Xavier~"Miss Luis, what brings you to this club? Is it true that you came here to meet Mr. Fernandes?"As soon as Bella stepped out of the club, a swarm of reporters descended on her like vultures circling prey. The harsh glare of camera flashes illuminated her anxious, startled face. For a fleeting moment, she looked like a cornered deer, caught in the harsh, relentless scrutiny of the media.I stood a short distance away, watching her struggle to keep her composure. My fists clenched at my sides as I fought the urge to charge forward and shield her from the barrage of invasive questions. Her irritation was evident; I knew she was still angry at me for interrupting her plans with Albert. Yet, I couldn't just stand idly by."Is seeing Albert Fernandes in the club your new strategy for winning Dixie's divorce case, Miss Luis?"The reporter's pointed question rang out, laced with venom. My blood boiled as I listened to their baseless accusations, tarnishing her character with every wor
Isabella~"Bella, are you all right?" Xavier looked at me with concern as I pulled the car in front of the giant tree. His voice, though calm, couldn't mask the urgency in his eyes."Xavier, who were they?" My voice quivered. "I didn't know they were journalists."My heart still raced, the remnants of fear coursing through me after the chaos we had just escaped."They were Jordan Lucas's men," Xavier said, his tone firm. "Everything we experienced was part of his plan." He reached for my hand and gently caressed its back, attempting to calm me."Why did you mess with them despite my warning to you?" I jerked my hand away, anger bubbling to the surface."I was unaware of his plan, Bella. I only realized what was happening when I saw him standing in the crowd." His explanation, though sincere, did little to douse the fire of my frustration."Xavier, we have to go back immediately." Panic clawed at me as I turned the car key, but the engine sputtered uselessly. My anxiety skyrocketed.
Xavier~"Where are you, Bella?" I dove deep into the river, the icy water biting into my skin as I frantically searched for her. The river's current was swift and relentless, making it nearly impossible to swim against it. My arms strained as I pushed forward, desperate to reach her. Then I saw her—a shadow beneath the surface, her form struggling against the force of the water. Gripping her hand tightly, I pulled her up and held her close, keeping her from being dragged under again. "Stay with me, Bella. Don't give up." My voice trembled, the desperation clear in every word. Her body was limp as I guided her through the current. The struggle was immense, but somehow, we crossed the river, battling every inch against the water's strength."Open your eyes, Bella." I laid her gently on the riverbank, her face pale and her chest still. "Please, Bella, open your eyes!" Panic clawed at me as I pressed on her chest to expel the water trapped in her lungs. For a moment, nothing happened,
Isabella~"What did Albert say to you, Bella?"As soon as I left the courtroom, James started questioning me. His face was tense, his voice edged with urgency. I knew exactly why—Albert's demand for Xavier to kneel had unsettled him just as much as it had enraged me."He wanted to appease his ego by making Xavier kneel as a reward for supporting Dixie," I thought bitterly, clenching my fist to control my anger."What did you say to him?" James pressed, his inquisitive gaze remaining fixed on my face."James, what did you expect from me?" My voice came out sharper than I intended. "Did you think I'd grovel? Did you think I'd ask Xavier to kneel before such a bastard as Albert?" My eyes flicked toward the closed courtroom door, the memory of Albert's smug face still fresh in my mind. "Bloody rascal.Don't worry, Bella. We'll figure out a solution to this problem." James patted my shoulder gently, his attempt at reassurance barely making a dent in my frustration.I raked my fingers thr
Xavier~"What are you doing?" Seeing her cunning smile, I looked at her in confusion."Now Albert Fernandes knows the consequences of kneeling you down in front of him," she said, starting the car and slipping her phone into her pocket."Bella, please tell me what you did with him. I'm terrified of what you might have done this time." The sight of her calm face sent new tension coursing through my body. Her composed expression barely concealed the brewing storm behind her eyes. No matter how much I tried to shield her, she continued to draw threats into her life."Albert Fernandes was suspended from his position as a judge due to his cheap character. He had been requesting favors from female attorneys in return for rulings in their favor." I had to admit, hearing this filled me with relief and dread in equal measure.As soon as we reached the house, my steps halted in the hallway as the latest news flashed on television."Breaking News: Judge Albert Fernandes suspended amidst allegat
Isabella~"All the best, Bella. I know you will win this case. I am completely confident in your skills."Before I entered the courtroom, James encouraged me."James, I hope so, too," I replied, managing a faint smile. Though I had put in immense effort to win this case, defeating Xavier Thompson felt like an insurmountable challenge. He was a skilled opponent, and the assurance etched on his face as he prepared to argue made my nerves falter.I attempted to calm myself, but my apprehension grew stronger the moment I spotted Xavier in the courtroom. His fierce defense of Jonathan Lucas had already weakened my position in this case. Despite having damning evidence, a lingering doubt gnawed at me. Would the judge see the truth?This case wasn't just about winning. It was about justice for Laila. My family's honor, Laila's memory, and my professional integrity were at stake. If I lost today, it wouldn't just destroy me—it would tarnish everything Laila had sacrificed her life for."Good
