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Chapter 137 - Twisted Provocations
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His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 138 - Sharp Edge of Desperation
Isabel’s POVFor a fleeting moment, Emerson looked taken aback. His usual icy demeanor cracked just enough to reveal a hint of something raw underneath. But then, his expression hardened again, eyes narrowing. His self-esteem, bruised by my words, spiked his anger."Of course not," he scoffed, his tone laced with contempt. "Don’t flatter yourself, Isabel. The brooch belongs to you. It was given to you, and it should stay with you. That’s all."His words bit at me, but I wasn’t about to let him see the sting. He shifted slightly in the bed, wincing as the movement aggravated his injuries. The weariness etched into his features might have softened another person in my position. But I was too angry to care. I studied his face, searching for even the faintest flicker of sincerity. But there was none. Only the same cold, calculating mask he'd always worn—an impenetrable barrier between us.I’d seen it a thousand times during our marriage. Back then, I used to think of his aloofness as part
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 139 - Cutting the Chains
Isabel’s POV"Isabel," Emerson said, his trembling voice a sharp contrast to the icy demeanor he usually wore like armor. "Put the knife down."The vulnerability in his tone made me hesitate for a moment. But I didn’t lower the blade."Let me go, Emerson," I demanded, my voice steady but tense. "I can’t live like this—trapped, controlled. I won’t. So if you don’t give me my freedom..." I let the words trail off deliberately, knowing he understood the threat behind them.The air between us was thick with tension, so heavy it felt suffocating. Emerson’s chest rose and fell in ragged breaths, his eyes locked onto mine. He seemed torn, between his need to control me and his fear of what I might do to escape his grip."Isabel," he whispered again, and this time his voice cracked just slightly. "Please... put it down."The ironclad man who seemed to control everything, suddenly seemed so vulnerable. It was a rare crack in the wall, a glimpse of something deeper. But I didn’t trust it. Not af
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 140 - Unseen Mercy
Emerson’s POVAs I watched Isabel leave the room, a flood of confusion washed over me. My wounds hurt and my mind was spinning. “Why would she go to such lengths to get away from me? Can’t she see I’m just trying to keep her safe?” I thought to myself.But then, I supposed her demands weren’t unreasonable. I had already tried to find the doctor for her father. Even though I despised him, I believed he should live—not rot away in a hospital bed, unable to face his sins. No, he needed to atone. It was only fair after everything he’d done.Saving her father might make Isabel more compliant. More willing to see things my way. At the very least, it would stop the relentless coldness in her eyes whenever she looked at me. There had been a time when she looked at me with warmth, curiosity and attraction. Now, all I saw was suspicion and bitterness. Maybe if I could give her this, she’d stop looking at me like I was the villain in her story.I still remember the day of the accident. The weat
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 141 - Bridges to the Past
Isabel’s POVThe next morning, I woke up with a strange heaviness in my chest, a sensation I couldn’t quite shake. The weight of everything was pressing down on me—my father’s health, my own secret illness, and the looming presence of Emerson in my life. Today was the day I needed to take back some control. I had to contact Emma and Robert, and I needed to do it discreetly. I reached for the phone Emerson had given me, knowing it was likely monitored, but I had no choice. I had to let my friends know I was safe.I researched Robert’s company, MedTech Innovations, and immediately dialed the number.“MedTech Innovations, good morning. How may I help you?” The secretary answered, her tone professional.I cleared my throat. “Good morning. I need to speak to Mr. Robert Evans, please. It’s urgent. Tell him Isabel is calling.”“Alright, ma’am. One moment please.”The seconds stretched, the silence amplifying my heartbeat. What if he didn’t pick up? What if Emerson had warned him to stay away
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 142 - In the Grasp of Innocence
Isabel’s POVThe sound of Liam’s delighted squeal sliced through the air. My heart lurched as I saw him wobbling dangerously in his highchair. Without thinking, my body reacted on instinct. I rushed toward him, arms outstretched, as though I could somehow catch him in time.But Emerson was faster and closeby. His reflexes, though weakened by his recent injury, hadn’t dulled enough to let anything happen to his son. He grabbed Liam just before the boy could topple over, pulling him securely into his arms.The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment.Liam was completely unaware of the chaos he had caused. His small face broke into a wide grin. One that exposed his tiny teeth as he clapped his hands, clearly pleased with the attention.My arms, now useless, hung awkwardly at my sides. Embarrassment crawled up my neck like an unwelcome heat. Why had I reacted like that? Why had I leapt into the fray as if I had any right to? This was Emerson’s and Lilith’s child. But before I could mo
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 143 - Caught in his Web
Isabel’s POVEmerson hadn’t told Lilith he was awake? The thought gripped me like a cold hand on my heart. Why wouldn’t he tell her? What had changed between them? The more I tried to rationalize it, the more tangled I became in my thoughts. There had to be a reason, but what was it?As I cleared the breakfast bowls from the table, I caught sight of Liam still happily banging his spoon against the high chair. His innocent laughter was a sharp contrast to the storm of questions raging in my mind. That little spoon clattering against the bowl felt like a small anchor pulling me back from the whirlwind of emotions Emerson always stirred in me. But still, I couldn’t shake the growing unease.From the hallway, Emerson and Michael’s low, urgent voices filtered through, muffled but distinct enough to catch snippets of their conversation. I wiped my hands on a dishcloth, straining to hear more.“She’s been looking everywhere for you,” Michael said. “She was even spotted near the villa.”“Wha
