Chapter 2 A Chaotic Matchmaking Event

• Isabelle walked over and slowly picked up the list. "Mom, cut it. I’m willing to do anything to get Lily back."
• Hearing the name of Lily, their granddaughter, the elderly couple fell silent.
• "Belle, now that no one else is around, I just have to say it—your grandfather, he’s really heartless for using Lily as a bargaining chip. It’s just—"
• "Mom!" With just one word, Isabelle clenched and then relaxed her right hand before casually pointing at a name on the list. "There is no need for me to meet all of them on this list. I will just pick him."
• Ten minutes later, in the banquet hall, William glanced at the crowd below and barely managed to suppress his anger as he spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry to announce that we have decided to simplify the process of this matchmaking event."
• "Instead of getting to know each of you, Isabelle has picked one of you to be her husband, and that lucky man is—"
• "Me!" Suddenly, a voice boomed through the hall.
• Everyone turned toward the sound to see a young man dressed entirely in white striding in. His handsome face left the women in the room momentarily stunned.
• On the stage, Isabelle covered her mouth in shock, but her muffled voice still leaked through her fingers. "Stephan…"
• As Stephan walked forward, someone stepped in his way. "Who the hell are you? Ms. Isabelle has already made her choice. Who do you think you are?"
• Without saying a word, Stephan continued walking without pausing. With a swift slap, the man blocking his way was sent flying, teeth splattering through the air.
• "Damn! Are you Stephan?" A startled voice rang out. It was Matthew Hart, the adopted son of William and Laura.
• "Stephan? That name sounds familiar."
• "Oh, I remember now! He was the man chosen by Ms. Isabelle in the previous matchmaking event. Didn’t they say he joined the military to escape the marriage?"
• As the murmurs spread, people realized they stood no chance. Apparently, Stephan and Isabelle weren't even divorced yet. Their hopes were dashed, and soon the banquet hall emptied out.
• "Stephan, how dare you show your face here!" Laura’s outstretched finger trembled uncontrollably.
• "Izzy, I’m sorry. Since I have decided to return, I will never leave you again," said Stephan.
• William and Laura were about to say something, but Isabelle stopped them. "Mom, Dad, please go upstairs. He isn’t just responsible to me anymore."
• Both of them knew she was referring to Lily. She had been mocked for not having a father, and this had bothered them. With a final wave, they left.
• Stephan frowned, wondering what she was trying to say. Before he could think further, Isabelle walked down slowly, interrupting his thoughts. Tears were still brimming at the corners of her eyes.
• She had always loved him. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have had Lily together.
• "I am willing to forgive you because we have—"
• Just as she began to speak, her words were interrupted by someone. "Bella, he is out of the picture, understand? You are going to marry the man you just selected from the list."
• Glancing at Matthew who blocked her way, Isabelle felt utterly disgusted. "Matthew, it has nothing to do with you. Keep your hands off my life."
• Even with others present, Isabelle didn’t bother to show him some respect, and Matthew’s expression turned cold with disdain.
• "You must have forgotten your place. How dare you speak to me like that? Isabelle, you’re nothing more than a tool of the family!"
• Hearing that, Isabelle’s body trembled with rage, and she raised her hand, ready to slap him.
• "Isabelle, do you dare? Go ahead and do it! Do you even realize how much you’ll lose if you do?" Matthew said arrogantly.
• Eventually, Isabelle lowered her arm, not for the sweet promises from her grandfather, but for Lily. For her sake, she had to endure it all.
• Just as Matthew smugly opened his mouth to speak again, a burning pain shot through his face. He turned in disbelief to see Stephan. "You dare hit me?"
• "Apologize to her." Stephan’s expression remained cold. When Matthew lunged at him, his right hand moved again.
• Another crisp slap echoed, and Matthew spun and fell to the floor.
• "Apologize now!" Stephan bent down, towering over the fallen Matthew. His voice was as cold as it was deadly, and the entire banquet hall felt like it had plunged into an ice cave.