CHAPTER 38: PRS 38

Time flies. Before you know it, Isabella’s two stationery stores, located in the commercial shophouses in front of the green and red campuses, will officially open today.

Since morning, Isabella, just twenty-two years old, has been busy running back and forth, personally preparing everything. Her hair is tied back in a simple ponytail, but her professional aura and enthusiasm motivate all the employees to work faster.

"Isabella, the right-hand shelf is ready. All the products are neatly arranged by category," reported Siva, her trusted assistant.

"Good, make sure all the price tags are correct. There are no misprints. Oh yes, Siva, please send a message to the promotions team, telling them the banners are ready to be installed in front of the store. And make sure they install them correctly, making sure they don’t get them crooked or upside down," Isabella replied while checking the stock list on her Phoenix System tablet.

Because it was the weekend, enthusiasm among local residents—especially students—was high. Moreover, Isabella’s store offered a variety of cute stationery and accessories at low prices.

"Mom... Mom... I want to buy an erasable pen, the one with the Elsa doll on it! I saw it in the ad, Mom. It’s so beautiful!" said a six-year-old girl with her hair in two pigtails, tugging at her mother’s hand.

"Okay, honey, wait for the store to open. It’s almost here, look, they’re almost ready," her mother replied with a smile.

Hearing this promise, the little girl jumped up happily. "I also want a pen with a snowball, crayons, a sketchbook, and cute stickers, Mom! Oh yeah, I also want that set of colored pencils!"

The mother sighed, "Okay, I’ll check your wallet first. If I have enough, I’ll buy you everything you want."

Meanwhile, several college students were already lining up in front of the store door, carrying backpacks and cell phone cameras.

"They say the owner is really young, isn’t she? She’s pretty too. I saw her picture on social media," whispered a male student.

"Yeah, I heard she’s still studying for her master’s. It’s amazing to have such a big business at twenty-two. I’m still unsure what to do after graduation," chimed in another.

As soon as the ribbon was cut, visitors immediately rushed in, as if afraid to miss out on the promotion. Soft music played, adding to the festive atmosphere of the opening. Isabella smiled, satisfied to see that all her hard work had paid off.

After ten minutes of overseeing the branch in front of the red campus, Isabella said her goodbyes. "Siva, I’m going to the blue campus. You coordinate here, and if anything happens, report it directly through Phoenix Systems. Don’t forget to check stock every two hours."

"Okay, Miss Isabella. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly," Siva replied quickly.

At the other branch, the atmosphere was no less bustling. Students were arriving, some just wanting to see the young businesswoman who was said to be as beautiful as a goddess.

"Wow, she’s even more beautiful than her photos online. She’s not only beautiful, but also has a very elegant aura," murmured a female student, secretly capturing the moment.

Isabella simply smiled politely whenever greeted, maintaining her professionalism. Today, everything was going perfectly, just as she had hoped.

Meanwhile, from a distance, a middle-aged woman named Margaret stood with her two children, Liora and Almes. They stared at Isabella with mixed emotions.

"She’s truly grown into an amazing girl. Look at her, so independent and confident," Margaret said softly, her eyes welling with tears.

"Mom, so that’s the youngest sister you told me about... her? The one we’ve been looking for?" Liora asked quietly.

Mikaela nodded, "Yes, she is... Isabella. My lost little princess."

As they approached, Isabella had already returned to her car, heading to her next location on Jalan B, where her cake shop, Royal Scott Bakery, would open the next day.

"She’s so fast. She’s such a hard worker," Almes said.

"It’s okay, let’s just follow behind. I want to see what else she’s up to," Liora replied.

Isabella inspected the interior of the bakery, which was in its final stages. "Alan, please make sure the new oven is tested this afternoon. I don’t want any problems during the launch tomorrow. This is crucial for our reputation," she said to the kitchen manager.

"Yes, Miss Isabella. I’ll make sure everything works perfectly," Alan replied quickly.

Seeing Isabella’s enthusiasm, Liora whispered in admiration, "Mom, your little sister is truly amazing. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also smart and brave. She has strong leadership qualities."

Mikaela smiled with emotion. "She’s been like that since she was little... always persistent and never gives up."

A few minutes later, Isabella heard someone enter the shop. She immediately greeted her politely.

"Excuse me, ma’am, the cake shop won’t open until tomorrow morning. We’re still in the final stages of preparation," she said kindly.

The woman stared at her intently, her eyes starting to water. "Isabella... my daughter. I’ve finally found you."

Isabella was stunned. That voice... somehow felt so familiar.

"Mom? Who are you?" she murmured softly.

Mikaela couldn’t hold back any longer. She hugged Isabella tightly, crying with emotion. "Mommy missed you so much, my child... For decades, Mommy has been looking everywhere for you."

Isabella fell silent, her body stiff for a moment before slowly returning the hug. A strange warmth crept into her chest.

Liora and Almes, who had just entered, also watched the scene with teary eyes.

