All Chapters of His Betrayal, His Regret: Chapter 381 - Chapter 390

Isabel’s POVLila’s face changed a split-second after my question left my lips. It wasn’t the look of someone caught in a lie—there was no panic, no flash of guilt. Instead, sorrow washed over her features. Her expression was raw and almost... wounded. But why? What was she trying to pull?I was still piecing it together when she suddenly lifted her gaze. Not to me, but to someone standing behind me.“Did you tell her?” Her voice trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.I stiffened. Emerson.Slowly, I turned my head. Sure enough, he was standing in the doorway, watching us in silence. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his stance was unmistakable.What the hell was going on?He cleared his throat, his tone calm but firm. “Isabel is the hostess of this house. She has the right to know everything that happens here.”His words should have reassured me. But instead, they sent another wave of unease through me. Know everything? But he had never spoken to me about an

Emerson’s POVThe look in Isabel's eyes as she handed me the tissue stirred something deep within me. There was a fire in her, a sharpness honed by everything she had endured. She had always been fierce, but now it was different. More refined. Controlled. I had stood in the hallway, listening as she pressed Lila with her sharp, unwavering questions. She had backed the woman into a corner without so much as raising her voice. I had known Isabel to be cutting when it came to me, but seeing her unleash that steel elsewhere? It was something else entirely. Something that raised my heartbeat and made my chest tighten in ways I wasn’t prepared to acknowledge.My eyes trailed over her as she stood there, arms folded, her posture strong and unyielding. She had changed over the years—not just emotionally but physically. Her once softer frame had hardened. The sleek lines of muscle beneath her tanned skin were a testament to how much she had pushed herself. She was healthier, stronger, more

Isabel’s POVEmerson and I stepped back into the villa. The tension between us was almost palpable. My mind was still racing, trying to make sense of everything. The gardener had stolen Elena’s smartwatch—yes—but that didn’t mean the deeper mystery was solved. There was something else at play, something that still eluded me.Marianne was the first to notice our discomfort. She stood by the grand staircase, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in our expressions. “What happened?” she asked, a note of concern lacing her voice.Emerson and I exchanged a glance. We had no intention of explaining everything in detail—not yet—but telling her the bare minimum wouldn’t hurt.“The gardener,” Emerson said, his voice clipped, “he was caught trying to bury Elena’s watch. He… stole it.”Marianne’s hand flew to her mouth. “What? But—he’s been working here for years. He seemed so… honest.”That same thought had crossed my mind, but experience had taught me that appearances were deceiving.“He claim

Isabel’s POVI rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the lingering heaviness in my head. “I’m fine. Maybe it’s just grogginess from sleeping too long.”Emerson nodded, but kept studying me as if he wasn’t convinced. I decided to change the subject, if only to get his scrutinizing gaze off me. “The new scented candles are nice. Where did you buy them?" I asked, looking at Marianne.Her face lit up at the compliment. "Oh, I’m so glad you like them! They're handmade by my family. We’ve been making them for years, mostly for gifts and home use. But if you enjoy them, I could have them send more."I glanced at her in mild surprise. "Really? Handmade? That’s impressive. They smell so calming. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so soundly in a long time."Marianne beamed. "That’s wonderful to hear! Though, to be honest, we never made them with any sleep-inducing properties. Just natural ingredients and essential oils. But maybe I just spotted a new business opportunity!" she added with a playful

Isabel’s POVThe moment Emerson’s words had left his lips, a cold sensation spread through me, crawling down my spine like ice water. I helped him pick out that tie? This morning? My mind scrambled to pull up any recollection. But all I found was a frustrating blankness where the memory should have been.Emerson’s eyes darkened as he observed my reaction. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on my arm. “Isa, you’re pale. Sit down for a moment.”I shook my head, resisting the panic threatening to rise in my chest. “I’m fine,” I said, though my voice wavered. “I just… don’t understand. I don’t forget things like this.”He exhaled slowly, as if choosing his next words carefully. “Maybe it’s stress. You’ve been through a lot, Isabel.” His thumb absently traced small circles on my wrist, grounding me. “It wouldn’t be surprising if your mind needed a break.”“But I don’t feel like I need a break, Emerson,” I said sharply, yanking my hand away. “I feel like something is slipping. Like I’m losin