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Chapter 149 - A Subtle Game
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 150 - Secret Appointments
Emerson’s POVI stared at Isabel, trying to make sense of what she’d just said. My mind spun in confusion, uncertainty gripping me tighter than I cared to admit. Did she really mean it? If I found a doctor for her father, she might... kiss me? The idea sparked something deep inside me—a jolt of excitement I hadn’t expected. But it also brought a flood of emotions I wasn’t prepared for. Ones I wasn’t supposed to feel.Swallowing hard, I nodded. “I’ll find him,” I said before I turned and left the room. Isabel’s words echoed in my mind as I made my way through the villa.The next morning, as I prepared to leave for work, I couldn’t shake the image of Isabel from my mind. The way she’d tied my tie the day before, her fingers moving with a delicate tenderness I hadn’t felt in years, lingered like a ghost. Before everything had gone wrong between us, Isabel had always been the one to pick out my suits. To make sure everything was in order before I stepped out the door. She had cared for
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 151 - Shadows in the Night
Isabel’s POVThe villa felt emptier than usual tonight. Emerson hadn’t come back since he left for work, and I hadn’t heard a word from him all day. At any other time, his silence would be inconsequential. Perhaps even peaceful. But tonight, it stirred an uneasy feeling that settled deep in my chest, filling every quiet corner of the house. Something was wrong. I couldn’t shake the nagging thought.I lay in bed, the hours ticking by as I tried to force myself to sleep. But I kept replaying the last conversation we’d had. I had practically dangled myself as a reward for him finding a doctor for my father. A kiss held out like a promise I wasn’t sure I’d ever keep. Was I making a mistake? Was manipulating him the right way to get what I needed?A sigh escaped me. I turned over in bed, pulling the covers tightly around me, hoping that sleep might finally claim me. But each time I closed my eyes, I saw Emerson’s face. The way his eyes had softened when I adjusted his tie. The confusion
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 152 - Rewards & Promises
Isabel’s POVThe butler and I struggled to get Emerson to his feet. I steadied Emerson as best I could. My arm was wrapped around his waist while the butler supported him from the other side. His weight pressed heavily against me. The heat radiating from him was tinged with a discomforting dampness. My hand brushed against his arm, and I felt the sticky warmth of fresh blood seeping through the bandage. A pang of concern tightened my chest; he must’ve been losing blood for hours.As soon as we had eased him onto the couch, the butler hurried to contact the private doctor. He muttered reassurances about discretion. I could barely focus, though. My eyes were fixed on Emerson’s blood-soaked arm. The crimson stain was spreading across the fabric. There was something terribly wrong here.The doctor arrived swiftly. The man looked too calm given the urgency of the situation. He unwrapped the bandage carefully, revealing a wound deep and raw. “A puncture wound,” he explained. His expressio
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 153 - The Plot Thickens
Isabel’s POV“Emerson,” I began, but the words felt trapped in my throat. Was he serious? Did he expect me to kiss him right here, right now? Was he using his vulnerability to manipulate me?“You don’t have to say anything now, Isa.” He tilted his head, that glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes intensifying. “But… tomorrow morning, perhaps?” His smile held a lingering challenge. One that made my stomach twist in a way I wasn’t sure I liked. I was angry at his frivolity, yet I couldn’t allow myself to lose my temper with Emerson. Not while he was in this state. My mind raced. It was all too confusing, too layered with unspoken feelings.“Perhaps…” I said evenly, hoping he wouldn’t press further.And he didn’t. He closed his eyes instead, his pain and exhaustion obvious. “Good night, Emerson,” I said as I retreated quietly.“Night, Isa,” I heard his weak voice behind me.As I returned to my room, the silence enveloped me. But sleep still eluded me. My mind was racing with thoughts. Wha
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 154 - Demanding Answers
Isabel’s POVThe weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on me as I walked through the hospital corridor. Emerson’s guards were following my every move. But this time, I didn’t care about my lack of freedom. My mind was racing with unanswered questions. Why did the doctor stop mid-sentence? What was he going to tell me? What happened last night?I couldn’t shake the feeling that Emerson was caught in something dangerous. And I was left in the dark. Did he risk his life to find the doctor? Or were the events totally unrelated?I needed to find a way to uncover the truth. But how could I approach him without raising his defenses?And then, there was the kiss. I had promised him something I was still grappling with. Would I be able to go through with it? Could I trust him? And why didn’t he claim it this morning?I arrived at the gynecologist's office and left the guards behind. Through the back door, I slipped into another doctor's office for my secret treatment. Robert was already waiti
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 155 - Planning a Confrontation
Isabel’s POVAs the bodyguards drove me home, my mind raced with ideas. Each one more outrageous than the last. How could I get into Emerson’s office? Should I bring him lunch and pretend to be a delivery courier? No, that wouldn’t work; I’d get caught before I even got to his office. My thoughts flickered back to a conversation I’d overheard him having on the phone. His current secretary had been fired, which meant they were taking applications. Yes, that could work!Once I was home, I hurried to rummage through my closet filled with luxurious clothes. Many of the gowns reminded me of parties and galas Emerson had taken me to. This closet was like my old life staring back at me.I searched for something that looked professional and secretary-like. I had to make my fake application look as real as possible.I finally settled on a crisp white blouse paired with a gray pencil skirt. I straightened my golden bob and fastened it half-up with a clasp, giving myself a quick once-over in th
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 156 - An Office Visit
Isabel’s POV“Mr. Williams!” The receptionist’s voice trembled as she greeted Emerson. Her face had drained of color. “I—I thought I shouldn’t let any women through without an appointment.” She forced a nervous smile, as if hoping he would understand, perhaps even commend her caution.Emerson didn’t even look at her. His gaze was hard, unyielding. “She’s not just any woman,” he said coldly. “You’re fired.”A shocked gasp escaped her lips. I turned to him in surprise. Not just any woman? The words echoed in my mind, stirring something I didn’t want to name. More and more, Emerson’s recent actions hinted that he might actually have feelings for me. But how could that be possible?“Please, Mr. Williams,” the receptionist stammered, rushing to follow him. “I didn’t mean to offend—really, I was only trying to protect—”Michael stepped in, blocking her from coming any closer. “I’d suggest you leave with your dignity intact,” he murmured. His voice was calm but resolute. She hesitated, cas
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 157 - Playing with Fire
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s amused expression flickered. There was a crack in his usual control that intrigued me. He leaned back against his desk, folding his arms across his chest in a casual stance. Though his eyes betrayed something else—a touch of unease, or maybe hesitation.“What do you mean?” he asked, feigning ignorance. But I knew better.“You know exactly what I mean.” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t regret it. His half-hearted evasions, the careful mix of attentiveness and indifference—it was all wearing thin."One moment, you’re cold and distant, practically pushing me out of your life. The next, you’re telling me I can come and go as I please. You send Lilith away, ask me for… a kiss, and then act as though it never happened. Why, Emerson? Why are you doing all this?”For a long, heavy moment, Emerson didn’t respond. He held my gaze. The amusement was gone from his face. Replaced by something harder to read. His silence drew out. The seconds stretched
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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
