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Chapter 158 - A Fair Exchange
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2024-11-02 14:30:08Related chapters
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 159 - Last Chance
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s jaw clenched. He was clearly at a loss. A subtle flash of panic crossed his usually calm blue eyes. “Who told you that?”I folded my arms, raising an eyebrow. “You really think I needed someone to tell me? I’m a clever girl, Emerson. You come home with a stab wound, and the next day my father’s doctor miraculously appears? Don’t insult me by acting like I wouldn’t put two and two together.”He narrowed his eyes, suspicion lacing his expression as he considered my words. Then he seemed to connect the dots himself. His face hardened. “It was Michael, wasn’t it? That son of a—”Before I could stop him, he grabbed the landline phone. The muscles in his forearm tensed as he reached to dial. I caught his hand firmly, feeling the warmth of his skin as I steadied my gaze on him.“Emerson,” I said, my voice soft but unwavering, “grow up. This isn’t about playing the blame game. We need to talk. Like adults.”His blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, the hardness softened.
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 160 - Alistair’s Estate
Emerson’s POVIsabel’s gaze bore into me, her eyes glinting with that determined fire that both thrilled and unnerved me. She was sitting in my chair, looking as if she owned the place. I hadn’t anticipated any of this—not her finding out about Alistair, her father’s doctor, or how she would demand the truth from me.Her actions today had completely caught me off guard. She had shaken me to my core. When she got so close, wrapping her arms around my neck… My god, I didn’t know what to do with myself.Her voice cut through my thoughts. "I need to know the truth, Emerson," she repeated. "About Alistair, Lilith, everything."Her words pulled me back to that night. I had faced Alistair Montrose in his mountain estate. My heart pounded in my chest even now, as I recalled the events. I had gone there to strike a deal, knowing that only a man like him could stand between Isabel and any chance of peace. I didn’t expect him to be so… heavily protected. The estate was more fortress than home.
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 161 - Waste of Time
Isabel’s POVWe sat in silence in Emerson's vast office, perched at the top of the gleaming building. Its floor-to-ceiling windows opened up to the sprawling skyline of Rivermont. I could feel the quiet power of this space, with the leather-bound books, sleek decor, and polished surfaces. All of it whispered of authority and control. And there I was, seated in his imposing office chair. Today, it felt like I had finally gained a measure of that control myself. Or so I thought.But now, Emerson was seated across from me, seemingly lost in thought. He still hadn’t given me any answers. I tapped my fingers on the glass-topped desk, watching the clock as the seconds ticked by.Emerson’s eyes were distant. As if he was wrestling with something he couldn’t—or wouldn’t—share.After what felt like an eternity, I could no longer tolerate the silence. Every second he refused to answer me, I felt my patience wear thin. I sighed. He finally glanced at me, as if he just remembered I was still the
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 162 - Unexpected Opportunities
Isabel’s POVEmerson glared at her, clearly frustrated at the sudden interruption. The woman was flustered. Her gaze darted between Emerson and me. An awkward tension hung in the air. “Who gave you permission to enter my office like this? Without even having the decency to knock?” he asked, his voice low and threatening.Her cheeks turned bright red and her apologies came in a rush. "I’m so sorry to interrupt, Mr. Williams. I… it’s just—this is urgent.”Emerson’s mouth pressed into a thin line. He took a long, steadying breath before nodding curtly. “Alright. Go on.”“It's about the photographer, Claire,” the woman said, her voice tense. “She had an accident in the restroom—slipped and fell. The doctors are worried… she’s at risk of miscarrying. She’s being taken to the hospital now.”The news hit like a cold slap, the kind that ripples outward in icy waves. Memories of my own fall and miscarriage flooded me. I felt a pang of compassion for the woman and hoped she would meet a kinder
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 163 - In My Element
Isabel’s POVEmerson looked at me with a strange mix of disbelief and excitement. His mouth quirked up in a half-smile, as though he couldn’t fully contain his surprise. “Are you serious, Isabel?” he said, his voice both soft and eager, like he was afraid I might take it back. “We have… a chance?”I gave him a cool look, wary of showing too much emotion. “Only if things are different this time.”Emerson nodded quickly, his face lighting up. “Whatever you want. Tell me what it’ll take, and I’ll make it happen.”I let the silence linger for a moment, letting him think over his own promise. Then I said, “I want to work, Emerson. I need something real. My own freedom.” I didn’t tell him the full truth—that with the freedom to work, I’d be able to implement my plans more easily. That was for me alone to know.He seemed to consider this for a second, tilting his head in that familiar, calculating way. “Fine. But you’ll work here. In my company.” His gaze sharpened, studying my reaction. “T
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 164 - New Job
Isabel’s POV“Excuse me, ma’am,” Emerson’s voice came from behind me, smooth but laced with a certain edge. “Isabel is part of my team,” he continued, adding just the faintest touch of authority. His gaze flicked to me, a possessive glint in his eye. “But I appreciate the interest.”The magazine editor glanced between us, her brow arching as if she could sense the simmering tension beneath the polished surfaces. She shifted her attention to me with a knowing smile. “Alright,” she said coolly, but as she turned, she slipped a card into my hand, her voice just above a whisper. “Call me if anything changes.”Emerson’s jaw tightened. The card in my palm suddenly felt like a rebellion, a small act of defiance I wasn’t sure I’d have followed through on, but it made his reaction all the more interesting.After the shoot, he insisted on driving me back to the estate himself. The car was quiet as we pulled onto the long driveway, the hum of the engine almost soothing—if it weren’t for the cons
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 165 - Jealous Whispers
Isabel’s POVHe hesitated, swallowing as if debating whether to go on, and finally took a deep breath.“Goodnight,” he said softly, letting his hand fall back to his side. And with that, he stepped back, allowing me to pass, but not without one last look that left me breathless.As I walked away, my mind raced, uncertainty and frustration weaving through me. I had a plan, I reminded myself. And nothing—no lingering glances, no fleeting touches—was going to pull me off course.I tried to shake it off as I moved through the hall, heading for the elevator. But as soon as I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with a colleague who’d been hurrying past.“Oh!” she exclaimed, pulling back. Then she offered a strange, knowing smile. “Late-night chat with the boss?”I managed a polite smile, though I could feel heat rise to my cheeks. She held my gaze a beat too long, as if searching for something I wasn’t offering. My cheeks flushed further, but I said nothing. After a pointed look, she walk
His Betrayal, His Regret Chapter 166 - Rumors and Reality
Isabel’s POVIn the break room, I glanced around at the gathered group, mostly women. They were all watching the confrontation unfold with expressions ranging from amusement to curiosity. I took a slow breath, setting my coffee down on the counter with a deliberate calm. The tension was palpable.“Let me clear something up for you,” I said, my voice even, though my heart beat like a drum. “I was offered this role because of my skills as a photographer. If you have any doubts, feel free to watch me work today. You’ll find I’m more than capable of handling the job.” I met their eyes one by one, daring them to say otherwise.The two ringleaders exchanged a glance. The taller of the two opened her mouth to retort. But before she could get a word out, a voice came from the back of the room.“Honestly, cut it out.” A woman stepped forward, crossing her arms. She was petite, with a sleek hazel ponytail and a no-nonsense expression. “Maybe you’ve all forgotten what professionalism looks like
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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