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 144 - Silent Heartache
Isabel’s POVArriving at the hospital felt like I was finally coming up for air after being submerged in deep waters for too long. The sterile smell, the faint hum of machines, even the cold white walls—all of it was oddly comforting. It was the only place that hadn’t changed in the whirlwind of my life lately. As I stepped into my father’s room, relief surged through me. Seeing him there, safe, breathing, alive—it made the months of uncertainty and fear fade, even if just a little.I stood by his bed, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. His face was peaceful, like he was just sleeping. But I knew better—he was trapped in the unyielding prison of a vegetative state. His hand lay limp at his side. Without thinking, I reached out and held it. His skin was warm, but there was no reaction. I had grown used to that over the months, but it still stung every time.“Dad,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.” The words tumbled out before I coul
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 145 - Second Chances
Isabel’s POVWhen I stepped out of the bathroom, the three bodyguards were waiting. Their eyes scanned me with suspicion. I plastered on a casual smile, pretending not to notice their scrutiny. “I’m heading to see a gynecologist,” I said lightly, adding a pointed look as I continued walking past them. “Do you really need to follow me for that?”They exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering across their faces. One of them finally spoke, “We have to check with the boss.”Of course. Emerson.I crossed my arms, impatience bubbling up inside me. One of the guards pulled out his phone. His voice was a low murmur as he relayed my request. After a short conversation, he turned to me and handed over the phone.“He wants to speak to you.”I rolled my eyes and took the phone, bringing it to my ear. “What is it, Emerson?” I asked, letting my annoyance slip into my tone.His voice came through the line, tight with frustration. “What’s going on, Isabel?”I paused, knowing exactly how to frame my r
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His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 193 - Unexpected Confrontations
Isabel’s POVMy hands clenched at my sides, my initial shock giving way to anger. “What are you doing here, Lilith?”“Oh, just taking a walk,” she said airily. “What a coincidence running into you two. You know how small the world is.”Her eyes glittered with malice, and I knew she wasn’t here by accident. Whatever game she was playing, it was only just beginning.Lilith turned to Caleb, her voice dripping with fake concern. “You should enjoy your time while you can. You wouldn’t want to end up like Sebastian.”Her words sent a chill through me, but before I could respond, Caleb stepped closer to her, his tone low and dangerous. “Leave. Now.”Lilith’s smug smile widened as she waved her smartphone in the air, its screen flashing faintly in the sunlight. “What do you think Emerson would say,” she purred, “if I told him about this little outing?”I clenched my fists, my annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. “Lilith, enough with the games. This is Emerson’s cousin Caleb you’re try
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 192 - Swept Away
Isabel’s POV“Captivity, huh?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.“Exactly,” he said, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. “While the evil lord of the manor is away, I’m here to whisk you off to freedom.”His words were clearly meant as a joke, but I couldn’t ignore the subtle jab at Emerson. “And where exactly are you planning to whisk me off to?”“You’ll see.” Caleb’s tone turned mysterious. “But it’s somewhere you’ll love, I promise.”I hesitated. Spending time with Caleb felt like a risk. He had always been a wild card, unpredictable and charming in equal measure. And with the complicated web of tension between Emerson and me, getting too close to his cousin felt... inappropriate.“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said. “Besides, there’s Liam to consider. I can’t just leave him here.”As if summoned by my words, the maid came rushing out, taking Liam in her arms. She looked flustered, apologizing profusely for not hearing the doorbell.“It’s all right,” Caleb said with a sunny smi
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 191 - Mirror’s Deception
Isabel’s POVI forced a laugh, trying to brush off her comment. “I think you’re imagining things,” I said lightly, but the words felt hollow.The maid smiled apologetically. “Perhaps. I didn’t mean anything by it, miss.”At first, it felt absurd—laughable even. Liam was Emerson and Lilith’s child; that was an undeniable fact. But as the seconds ticked by, something darker, more insidious, began to creep into my thoughts.“That’s ridiculous,” I said aloud, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.The maid gave me a sheepish smile, wringing her hands. “I’m sorry, Miss. It’s just something I noticed. His eyes, maybe? Or his smile? I didn’t mean anything by it.”Her apology only heightened my unease. “It’s fine,” I replied curtly, waving her off.But the seed was planted. My gaze drifted down to Liam, who sat in my lap, staring up at me with a toothy grin. His eyes sparkled with innocence, as if he was oblivious to the storm brewing in my mind.Could it be true?I sh
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 190 - Silent Night
