Lahat ng Kabanata ng His Betrayal, His Regret: Kabanata 371 - Kabanata 380

Isabel’s POVEmerson’s lips tightened and his jaw clenched at the edge of my sarcasm. I could see him weighing his response, clearly aware that the tension in the room had grown thick enough to cut. After a long moment, he exhaled deeply, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair—a telltale sign of his discomfort.“Isabel,” he began, his tone low and measured, as if handling a fragile object. “I understand how this might look. And I’ll admit, when I first saw her… I was swayed. Lila’s resemblance to you—it caught me off guard. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But that’s all it is—a resemblance.” He glanced at me, gauging my reaction. “I’ve never felt anything for her. Nothing like what I feel for you. You have to believe me when I say that.”My jaw tightened as his words settled into the room. “Believe you?” I said coolly. “The tabloids told a different story, Emerson. You’ve been photographed with her. You’ve been seen out together.”His shoulders stiffened, and he shook his

Isabel’s POVThe sight before me froze the air in my lungs. Liam was sitting on the floor, clutching his mouth, tears streaming down his face. A small streak of blood glistened at the corner of his lips, and a smashed cupcake lay in pieces around him.“No...” I gasped, the worst scenarios racing through my mind. Elena stood frozen by his side. Her wide, frightened eyes darted between Liam and me.“What happened?” I rushed to Liam, pulling him into my arms as he sobbed against my shoulder. “Lila,” I growled, my voice laced with barely controlled fury. “What have you done to my son?”Lila, standing in the doorway, looked the picture of confusion. Her green eyes widened, her hands clasping the empty dessert tray in front of her like a shield. “I—I didn’t do anything,” she stammered, her tone drenched in innocence.Emerson stepped past her and crouched beside us, his brow furrowed in concern. “Liam, let me see.” He gently reached out. But Liam clung to me, his sobs growing louder.I cradle

Isabel’s POVThe fire crackled softly, its warm glow dancing on our faces. I cradled Elena in my lap, wrapping the blanket tighter around her small frame. Her shivers were less frequent now, but I could feel the lingering fear in her tight grip on my hand. Liam sat close to Emerson, looking subdued, a rare stillness settling over his usually lively demeanor.I needed answers.“Elena, sweetheart,” I said gently, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. “Can you tell me what happened? How did you end up in the water?”Her big eyes, still glossy with unshed tears, blinked up at me. She hesitated, glancing toward Liam before speaking. “We were playing hide-and-seek,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.“I was counting,” Liam added, his tone defensive, as if he already anticipated blame. “I swear I didn’t know she went near the lake, Mom. I didn’t see her leave!”“I know, Liam,” I assured him, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “Just tell me everything you remember.”Elena no

Isabel’s POVI forced myself to act naturally. To keep my expression calm even as the air between us crackled with unspoken tension.Victoria studied me with sharp, assessing eyes. Her perfectly poised demeanor was a stark contrast to the discomfort tightening in my chest.I chose my words carefully. “Robert and I have always been close,” I said, keeping my tone even. “But not in the way he might have wished. If that’s what you’re getting at.”Victoria’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, I know. But it’s fascinating, isn’t it? How some people leave such an imprint on others.”There was something calculated in her words. A test hidden beneath the guise of casual conversation. I met her gaze without wavering.“I’d like to think we all shape the lives of those we care about,” I said simply, my voice firmer than I felt.Her fingers tapped idly against the desk. “Perhaps. But some more than others.”I resisted the urge to sigh. “Victoria, if you’re asking whether Robert and I had unres

Isabel’s POVAs I stepped out of Victoria’s office, Emerson was leaning against the opposite wall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His gaze flicked from me to Victoria, sharp and assessing.She didn’t flinch under his scrutiny. Instead, she merely lifted an eyebrow and gave him a small, unreadable smile. “No need to glare at me like that, Mr. Williams,” she said lightly. “I didn’t bite.”Emerson didn’t respond, but his stare darkened. His silence spoke far more than words. Victoria shrugged, unconcerned. “Before you go,” she said, shifting her attention back to me, “Elena’s recovery will take time, but she’s resilient. Just make sure she stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest. If she has any lingering dizziness or nausea, bring her back immediately.”“Thank you,” I said, and I meant it. Whatever else Victoria might be, she had helped Elena today. That was what mattered most.She inclined her head slightly, then glanced once more at Emerson before turning away. “Take care, Is