Page 100 of A Perfect Fit

“It’s fate, isn’t it?” Karl chimes in as he reaches for a piece of garlic bread. “Is that still what you young people call it these days?”

I smile. “That’s right.”

The topic changes to food and work, and I pick up two sushi rolls, placing them on Isabelle’s plate. She cocks her head and then selects three sushi rolls, which she puts on my plate.

“Thank you, Bella,” I whisper.

“You’re welcome.”

“How’s the event planning going for your fashion show, Isabelle?” Jane suddenly asks.

“It’s been good,” Isabelle slowly replies, like she wasn’t expecting the question. “I got a few more models on board, and marketing’s been great, thanks to Jackson.”

Jane helps herself to some sushi. “That’s good to hear.”

“Isabelle was interviewed for Sparkes Magazine recently,” I add.

“That’s fantastic!” Karl exclaims, his eyes crinkling. “How exciting. Your favorite magazine, Belle.”

Jane nods briskly at her daughter. “Well done, Isabelle. That’s huge.”

A smile toys with Isabelle’s lips as she turns to me. “Actually, that was only possible because⁠—”

“It was all Isabelle,” I gently interject.

She doesn’t say anything, but there’s a softness in her eyes.

When I pick up my fork again, Ivy stares at me from across the table with a blank look. “Jackson, can I ask you a few questions?”

I lift a brow. “Sure.”

“What’s Isabelle’s favorite color?”

“Purple.”

“What are her hobbies?”

It’s almost laughable that she’s asking me these questions, but I answer nevertheless. “Sewing, drawing, watching rom-coms, listening to music and reading—specifically, romance novels.”

Ivy purses her lips. “When’s her birthday?”

“February 20. Anything else?”

“Nope,” she says, fiddling with her cutlery. “I just don’t want to see her get her heart broken again.”

I flaunt a fake smile at her. “You know, for someone who claims to care about her sister, your actions don’t exactly align with your words.”

Ivy puts down her fork and frowns. “Excuse me?”

“Ben Jones, your fiancé. An acquaintance of mine happens to know him, and apparently, he planned a vacation to Europe with you for October this year, but it was canceled after Isabelle announced the date for her fashion show … which also happens to be in October.”

I didn’t intend on spilling that before coming here; however, Ivy’s fake act tonight is pissing me off.

Ivy looks like a deer caught in headlights, and I sip my wine before staring her in the eye.

“I’m sure you’re smart enough to put two and two together,” I say.

Jane raises a brow at her daughter while Karl frowns at her. Hopefully, they’re getting the idea, too.