After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 936

“Isabella, you can count on me. I’m here for you, no matter what happens. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it. And if I can’t help right away, I’ll find a way.”

Harold wished Isabella would let herself lean on him, at least once. It stung that she hadn’t even told him what happened today. If his bodyguard hadn’t mentioned it, he would have been completely in the dark.

Isabella paused, met Harold’s eyes, and spoke gently. “Harold, I know you care. I know you want to help. But I can’t be completely dependent on you, not now and not ever.”

“I’ll handle things myself whenever I can. If I reach a point where I really need help, then I’ll ask for it.” If she ever did owe someone a favor, she’d remember it and pay it back as soon as she could.

“My dad’s relatives were always going to show up eventually. Even without anyone stirring up trouble behind the scenes, the moment they realized my mom and I were doing well, they’d track us down.”

“They don’t dare ask my mom for anything anymore. My dad’s been gone for more than twenty years. My mom remarried two decades ago. She hasn’t been part of the George family for a long time.”

“But I’m still my father’s daughter. I’ve got George blood in me, like my grandpa and uncles always used to say. No matter what I want, that connection doesn’t really go away.”

“My second uncle already tried to get money from me once. That’s when I realized they’d never stop. I thought the drama would drag on for ages, but he left pretty quickly. The weather was getting hot, people were heading to the beach, and the seafood restaurant business picked up.”

“And apparently Ethan warned them off behind my back. I didn’t even know until much later.”

“When there are medical bills, I’ll see what’s left after insurance. Whatever’s left, split it up between all the kids and grandkids. I’ll pay my share and that’s it.”

“I’m not giving them anything extra. Every time I think about how they treated my mom and me after my dad died, I know I’ll never forgive them.”

“And now, just because my mom and I are doing well, they want to show up and take a cut. They say stuff like, ‘We’re still family, you’ll always be a George,’ trying to guilt-trip me. Please. Do they really think I’m that easy to push around just because I’m a woman?”

Harold nodded. “You’re right, Isabella. You can’t give in to them. The second you do them one favor, they’ll just keep coming back with more.”