Next One Is a Babe

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John turned around and took a look at Isabelle. “You cannot be blamed for this. No one saw the tragedy coming. Plus, I believe that you have your own struggles too.”

The mention of her struggles made her choke up, and the grievances that had been hidden within her emerged. A long pause later, she let out a sigh and fell into silence.

John drove them to the funeral home, but he did not follow Isabelle in. Instead, he waited for her in the car, watching as she dragged herself into the funeral home with Dexter’s urn. He leaned back into his seat and took out his pack of cigarettes to light one for himself.

There were lots of people stepping in and out of the funeral home. They performed rites, cried and even hired pastors to bless the dead through elaborate services.

John retracted his gaze, feeling a little uncomfortable because the scene reminded him of Old Mr. Constance’s funeral. At the time of his grandpa’s passing, the Constances also invited a pastor to perform the services at home and made a huge deal out of it.

To him, the need to obsess over funeral details was questionable. The funeral rites were said to be for the deceased, but it was nothing more than a show for the living.

He didn’t wait too long before Isabelle emerged after she had settled the paperwork. Obviously, she had cried during the process and was in a low mood. Thus, he handed her a napkin and she thanked him for it.

Then, the two left in John’s car. He drove at a leisurely pace and the car crawled on the road. After a while, he casually threw out a question. “Are you going back to the Bailey Residence or the company?”

The reason he asked her was to probe for more information. Indeed, she told him the truth. “I’m no longer working at Bailey Corporation. I have resigned from all my duties.”

If she could be honest with him regarding her status in the company, her answers from before must be true as well. Then, he feigned a puzzled look. “Why did you quit your job? Are you thinking of taking a break at home?”

To that, she shook her head. “I didn’t resign on my own will. It was the result of a discussion between Dad and Grandpa. They told me not to show up at the company for the time being, but I am unsure of the exact reason behind it.”

John sent her all the way to the Bailey Residence. Her parents were already home and a servant was perched at the entrance, whom he assumed to be waiting for Isabelle. She got out of the car and thanked him. To that, he nodded and urged her, “Go in and get some rest. You must be exhausted.”

The conversation between them ended. After she went into the house, he started his car and drove away to the company. At the Constance Group, John heard that William was in and he immediately headed over to William’s office.

Instead of bringing up the Baileys, he asked if William had spent the night at Matilda’s place, to which William flashed a smile. “Why are you getting as inquisitive as Sophia?”