CHAPTER NINE

They reached a shiny towering building and Seth pointed at the door.“This is us,” he told her, gesturing to the doorway. 

 

 

 

No words were exchanged as they both rode the elevator together to Seth’s office. Isabella couldn't help but wonder, Why a man who had barely interacted with her would offer his assistance when all others had abandoned her. 

 

 

 

As soon as the door closed behind them, Seth gestured for Isabella to sit on one of the chairs opposite his desk. He undid his tie a little and looked her straight in the eyes, though his face seemed rather formal but benign. 

 

 

 

“Mrs Stone or may I say Isabella?” She merely looked up and nodded. He continued “I am sure you are quite puzzled as to why I have decided to take up your case.” 

 

 

 

 

Biting her lip, Isabella’s hands fisted in her lap. She nodded her head slightly and whispered, 

“The question had crossed my mind.” 

 

 

 

 

Seth propped his forearms on the surface of the desk, adopting a more serious posture. "Okay Isabella, let me be blunt with you.’ Richard Stone and I have been in competition for years. It's no secret." He paused, a wry smile playing on his lips. "But that's not why I'm helping you. You're absolutely worth helping, regardless of who your husband is." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could speak, Seth continued. 

 

 

 

 

 

"More importantly, as a lawyer, I stand for the law and justice. What I witnessed back there..." He shook his head, disgust evident in his expression. "That wasn't justice. That was bullying, plain and simple." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "So, Isabella, I need you to trust me. Tell me the full truth about what happened. Don't worry about how it might sound or what anyone else has said. Just tell me everything." 

 

 

 

 

Isabella let out a deep breath, she felt as if a load just slipped from her shoulders. There was someone who was ready to listen to her for the first time in what felt like forever. She started to say something, and her tone slowly rose with every uttered word. 

 

 

 

 

"It all began when I heard Richard calling my cousin’s name while we were having an intimate moment," Isabella said in a hushed tone. She refused to look at Seth as she said it, her fingers laced together in her lap. 

 

 

 

 

Seth looked surprised but did not allow his tone to show his disappointment. “So by your cousin, you mean the very one who they are accusing you of trying to murder, is that right?” Just to be sure we're on the same page." 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella nodded, a bitter smile twisting her lips. "Yes, Eliza. The only person I thought had my back in that family. Turns out, she was stabbing me in it instead." 

 

 

 

 

 

"I see," Seth said softly. "Please, continue. What happened?" 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella took a shaky breath. "When I confronted him about the affair, he...he changed. It was as if a switch had flipped. He would not let me exit the room, barring the entrance and gripping my arm when I tried to walk past him." 

 

 

 

 

Seth leaned forward, his expression a mix of concern and controlled anger. "Isabella, I need you to be as specific as possible. Can you tell me more about this abusive behaviour? When did it start?" 

 

 

 

 

Isabella's hands trembled slightly as she spoke. "It... it wasn't obvious at first. Richard would get angry, yell, and slam doors. But over time, it escalated. He started throwing things – not at me, initially, but near me. Then came the pushing, the grabbing..." 

 

 

 

 

 

"Did you ever seek medical attention for any injuries?" Seth asked gently. 

 

 

 

 

Isabella shook her head. "No, I... I was too ashamed. And Richard always said he was sorry, that it wouldn't happen again." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seth nodded, making a note. "What about emotional abuse? Did Richard try to control your behaviour or isolate you from others?" 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella's eyes widened. "Yes, actually. He...he monitored my phone calls, my emails. Said it was for my 'protection.' And he didn't like me spending time with my friends. Said they were a 'bad influence.'" 

 

 

 

 

"I see," Seth said, his brow furrowing. "What about your relationship with his parents?" Isabella let out a bitter laugh. "They never liked me. My background was strike one, and my inability to give them an heir was the final nail in the coffin." She paused, then added hesitantly, "I... I did something I have never done”  

 

 

 

Seth leaned forward, his expression neutral. "What do you mean?" 

 

 

 

 

Isabella took a deep breath. "I stood up to them for the very first time." 

 

 

 

 

 

Seth's eyebrows rose. "How did they handle it?" 

 

 

 

 

"Not so well. Obviously," Isabella said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought...I foolishly thought they would finally listen, and grant me my freedom. But I underestimated them." 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella's face twisted with a mix of frustration and regret. "I tried to leave, Seth. I really did. But they're...they're incredibly powerful and well-connected. The day after, I found out that my credit cards were suddenly declined.” 

 

 

 

 

 

She inhaled nervously and went on. "Richard simply grinned and told me it was for my own good and that I wasn't competent to make financial judgements when I challenged him about it." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"What happened next?" 

 

Isabella's hands clenched in her lap. "They started spreading their rumours among our social circle, hinting that I was mentally unstable. They were making sure that no one would believe me if I ever spoke up. It was too late to stop them. By the time I grasped their devilish plans, I had nobody to talk to and nowhere to go. They'd effectively trapped me." 

 

 

 

 

 

Seth nodded grimly, making notes. "A classic isolation tactic. They used their influence to cut off your resources and support system. Isabella, I-" 

 

 

 

 

 

As Seth was about to continue, there was a soft knock on the door, Edward poked his head in  

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry to interrupt but it's getting quite late. I've taken the liberty of reserving a table at Poka Ribs for you and Mrs. Stone. Your usual spot." 

 

 

 

Seth glanced at his watch, surprise evident on his face. "Thank you. We'll wrap up here shortly." 

 

 

 

 

 

As the door closed, Seth turned back to Isabella. "I apologize, I didn't realize how late it's gotten. Would you like to continue this discussion over dinner? Sometimes it's easier to talk in a more relaxed setting." 

 

 

 

 

 

Isabella hesitated, then nodded. "That would be nice, thank you." 

 

The restaurant was a stone throw away from Seth's office. As they entered the lowly lit, classy space, Isabella felt some of the day's tension begin to sip away. That is until she heard a familiar voice that made her blood run cold. 

 

 

 

 

 

"Isabella? What on earth are you doing here?" 

She turned to see her parents and brother seated at a nearby table, their expressions a mix of shock and anger. Her mother's eyes narrowed as they flicked between Isabella and Seth. 

 

 

 

 

"And who is this?" her mother demanded, her voice loaded with suspicion.