her daughter. “Don’t let go of such an advantageous position. If Lance wants to pretend nothing happened, then you let him.”

Catherine looked at her mother, confused.

“You have to understand,” Isabella said in a low voice, “gaining a man’s sympathy is the first step to stealing him.”

Catherine’s eyes lit up. She thought she understood. “Mom, can you lend me five million?”

“That’s a lot of money.”

“You have to spend money to make money,” Catherine replied.

“Alright,” Isabella agreed. “I’ll transfer it to you later.”

Just then, Willie Brown stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.

“Today was the day Willie was supposed to finalize his divorce,” Catherine whispered to her mother.

Isabella nodded. She knew.

Willie collapsed onto the sofa and pulled the divorce certificate from his pocket. “I’m a free man, Isabella. I need you to arrange my wedding to Sarah. The sooner, the better!”

“Of course,” Isabella said soothingly. “If you’re both ready, I can have it all arranged by next month.”

Willie waved a dismissive hand. “Next month is too late! Make it two weeks from now.”

Isabella was about to protest, but Catherine cut her off. “Mom, this is the only thing Willie has ever asked of you. Please don’t refuse.”

As she’d hoped, her phone rang. It was the first time Lance had called her since that night.

“Lance,” she answered, her voice carefully controlled. “I’ve paid you back for everything. I don’t think we should have any ties, and I shouldn’t be using your money. Since you dislike me so much, I’ll do my best to stay out of your way from now on.”

There was a long silence on the other end. “Catherine.”

“It’s okay, Lance,” she said with a small, sad laugh. “I won’t make things difficult for you.”

He sighed. “Catherine, let’s have dinner tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t think I can tonight,” she said, feigning regret. “My mother set me up on a blind date. I have to go. But… if you don’t mind waiting, we could meet after. I should be free by eight at the latest. Would that work?”