"We’ve finally found you, our little sister. We’ve been waiting for you for so long," Liora said, sobbing.

The employees who witnessed the scene were moved.

"Who are they, Sis Siva?" asked one of the staff members in a whisper.

Siva replied quietly, "That’s Miss Isabella’s family. Her biological family."

"Isn’t she an orphan? I heard she doesn’t have any family," asked another staff member, confused.

"She used to be, but it turns out they just met again after a long separation. It’s a very touching story," Siva explained.

Siva then addressed all the employees who had begun to gather, "Hey, get back to work! Don’t just watch, let’s finish the decorations! There’s still a lot to do!"

Suddenly, everyone dispersed, making room for Isabella and her family.

Isabella took a deep breath and said softly, "Mom, let me finish my work first. We’ll talk afterward. I promise it won’t take long."

Mikaela nodded, her eyes sparkling, "Of course, honey. Mommy, wait. Mommy’s been waiting for decades, a few more minutes won’t hurt."

Mikaela’s fear that her youngest daughter would reject her proved unfounded. Her heart was relieved. Now she had only one hope—to bring Isabella home to meet their extended family in South Korea.

After ensuring the work at the shop was finished, Isabella invited them to her café on Jalan Pahlawan.

"It’s more comfortable there, we can chat for a long time. It’s also more private," she said.

They set off in two luxury cars. Margaret chose to ride in the car with Isabella, while Liora and Almes followed behind.

"Your sister is amazing. I never thought she could build such a big business on her own," Almes said throughout the journey.

Liora smiled proudly. "She’s a strong girl. This is all the result of her own hard work. No one helped her from the start."

Isabella simply stared at the road ahead, trying to contain her turmoil. "I never thought I’d meet you guys so soon... It feels like a dream," she murmured softly.

Upon arrival at the café, Isabella welcomed them into her spacious and comfortable office.

"Please sit down, Mom, Liora, Almes. I’ve asked the staff to prepare some special dishes. These are our best dishes," she said politely.

Almes looked around the room, captivated by the warm, modern interior design. "You’re amazing, Sis. You’re so young and already have so many profitable businesses. Even I, who’s older, can’t do this."

Isabella smiled faintly. "I’m just trying hard, Sis. Everything takes time and discipline. And of course, there are many challenges to face."

Liora chimed in, "I still can’t believe you’ve made it this far. Mommy often talks about you, but it feels like a dream. Now I can see for myself how amazing you are."

Isabella chuckled. "I can’t believe you’re here today either. It feels strange, but... warm. It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain."

Soon, an employee brought in a tray of cakes and drinks.

"These are the signature dishes here, Miss. They’re all fresh from the oven this morning," she said politely, placing the cakes on the table.

"Thank you, just put them here. Oh yeah, please add some of your favorite pastries too," Isabella replied.

Mikaela looked at the cakes with sparkling eyes. "They’re so beautiful, sweetie. Mommy wants to learn how to make them. They look so delicious."

Isabella laughed softly. "Mom, if you want to learn, I can teach you. Every recipe here is the result of my own experiments. I tried it over and over until I got it just right."

"Seriously? Wow, Mommy will definitely come here often! Mommy loves baking!" Mikaela said happily.

Almes, who had been impatient, had already taken a mini tart and started eating it.

"Oh my gosh, this is so delicious! Seriously, this is the best I’ve ever had!" he said, staring at Isabella in amazement.

"Slow down, Sis. There’s still a lot on the plate. Don’t choke," Isabella teased.

Liora laughed along, "Almes has always been a glutton, he hasn’t changed. He’s always like that when he sees delicious food."

"Never mind, I’m enjoying the fruits of my own sister’s labor. This is an extraordinary achievement," Almes replied with a satisfied smile.

Isabella smiled warmly at their closeness. Then she turned to the staff. "Please bring a few extra plates, and some hot tea, please. Maybe some special cookies too."

"Yes, Miss Isabella. I’ll have them ready right away," the staff member replied quickly.

As she enjoyed the cookies, Margaret looked at her daughter tenderly. "Son, Mommy apologizes for everything in the past. Mommy never stopped looking for you. Every day, Mommy prayed that you would be okay."

Isabella lowered her head, holding back her emotions. "I... don’t know what to say, Mom. But I’m grateful that Mommy came. I thought I was all alone in this world. No one cared about me."

Mikaela held Isabella’s hand tightly. "You’re not alone anymore, honey. You have a family who loves you very much."

The room fell silent, filled only with a feeling of emotion.

After a moment, Isabella rose. "Mom, Liora, Almes... just enjoy everything for now. I have to finish some paperwork at my desk. Afterward, I promise we can chat longer. There are so many things I want to ask you."

Mikaela nodded gently. "Okay, honey. Mommy will wait. Get to the important stuff first."

Isabella walked to her desk, staring at the stack of documents she needed to sign. Although her eyes were focused on the papers, her thoughts were still a blur—a mix of emotion and happiness.