Xavier~"Bella, thank you. Since the beginning, I have had complete faith in you to bring justice to Laila." Aunt Lily hugged Bella tightly, tears streaming down her face after hearing the judge's verdict in Bella's favor. Her voice cracked with emotion.I sat frozen in my seat, paralyzed by the enormity of what had just unfolded. My mind replayed Laila's voice from the recording, her sobs, her pain, and her sacrifice to protect me. What was I doing all this time? Protecting her killers rather than fighting for justice for her death. The shame was unbearable, and I regretted every choice that had brought me to this moment. Fear had consumed me—fear of Jordan Lucas's threats, fear of losing my family—and driven me to betray my conscience."Aunty, please don't cry now. I'm sure Laila's soul can rest in peace," Bella said softly as she hugged Aunt Lily, her voice a blend of pride, contentment, and relief.My soul, too, craved the fulfillment Bella spoke of—bringing justice to Laila. But
Isabella~"Where were you, Xavier? Everyone was anticipating your arrival." I questioned him after seeing him enter the hall."Bella, I am worn out and want to rest for some time." His voice sounded exhausted and dull, his body slightly hunched as if carrying an invisible burden."Are you okay, Xavier?" I gazed at his face while holding his hand, concern growing in my chest."Oh my God, Xavier, you have a high fever." I placed my hand on his forehead to check his temperature. The heat radiating from his skin alarmed me."Don't worry about me, Bella; I'll be fine after napping. You can go and enjoy it with them. I don't want to ruin your victory celebration." His pain was evident in his eyes, yet he forced a weak smile."Without you, Xavier, how can I find joy?" I led him to his room, holding his hand tightly, unwilling to leave him alone in such a fragile state."Bella, I am sorry; I made a major mistake by defending Jonathan." His words spilled out as his eyes fluttered shut, and he
Xavier~"Please don't give me to the police. I'll tell you everything." That boy held my hand and pleaded with me, desperation dripping from every word."Tell me the truth, or I will report you to the police." I threatened him again. Although I was thankful for him saving my life, my mind was filled with doubts after seeing him living in this deserted place. Because of the unexpected flood, the government had strictly forbidden people from residing close to the river. Those who disobeyed faced severe penalties and fines for violating the regulation."Tell me, what’s your connection with Jordan Lucas?" Seeing his quietness, I threatened him once again."Jordan Lucas?" He gave me a perplexed expression, genuinely confused."Don't lie. I know he sent you here to keep your eye on us." I narrowed my eyes and gave him a doubtful glance, every nerve on edge."Sir, I don't have any idea who you’re talking about. I’m a student doing my research on submarine life." He quickly handed me his iden
Isabella~The cold water felt like an ointment to my burned skin, but soon I found myself flowing with the river's current. My hands felt numb in the chilly water as I attempted to swim against the stream. I had trouble breathing as water began to fill my nose. I looked around in search of Xavier, but I was unable to find him in the violent current.My body was still in shock from witnessing the car blast. I had never been this close to death before—never felt it breathe against my neck the way it did now. I made every attempt to locate the riverbank so that I could escape the current, but I was unable to do so since my hands and feet were not functioning properly.I heard the roar of the rushing water grow louder, and my swimming became more desperate. I was about to plunge into the waterfall ahead if I didn't exit the river's grip. This river would plummet vertically off the edge. If I didn't get out now, I would tumble down the cliff and that would be the end.I fought the river wi
Xavier~“Bella, what did you do? I am now sure he will not show any mercy to us.” Jordan Lucas' threats rattled my body. His eyes blazed with anger and retaliation. The moment he saw us in the court, he was fuming with anger. I am well aware of Jordan Lucas' nature. Once he decides something, he will not back out of it, no matter how far he has to go to achieve the desired outcome.“Bella, why did you discuss another case in this court when we already have difficulty handling Victor's murder case?” I looked at her with a complaint-filled gaze. I am well aware that she is not doing anything wrong, but I don't think messing with Jordan Lucas in every situation is a good idea.“Xavier, I didn't have any choice at that time. Can't you see how Andrew argued with us in today’s court session? He is one step ahead of us. He came here well prepared, and we would have lost this case in today's hearing if I hadn't diverted the court's attention to the recent crimes of Jordan Lucas.” She sits on
