Chapter 299

Isabella Langley nodded in satisfaction and followed them into the equestrian grounds.

Vivian Laurent lingered behind, lowering her voice to Felix Valdemar. "Don't tell Ethan Roscente about me being here today."

If that man found out, he'd come chasing after her again.

Felix chuckled mischievously. "Dr. Laurent, I'm afraid it's too late for that."

The moment he saw Isabella's reservation, he'd guessed Vivian would come and immediately tipped off Ethan.

Vivian sighed, rubbing her temples.

Now she understood why Felix kept getting punched—he absolutely deserved it.

The sprawling equestrian club housed meticulously selected horses, each groomed to gleaming perfection.

Emily Garnache, still recovering from surgery, could only lead a docile pony around slowly.

While Vivian and Isabella were choosing their mounts, Felix sidled up. "Isabella, do you even know how to ride? Wouldn't want you falling off and becoming even more unmarriageable."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Don't jinx it. My suitors could form a line from here to Paris. Even if no one wanted me, I could always marry Lucas, right Lucas?"

Lucas Lefèvre smiled. "My door's always open."

Isabella lifted her chin triumphantly. "See? My fiancé's right here!"

Felix knew they were joking and didn't take offense.

He snorted. "If you can't ride, I could reluctantly teach you."

"With your amateur skills? Save them for impressing other girls."

Isabella pointed to a chestnut stallion. "I want this one. Bring it out."

The staff hesitated. "Um..."

"Problem?" Isabella frowned.

"The horse is fine..." The attendant glanced nervously at Felix—this was the boss's personal mount.

After receiving Felix's subtle nod, the staff said, "Right away, miss."

Isabella went to change into riding gear. Vivian continued browsing—the horses were too tame for her taste.

Her gaze landed on a pure black stallion in the corner. "I'll take that one."

"That one?" Felix's eyes widened. "Dr. Laurent, maybe choose another."

"Why?"

"That beast is untamable. Even I can't handle it." Felix was being honest—only Ethan had ever managed to ride it.

Previous challengers had either been thrown or kicked off.

But Vivian's interest only grew. "Perfect. That's the one."

"Dr. Laurent, this isn't a joke—"

"I know." Vivian's gaze was unwavering. "That's my choice."

Seeing he couldn't dissuade her, Felix muttered to himself: This stubbornness was carved from the same mold as Ethan's.