Chapter 468

Isabella had tossed a bunch of ideas Jake's way, and he couldn't be more grateful.

"Isabella, you're way cooler than Paxton ever was!" Jake said, showing his appreciation.

Paxton used to just boss Jake around, throwing him a bone here and there, never really caring about how Jake ran the gang or offering any real help.

To Paxton, the gang members were just a bunch of nobodies, only worth his time when he needed something.

But Isabella saw potential in everyone, even a gang member like Jake.

Jake scribbled down every word Isabella said and followed her plans to the letter.

At first, Isabella didn't realize how her offhand advice would change things for Jake and his crew. But soon enough, she saw the results.

She watched a video of Jake, dressed like a cop, talking to a group of people in volunteer uniforms.

"You've all been seen as troublemakers, done some bad stuff, but here, we're aiming to be better! Let's say it together!" Jake's voice boomed as he rallied the group.

"Be a good person, be a positive force in society!" Jake shouted, and the group echoed back.

"Be respectful, be kind!" Jake continued, and the others followed suit.

"Be frugal, not wasteful!" In that moment, Jake felt like he had a halo over his head.

"Embrace learning, trust in science!" Jake felt like a divine messenger, minus the cash.

Isabella stumbled upon the video online while scrolling through social media and was stunned by what she saw.

"Did Jake really take my words to heart? How much did he pocket to go all out like this?" Isabella couldn't believe it, but she figured Jake must have made a pretty penny.

Just then, there was a knock on Isabella's office door, and Carol walked in.

Carol meant to say hi, but seeing Isabella glued to her phone in shock, she asked, "Hey, what's got you so hooked?"

"I'm watching a gang turn over a new leaf and become do-gooders," Isabella said, showing Carol her phone screen.

Carol glanced at it and shrugged. "Oh, I've seen it. Heard it might become a comedy movie."

Noticing Isabella's puzzled look, Carol asked, "You really into this? You seem kind of off."

Isabella chuckled and shook her head. "I taught Jake this stuff. I just wanted him to help my friend's dad kick his drinking and violence habits, but he turned it into a whole operation."

Isabella quickly filled Carol in on Daniel's situation, leaving Carol wide-eyed in disbelief.

"Your idea is mind-blowing. How did you even think of turning a gang into a force for good?" Carol asked, amazed.

Isabella scratched her head, feeling sheepish. "I just wanted to teach Daniel a lesson at first, didn't plan it out. Jake's the real brains behind this."

Carol smirked and waved it off. "I'm not into this stuff. I came to see you for another reason."

Isabella looked at Carol, sensing something big was coming.

Carol said, "Remember I mentioned someone from the Brown Family wanted to meet you?"

Isabella nodded eagerly, intrigued. According to Carol, this person had info on why Patrick had disbanded the family and held some of their resources.

Excitedly, Isabella asked, "Did he finish his investigation? Is he ready to meet me?"

Carol nodded and gestured to the door. "He's right outside."

Opening the door, Carol ushered in a middle-aged man. He was slim, wore glasses, and had a wise look in his eyes.

"Ms. Taylor, I'm Wilmer," Wilmer Finley greeted Isabella.

Isabella stepped out from behind her desk and offered Wilmer a seat.

Seated across from Wilmer, Isabella asked eagerly, "What have you found out?"

Wilmer nodded but had a condition. "I'll share, but first, let me see your grandpa's ring."

Wilmer knew from Carol that Isabella had the family heirloom and needed to confirm it.

Isabella retrieved the ancient bronze ring from her pocket and handed it to Wilmer.

After inspecting it, Wilmer nodded and returned the ring.

"I'll start with why your grandpa disbanded the family." Wilmer's words grabbed Isabella's attention.

With a grave expression, Wilmer explained, "Your grandpa did it to protect the family. A shadowy group approached him to work on a genetic drug. An accident occurred, leading to arrests and deaths. Disbanding the family was his way to keep you all safe. It was a tough call."

Isabella never imagined that the reason for the family's breakup would be this; it sounded like a movie plot-so ridiculous.