Isabella~“My lord, Jordan Lucas not only killed Victor Thompson but he also killed two of my staff by burning them alive. He not only took the lives of those two innocent people but he also burned my costly property.” I turned to look at Jordan Lucas with hate-filled eyes. Now he has to pay a high price for his sins. I waited for the perfect opportunity to enter the court so that I could see this fear-filled expression on his face. When I saw Jordan Lucas, I felt retaliation and rage in every cell of my body. How could he burn those two innocent individuals so viciously? I saw no trace of regret in his eyes. His brutality went beyond all bounds.“Objection, my lord, Mrs. Thompson is trying to mislead the case. She is attempting to squander the court's valuable time by involving my client in her latest baseless charges, even though we are here to discuss Victor's case.” Andrew rose from his seat and gave me a furious glare.“Andrew is correct, Mrs. Thompson; your statements seemed un
Xavier~"Bella, what are we going to find in this dusty area?" I looked at her with confusion. The house was covered with black dust. A shiver ran down my spine as I saw the state of the house. We would have been buried under the ground by now if we hadn't left this house on time. I am afraid of losing Bella while trying to send Jordan Lucas to jail."Take off your shoes and don't touch anything in the home, Xavier." She handed me the gloves after removing them from her suitcase."What are you saying, Bella? How am I supposed to remove my shoes on this dusty floor?" I gave her a perplexed look."Xavier, do what I am saying."I removed my shoes and shook my head in disappointment when I saw her demanding gaze. "Bella, please stop using the magnifying glass; we are not detectives." She took the magnifying glass out of her bag and then began to look at the burned items available in the house.I don't understand what new hobby she developed as a detective. She carries everything with he
Isabella~"What are you going to do now, Bella?" Xavier's eyes brimmed with curiosity. "I don't know, Xavier; I only have to win Victor's case by hook or crook." I sighed deeply and fixed my gaze on the laptop screen. My attention was drawn to my phone's buzzing sound. "Are you okay, Bella?" I heard James' anxious voice on the call. "Yeah, we are all right, but why did you sound so worried?" I asked him. "I watched the news on TV." After listening to him, I became aware of the impact this news had on my family. They had no idea what was going on here. "Don't worry about us, James; everything is OK." His worry is evident in the weight of his voice. "I feared we lost you both, Bella." I heard him sobbing. "It was part of my plan, James. I am well aware of Jordan Lucas' cruelty. That's why I have already moved out of that house. I don't want any of you to get into problems, so please don't contact me again." I cautioned him once more. "Bella, everyone is concerned about you and
Xavier~"What are you doing here, Bella?" I got up from my bed when I didn't find her in our bedroom. I looked for her in the kitchen but she's not there. Where has she gone on such a late night? I looked in the study room, the hall, the terrace, and the balcony, but she wasn't there. My worry increased about her even more when she did not receive her phone. She is so upset because of Jordan Lucas' case. He destroyed all the evidence of his crime, and the next court hearing is in one week. I am afraid that she didn't take any dangerous steps due to depression. "Xavier, why do you look so tense? Is everything okay?" She put her file inside and looked at me casually as if nothing had happened. Upon seeing her in the old file storage room, I felt a sense of relief. "What are you doing in this room?" I turned my face to look at that dirt-filled room with confusion. "Xavier, we were worried about the evidence, but we forgot that we had the hidden treasure in this house." She got up f
Isabella~"Bella, why are you so silent? You know I'm scared of your silence."Xavier stopped the car in front of our house and looked at me, concern evident in his eyes."I can't live in this house, Xavier. We have to find some other place to live," I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to face him.His brows furrowed in confusion. "What's wrong with this house, Bella?""He will attack us at any time to remove us from his path. I don't want to take any risks." My heartbeat was still erratic from the near-fatal accident earlier. The image of the truck speeding toward us replayed in my mind like a nightmare.Xavier let out a frustrated sigh. "Sometimes I don't understand you, Bella. On one hand, you're so brave—boldly challenging Jordan Lucas, standing firm in court—and on the other, you're terrified of him?" He held my hand, searching my eyes for an answer.I tightened my grip on his fingers. "No, Xavier. I am not afraid of him. I am afraid of losing you." My voice cracked with emotion.
Xavier~"Bella, let's go." I held her hand and gestured for her to leave the courtroom."I will kill this man," she seethed, clenching her fist as she locked eyes with Andrew."Calm down. Avoid wasting your time on him." I held her wrist tightly, stopping her from following him."Xavier, you surprised me today. Why didn't you tell me about this proof before?" As we sat in the car, she arched a brow at me, suspicion flickering in her eyes."Bella, I didn't hide anything from you. I was also unaware of this evidence; it was a last-minute idea, and I'm pleased it succeeded." I shrugged my shoulders, watching her reaction."Xavier, what are you saying? How is this possible? I saw your confidence in the courtroom—no one could tell this was last-minute." Her eyes widened in disbelief."Mrs. Thompson, Andrew was the one who inspired me to provide this evidence." A small smirk played on my lips."Andrew? How?" She crossed her arms over her chest, demanding an explanation."My blood was boilin