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Isabelle faces frustration when Kevin dismisses her request for help with a project, suggesting she seek favors elsewhere. Determined to assist Nathaniel in securing the Chunk family project, she turns to her brother Isaac, who coldly refuses to support her, revealing that the Monroe family is also competing for the project. Isaac warns Isabelle about the limits of aiding the Hartwell Group and implies that Nathaniel’s loyalty depends on the Monroe family’s strength. Feeling isolated and inexperienced, Isabelle struggles with the pressure and questions the nature of her relationship with Nathaniel, especially after he links their marriage to the project’s success, making her feel like their bond is transactional rather than affectionate.

Meanwhile, Estella receives an unexpected opportunity when Chase recommends her as a judge for an international children’s piano competition. Grateful for the chance to advance her career, she accepts and shares the news with Selene, who encourages her and expresses hopes for their future success as independent women. Despite the challenge of balancing responsibilities, Estella remains optimistic and determined to prove herself.

At the judges’ meeting, Estella faces cold treatment from the older, established male judges who doubt her qualifications due to her youth. Unfazed by their dismissive attitude, she focuses on her work and refuses to let their disrespect affect her. After the meeting, she encounters Kevin, who has been ejected and appears disheveled. Although she regrets helping him, Kevin quickly clarifies his intentions, setting the stage for further interaction between them.

215 A New Opportunity.

Finished.

“If you want backdoor favors, then go sleep with my dad’s assistant. Maybe he’ll cut you some slack. As for this project, I have no say in it. Figure it out yourself.”

Isabelle wanted nothing more than to strangle him. But since Kevin had made couldn’t decide, she had no choice but to look for other options.

he

he hung up and called Isaac.

hen her brother heard she wanted to help Nathaniel secure the project, his tone turned strictly business. “The Chunk family’s project? The Monroe family is bidding on that too. If you want to help Nathaniel, that’s your own business.”

“Isaac!” Isabelle grew anxious. “Didn’t you say you’d help me? If Hartwell Group gets this project, my relationship with Nathaniel will be solid.”

Isaac’s tone grew stern. “Isabelle, feeding Hartwell Group resources has to have limits. The smaller ones, fine. But a major project like the Chunk family’s? Of course I’m not letting that go. Besides, as long as the Monroe family stays strong, do you really think Nathaniel would dare slight you?”

Isabelle had wanted to lean on the Monroe family’s project team to secure the deal. But Isaac not only refused to help, he was planning to compete directly against the Hartwells. Panic tightened in her chest.

Did this mean she had to rely on herself?

But she’d never worked a single day in her life. How was she supposed to help Hartwell Group win a project?

A pounding headache set in.

And right then, Nathaniel sent her a message: Isabelle, when will the Chunk family project be confirmed?

Isabelle bit her lip. It’ll take a little more time.

A while later, Nathaniel replied: Once the Chunk family project is finalized, then we’ll get married.

abelle suddenly felt threatened.

Was that all their relationship had become? A transaction, with no real affection left at all?

She hated it.

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Chapter 215 A New Opportunity

But still, she couldn’t bring herself to let go of Nathaniel.

Estella hadn’t expected a sudden call from Chase.

He explained that he had agreed to be a judge for a children’s piano competin trip abroad meant he couldn’t attend. The organizers had asked him to recommend a replacement, and he had put forward Estella’s name.

an urgent

e organizers reviewed her résumé and photo and felt she was an excellent fit. They asked Chase to make the introduction.

Estella instantly realized Chase was opening a door for her, giving her an opportunity.

She smiled as she accepted. “Thank you. When you get back, dinner’s on me.”

“All right. Estella, let’s stay in touch more.”

Chase still felt guilty toward her. Back when Estella had been injured in the orchestra, he bore part of the blame.

After hanging up, Estella told Selene about the judging invitation.

Selene grinned. “That’s a great chance. Once you build a reputation in the field, more people will want to enroll in our art center.”

Estella suggested, “If I get busy with the competition, you might have too much on your plate. Should we bring on another assistant?”

Selene shook her head. “No need. I can handle it.”

She had endless energy and never saw extra hours as a burden. After all, working for yourself felt different.

She couldn’t help but daydream. “I really hope we can take things to the next level next year. When will I finally become a billionaire?”

Estella laughed. “Someday you

will.”

lene teased, “I believe it too. Someday we’ll prove to those lousy men that we don’t need them–we women can build our own empires.”

Later, Chase sent Estella the organizers‘ contact information. She spoke with them and scheduled a meeting at their office.

On the day of the meeting, Estella wore a traditional–style shirt dress, her hair pinned up with

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Chapter 215 A New Opportunity

an antique–inspired hairpin. The look gave her a serene, classical beauty.

The other judges were all established names in the field, men about Chase’s age. Seeing someone so young, they assumed she was a token appointment pushed in by the organizers. Their attitude toward her was chilly.

Estella didn’t let it bother her.

She was there to work, not to please anyone. And if people failed to respect her, that was their

oblem, not hers.

she would never drain herself worrying about it.

When the meeting ended, the other judges made plans to dine together–deliberately leaving

her out.

Estella was happy to be left alone and headed for the exit.

Just then, she saw a man being forced out by security. His laptop and papers scattered across the ground, and he looked utterly disheveled.

Estella bent down to help pick up

his

computer.

The man looked up, startled. “Estella!”

She raised her head and saw that it was Kevin, the very man she hadn’t seen in a couple of weeks.

In an instant, she regretted ever stooping to help.

She turned to walk away, but Kevin stepped in front of her.

Her expression hardened.

Kevin quickly said, “Don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t mean anything else.”

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This chapter delicately explores the complexities of ambition, loyalty, and self-worth through Isabelle and Estella’s intertwined journeys. Isabelle grapples with the harsh realities of her relationships and the pressures of proving herself in a world where alliances shift and trust is fragile. Her internal conflict reflects a poignant struggle between love and pragmatism, highlighting the emotional cost of navigating power dynamics within family and business.

Meanwhile, Estella’s experience as a judge in a competitive field underscores themes of resilience and quiet strength. Despite facing skepticism and exclusion, she remains steadfast in her purpose, embodying the determination to carve out her own path. Both women, in their distinct ways, embody a growing sense of independence and the courage to face uncertain futures, setting the stage for personal growth and new opportunities ahead.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tense dynamics between Isabelle and Nathaniel, as the fragile foundation of their relationship is tested by unspoken doubts and mounting pressures. Isabelle’s growing anxiety about her lack of experience and the looming project deadline will create a palpable sense of urgency, forcing her to confront challenges she never anticipated. Meanwhile, the subtle shift in Nathaniel’s tone hints at a relationship that may be more transactional than affectionate, leaving readers eager to see whether Isabelle can reclaim her sense of agency and self-worth.

At the same time, Estella’s new role as a judge introduces fresh opportunities and obstacles. Her determination to prove herself in a male-dominated environment will be both inspiring and fraught with tension, especially as she navigates the cold reception from her peers. The unexpected encounter with Kevin adds another layer of complexity, suggesting unresolved conflicts and emotional undercurrents that could complicate her path forward. Together, these threads set the stage for a chapter rich in emotional depth and the subtle unraveling of alliances.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.