"What I give away is yours to keep." I knew the bracelet—Kholod had given it to Isabella specifically.
Isabella bit her lip, voice trembling. "It's too valuable. I feel uneasy keeping it. And..."
Tears welled in her eyes. "My family's all traveling, leaving me alone. Noelle knows I've always been afraid of the dark..."
Tears finally spilled over, glistening under the lights.
I sat in the back seat, emotions conflicted. Isabella had indeed been timid since childhood, always seeking my company when her parents were away. But since the Lorenzo incident, I'd felt an inexplicable distance from her.
"You don't have to return it," Kholod said curtly. "We're not available tonight. I'll have someone send you home."
"But..." Isabella turned to me, eyes pleading. "Noelle, I'm really scared of being alone. You know that... Could I..."
She didn't finish, but her meaning was clear. She wanted to come with us.
Honestly, I didn't want to agree at all. Tonight's gambling event was already making me nervous enough with Kholod bringing me along. Adding Isabella would only complicate things further.
But seeing her tear-streaked face, remembering our childhood together and how she'd kept me company through difficult times, my heart softened.
"Kholod," I spoke up quietly. "Let Isabella come along. One more person won't hurt."
Kholod turned to look at me, amber eyes boring into mine as if checking whether I was serious.
"You're sure?"
"Yes," I nodded. "Consider it helping her out. She really is afraid of being alone."
He was silent for several seconds, those eyes studying me as if trying to read my thoughts. Finally, he nodded. "Get in."
Isabella's face immediately lit up with gratitude. She quickly opened the door, sitting beside me and gripping my hand tightly. "Thank you, Noelle. I knew you wouldn't abandon me."
Her hand was warm and soft, holding tight. I managed a smile, saying nothing. The car restarted, heading toward Chestnut Hill.
Throughout the ride, Isabella chatted with Kholod. Her voice was sweet and gentle, topics ranging from recent museum exhibitions to Philadelphia social circle gossip, every word perfectly pitched—neither fawning nor creating awkward silences.
"I heard tonight's game includes Philadelphia's top business leaders," she said with curiosity and nervous undertones. "Kholod, will I embarrass you? I don't understand anything..."
"You won't," Kholod said flatly. "Just stay to the side."
"That's a relief." Isabella sighed, then turned to me. "Noelle, are you nervous? I'm super nervous—I've never been to anything like this."
"I'm fine."
Actually, I was very nervous, but didn't want to show it in front of her.
The car traveled down a long tree-lined drive, finally stopping before a brightly lit classical manor. Kholod helped me out as usual, with Isabella naturally following behind as the three of us walked toward the manor.
Doormen respectfully opened the entrance, revealing low conversation and elegant classical music inside. The hall was vast, luxuriously but tastefully decorated. Several tables covered in deep green felt occupied the center, surrounded by well-dressed men and women.
"Mr. Kholod." A middle-aged man in a charcoal suit approached with a beaming smile. "Your presence truly honors us."
"Peterson." Kholod nodded coolly, tone businesslike.
"And this is..." Peterson's gaze fell on me with the appraising look of someone evaluating merchandise, making me uncomfortable.
"My wife, Noelle." Kholod's arm tightened, pulling me closer to his side.
"Mrs. Morozov is truly beautiful." Peterson offered pleasantries, then looked at Isabella. "And this is..."
