Chapter 191
The girl stared at Maverick, eyes wide, voice trembling with excitement. “Wait… You’re Maverick p>
Across from her, Maverick gave a polite, easy smile and extended his hand. “Hi, cousin. Yeah, I’m Maverick p>
“Aaaaahhhh p>
Isabella Delaney practically jumped as she grabbed his hand, thrilled out of her mind. She held on tightly, unable to let go—like she was afraid he’d disappear if she blinked.
Maverick didn’t pull back, just let her hold his hand as his smile warmed even more.
Being stared at by those soft, gentle eyes, Isabella’s face flushed pink, her voice quivering with joy. “Maverick, oh my God, I can’t believe it’s really you! I thought I was seeing things earlier! What are the odds I’d run into you here p>
“I’m obsessed with all your work—dramas, variety shows, you name it. Watched everything at least twice, sometimes more p>
“I’m your biggest fan—actually, I’m vice-president of your official fan club! You’re literally my #1 p>
“Can I get your autograph? Please p>
She panicked a little, glancing around for something to write on. Being new to the house, she was totally lost, spinning in circles like a headless chicken.
Lisette silently opened her drawer, took out a notebook, and passed it over. “Here p>
Isabella, caught up in the moment, didn’t even thank her. She snatched the book and pen, then handed them to Maverick, staring at him with sparkling eyes.
Maverick took it, flipped to a page, and signed his name smoothly.
He paused before lifting the pen. “What’s your name p>
“Isabella Delaney! I take my mom’s last name p>
“Isabella,” he repeated, tasting the name with a smile dancing at the corner of his lips. “Pretty name. Really suits you, Isabella p>
Then, below his signature, he added a note:
[To my beautiful, adorable little cousin Isabella – may you always smile, always be happy p>
And finished it off with a cute little smiley face.
Pure fluff.
Isabella clutched the notebook to her chest, gave it a couple of loud smooches with her lipstick-covered lips, leaving two very obvious red marks.
Looking up with a wide, cheeky grin, she switched modes instantly. “Thank you, cousin p>
“We’re family, don’t be so formal.” Maverick said, laughing as he reached out to ruffle her hair. “If you ever need anything, just let me know p>
Her idol was now her cousin—talk about a level up. Isabella nodded like crazy, then linked arms with him like it was the most natural thing in the world. “I definitely will p>
Lisette watched the whole thing unfold, expression darkening slightly. That wolf-in-disguise Maverick just bagged a new fangirl cousin without lifting a finger. She frowned, tempted to say something, but before she could step forward, her hand was gently pulled back.
She turned. “Bryce p>
Bryce gave a slight shake of his head. “She won’t listen p>
Lisette looked unwilling to back down.
Seriously? The fresh-off-the-plane cousin already got brainwashed by that player?
She hesitated, then glanced at Isabella, who was practically glued to Maverick’s side, grinning from ear to ear. Finally, she decided not to interfere—for now.
The siblings’ brief exchange went unnoticed by everyone else, as all eyes were locked on the unexpectedly close duo of Maverick and Isabella.
“Isabella p>
Emma’s voice suddenly cut through the excitement, pulling her daughter back to reality. “Your uncle and aunt are right there. Go say hello!”Isabella pouted and glanced at Emma, then darted a look at Maverick. Reluctantly, she let go of her “dearest cousin’s” arm and shuffled over to Daphne and Marshall. Following her mom’s cue, she mumbled, “Aunt, Uncle p>
Her tone was way less enthusiastic compared to how she talked to Maverick.
Emma looked like she wanted to nudge her with a reminder, but the girl was already back to staring dreamily at Maverick again, tracking his every move like a puppy.
Emma sighed, speechless.
Thankfully, neither Daphne nor Marshall seemed to mind.
Especially Daphne! She let out a soft chuckle. “Looks like Enen and Maverick really hit it off p>
“Yeah.” Emma replied casually, then turned to them and added, “This daughter of mine has really been giving me a headache lately p>
She sighed, voicing her worries. “She’s taking her college entrance exam this June, but I’ve spoiled her too much since she was little. She’s never been into studying, just obsessed with celebrities. I’m seriously freaking out—what if she doesn’t get into a decent college? What’s she gonna do then p>
Emma was clearly stressing hard, but to Daphne, this was barely a bump in the road.
Same blood, totally different mindset.
Daphne said leisurely, “Honestly, being into celebrities isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It probably means she’s super in-the-know when it comes to the entertainment scene p>
“We’ve got Maverick in acting, and Lise managing artists—both firmly planted in the industry. If Enen’s interested, we can easily set her up. Whether it’s at Stellar Entertainment or VistaSphere, she can take her pick p>
“Or, if she wants the full college experience, that’s cool too p>
“In a few days, we’ll help her pick a uni she likes, and your brother-in-law can donate a few buildings or something. Getting her in through recommendation shouldn’t be a big deal p>
“Wait—seriously p>
Emma was in shock. One of her biggest concerns… handled just like that?
Her eyes lit up as she tugged at Enen’s sleeve. “Enen, say thank you to your aunt and uncle p>
Snapping out of her Maverick-induced trance, Isabella quickly chirped at Marshall and Daphne, “Thank you, Aunt, Uncle p>
Then she practically skipped back to Maverick’s side, latching onto his arm like it was the most natural thing ever. “Uncle, the Cavendish house is gorgeous! I love it here. Can I ask Cousin Maverick to show me around p>
Marshall waved them off with a smile, reminding Maverick, “Take care of her p>
The adults had a lot to catch up on.
Especially Daphne and Emma.
From their conversation, Lisette managed to piece together bits of the past.
As a kid, Emma was sick a lot, so Grandpa and Grandma spoiled her completely, which only made her more headstrong and willful.
Back then, she fell for some street punk and insisted on marrying him. Grandpa and Grandma saw right through the guy and were firmly against it. So Emma stormed out and cut ties for years.
Isabella was their child.
That guy had racked up too many enemies, and the two had been on the run ever since. They never got married, and Isabella took Emma’s last name. It wasn’t until last year, when the guy got killed in a revenge hit, that Emma finally decided to come home with her daughter—and here they were now.
Ding.
Lisette’s phone buzzed.
She pulled it out, glanced at the screen—and instantly frowned.