Arthur and Amanda go to Isla's address. Even though she was a bit drunk, Amanda had no trouble driving because Arthur helped clear her mind.
Isla's house is not far from the school, only in a different direction from where Arthur lives. It's in a more modest residential area. The average house there only has a yard big enough to accommodate two cars.
Upon entering the residential area, Arthur saw several young people around Isla's age, walking towards a certain house that was somewhat older than the others but slightly wider on the other hand. It was already decorated, surrounded by balloons and colorful lights.
Isla's family's economic condition may be quite ordinary, but it seems they have some influence in this neighborhood as it seems some of the neighbors have also come and helped out.
Luke's BMW was already in the driveway, something that caught the attention of the young people quite a bit. Some even took photos in front of the BMW.
Of course, they were more surprised when they saw a Lamborghini coming.
Some tried to remember if any of their friends were that rich.
"You wait here," Arthur said to Amanda after the car stopped.
The invitation was just for him, no word on allowing him to bring friends, girlfriends or family.
Amanda just nodded without saying anything, looking at Arthur as he got out of the car.
The latter held the invitation as he walked towards the house, ignoring all the confused looks as to why a younger man was here.
Coincidentally, Isla appeared at the door of the house as Arthur was walking towards it. She was slightly surprised when she saw him and then smiled.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"I didn't expect you to actually come," she said as Arthur arrived in front of her.
"I need to fill my free time," Arthur answered as he placed his invitation on the table beside the door.
It was guarded by a young girl who was probably only in her 1st year of junior middle school.
When she took Arthur's invitation, she showed a curious expression, which was obviously the effect of him coming in an unconventional way.
First there was Luke arriving in a BMW and now Arthur in a Lamborghini, her curious soul couldn't help but speculate whether they were two men fighting over Isla.
"Please come in," said Isla. She didn't try to say too much.
Arthur nodded and continued walking, arriving at the living room of the house which was full of birthday decorations.
Something caught his eye; a large picture where there is a man and woman who are almost old together with an elementary girl.
With one glance, he could tell that the elementary school girl was Isla.
Only, he could not guess the two people who took pictures with her.
Considering it looked like a family photo, those two people probably lived in this house too.
However, Arthur did not see their figures.
"Oh, Arthur, we meet again." Luke immediately rushed over to Arthur when he saw him.
They weren't familiar at all, but the man wore an expression as if they were close friends.
Of course, Arthur wasn't the type to smile at everyone just out of politeness. He didn't respond to the man and continued walking until he arrived beside the window.
Even a monkey would get mad if it was ignored, not to mention a Luke. His face that had just been smiling became ugly.
He had to stare in an unknown direction to hide his expression.
Unfortunately, all of that was seen by Isla. She laughed softly before greeting the rest of her friends.
She is indeed the right woman to lead an organization. Each of her friends who came, she greeted with a nice tone. She didn't even forget their names. It showed that she was very familiar towards each of them.
Of course, it's not easy. First you may have friends you like but surely also have friends you don't like. Even an Isla certainly cannot run away from this human nature.
For her to appear familiar to all her friends, the way she organizes her thoughts and expressions must be highly skilled.
Looking at her now, Arthur even thought there might be great benefits if he recruited her and trained her. Plus, she was staying in America, perhaps she could help him build up a force there for future preparations.
However, before that, he wanted to first see how she would act.
"Why are you younger than the others?" Someone suddenly approached Arthur and asked. It was a boy that looked about the same age as the girl beside the door. He wore glasses, wore very neat clothes and was quite handsome for his age.
Arthur looked at him from head to toe, wondering whose child he was.
"Well, I just happened to be invited," Arthur replied.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I see, so you aren't Isla's classmate?"
"Yeah, I'm still in high school now." Arthur was slightly interested in talking to him because he thought the boy was quite intelligent.
"And who are you?" he asked.
"I'm Ethan, Isla's younger brother," he replied.
"I don't think you two look alike at all." Arthur glanced at Isla again to confirm his words.
"Yeah!" Ethan didn't argue before staring at the large image.
"We're not siblings, but we were both adopted by our parents."
"Oh..." Arthur finally understood. "And where are they now?"
"They're dead," Ethan replied, sighing with a sad expression.
"That means you're orphans now, so where did you live while your sister was studying abroad?"
"I live in a neighbor's house and my sister gives me money every month." The boy answered while looking at the house next to Isla's.
Arthur, who at first thought he was living in an orphanage, felt quite strange because not to mention in Europe, even a very traditional society, it might be difficult to find cases like this.
Ethan only uses the word neighbour, which means there is no family connection between his adoptive parents and the owner of the house next door.
Meanwhile, all of Isla's friends had finally entered the house, some placing sizable gifts in a corner of the living room while the neighbors of the house prepared what could be described as simple but well-made dishes.
"Ethan!" Suddenly the girl who previously sat at the table who received the invitation came up to Ethan.