Isabel’s POVThe stillness of the room pressed on me, amplified by the steady rhythm of Emerson’s breathing behind me. He still wasn’t asleep—I could tell by the occasional shift of his weight and the faint sighs escaping him.He had withdrawn his arm when I didn’t answer, but the proximity between us remained charged. Every so often, his body would shift, brushing against mine—a subtle, fleeting contact that sent ripples through my already frayed nerves. Was it accidental? Or deliberate? I couldn’t be sure, and the ambiguity only made it worse.My body, traitorous as ever, reacted in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The heat of his presence seemed to seep into my skin, igniting a tension I had no desire to acknowledge. It wasn’t fair—after everything, after all the anger and betrayal, how could some unintentional touch unravel me like this?I tried to suppress the swirling emotions, willing myself to focus on anything else. But the way my heart raced, the way my breath hitched in those st
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 189 - A Promise in the Dark
Isabel’s POVSitting on the kitchen table, Emerson still looming over me, my mind spiraled with guilt. Sebastian was locked up, possibly suffering, all because of me. He’d been trying to help me, to protect me, and now he was paying the price. I clenched my fists in my lap, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions.“Isabel.”Emerson’s voice broke through the haze. His sharp gaze fixed on me. His head tilted slightly as if studying a puzzle. “You’re quiet. You look… off. Do you know something you’re not telling me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.My heart skipped a beat. Did he suspect? Could he somehow see through me, past the walls I’d painstakingly built?I met his eyes, masking the turmoil within. “No,” I said, forcing a small, almost casual shrug. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”He didn’t seem entirely convinced. His piercing gaze lingered on me longer than I liked. I bit my lip, weighing my options. If Emerson knew the truth about Sebastian’s private investigation and
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 188 - His Audacity
Isabel’s POVI turned to Emerson after Caleb left. Exhaustion was weighing on my shoulders like a lead blanket. “I’m really tired, and I have work tomorrow,” I murmured, taking a step toward the stairs. The tension from dinner and everything Caleb had implied was still twisting in my chest. I just wanted to escape. To drift off into blissful ignorance.But before I could get far, Emerson swept me off my feet—literally.“Emerson! What are you doing?!” I protested, squirming against his firm grip as he carried me effortlessly back to the kitchen.Without so much as a word, he placed me on the kitchen table as though I weighed nothing. I struggled to slide off, but his hands settled on either side of me, caging me in.My heart raced, but not entirely from rage. There was something about the way his eyes locked onto mine, unflinching and determined, that threw me completely off balance. I hated how he could do this—how he could ignite a whirlwind of emotions with just a look. How he made
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 187 - Whispers of Suspicion
Isabel’s POVCaleb strolled into the room as if he owned the place. A wide grin was plastered across his face. “Are you two done whispering sweet nothings yet? Or should I come back later with popcorn?”Emerson groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Caleb, do you have a radar for bad timing, or is it just a natural talent?”“I like to think of it as a gift,” Caleb quipped, leaning casually against the doorframe.I stifled a laugh despite the tension, my lips twitching into a small smile. Caleb always had a way of breaking even the heaviest silences with his antics.“Come inside,” Emerson said with an exasperated sigh. “If you’re going to interrupt, you might as well eat with us.”The three of us made our way to the dining room, where a simple but elegant dinner awaited. Caleb, ever the opportunist, immediately dug in. He complimented the meal with exaggerated enthusiasm.“This roast? Perfection. I’ve been abroad for so long, I forgot what a proper home-cooked meal tastes like. Kudo
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 186 - Threads of Distrust
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s hand clamped firmly over Caleb’s mouth. Caleb’s muffled protests only made the moment more absurd. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Really, Emerson? This is your grand strategy? Silencing him like a five-year-old?”Emerson shot me a look, his expression a mix of irritation and weary amusement. “You’d be surprised how much trouble this one can cause when left unchecked,” he muttered.Caleb, never one to miss an opportunity, wriggled free with an exaggerated gasp. “Admit it, you missed me,” he said, his grin wide and cheeky.“Missed you?” Emerson arched an eyebrow. “I’m considering sending you back abroad.”Caleb clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. Such gratitude for saving Isabel’s life. You’re lucky I have a forgiving nature.”At the mention of the accident, Emerson’s expression softened. His irritation ebbed, replaced by something quieter, almost regretful. His gaze shifted to me, lingering with a kind of intensity that made my chest tighten.“Are
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 185 - Stirring the Pot
Isabel’s POVI stared at Caleb, my mind still struggling to process what he had just said. A surprise for his lover? Emerson had said nothing about this, not even hinted at it. The idea clawed at me, a cruel whisper of betrayal I didn’t want to entertain.Recently, his long hours and late nights had seemed justified—he was supposed to be focused on finding Sebastian and Margot. He had painted himself as a man weighed down by duty, by the chaos of the military’s reshuffling. But now? Doubt slithered into my thoughts like a cold wind, chilling my resolve. What if he wasn’t just busy with military upheavals? What if he was lying?I bit my lip, trying to dismiss the growing unease. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to believe that Emerson, for all his faults, could betray me in this way. But hadn’t I learned the hard way not to trust him blindly? My heart and mind were locked in a bitter tug-of-war.Caleb leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. His expression softened a
