Chapter 120

Isabella blinked, then responded coolly. "I'm fine, but Amelia might not be."

Nathaniel's dark eyes deepened. His grip tightened around Vanessa's wrist.

"Ow! Let go! You're hurting me!" Vanessa cried out, tears welling in her eyes as sweat beaded on her forehead.

Nathaniel pressed his lips together, then spoke without hesitation. "Let her go."

With a forceful shove, Vanessa stumbled backward, landing on the floor in humiliation.

"She threw her shoe at me first! Look at the mark on my face—proof!" Vanessa sobbed, pounding the floor with her fist. "She barged into our home and attacked your sister! How can you be so biased?"

Nathaniel didn’t even glance at her. His focus remained on Isabella. "Are you really okay?"

Isabella, visibly irritated, ignored him. She moved swiftly to Amelia’s side, crouching down to stroke her soft hair gently.

Amelia flung herself into Isabella’s arms, sobbing.

She hadn’t cried when Vanessa hit her, but seeing Isabella broke her.

"Don’t cry. I’m here now. No one will ever hurt you again." Isabella held her close, glaring at Vanessa with fury.

What a vile woman—just like the wicked stepmother from fairy tales.

Watching them, Nathaniel felt an unfamiliar warmth stir in his usually cold heart.

"Vanessa," Isabella said icily, "listen carefully. From now on, I’m Amelia’s protector. Don’t think I’m unaware of what happens in this house just because I’m not here. I don’t care about anything else, but if you lay a finger on her again, don’t blame me for what happens next. The Sinclair family won’t let the Kingsleys off easily."

Vanessa’s pupils shrank. A chill ran down her spine. She looked desperately at Nathaniel, her makeup smeared.

"Did you hear her?" Nathaniel asked coldly, his gaze never leaving Isabella.

Vanessa’s hope shattered. He wouldn’t defend her. He never truly saw her as family.

She had no choice but to swallow her pride.

"Apologize to Amelia. Now," Nathaniel ordered sternly.

Vanessa bit her lip, refusing to speak.

"Vanessa!"

"Forget it. A forced apology means nothing," Isabella said firmly. "Just stay out of her way from now on."

Rubbing the shoe print on her forehead, Vanessa stormed off to her room.

"Isabella! You crazy witch! You’ll pay for this!"

Her eyes burned with rage. It took her a moment to realize—why was Isabella here? Did Nathaniel bring her? What was he planning?

Was he trying to reconcile with his ex-wife? Unacceptable!

Victoria was nasty, but she came from nothing and looked worn out. Vanessa could handle her.

But Isabella was different. She came from power and was ruthless. If she and Nathaniel reunited, Vanessa would be crushed under the Sinclair family’s wrath.

An idea struck her.

"Maybe I should summon Victoria and let them destroy each other," she thought.

Decision made, she dialed Victoria’s number.

"Victoria, we have a problem! Nathaniel brought Isabella home, and they’re acting all cozy. Your place in his heart is in danger!"

Meanwhile, Nathaniel ordered the staff to clean Amelia’s room while Isabella comforted her.

"Don’t be scared. I’m here."

Though Amelia was twenty, her autism made her cling to Isabella like a child. "Sis-in-law, don’t leave. Stay with me. I missed you."

The term "sis-in-law" made Isabella stiffen uncomfortably.

Nathaniel watched their closeness silently, stepping closer.

"Mr. Kingsley," Isabella said coldly, "I know you’re busy and hate this house. But you watched Amelia grow up. She respects you. If you have any decency, don’t ignore Vanessa’s cruelty again. If I find out she hurt Amelia, I’ll sue her for assault."

Nathaniel’s lips pressed into a thin line.

He was rarely home. He hadn’t realized Vanessa’s cruelty toward his sister. Her sweet act in front of their grandfather was a lie.

"I promise. It won’t happen again."

"Your promise means nothing to me. I’m not the one suffering."

Isabella’s sharp words didn’t faze him anymore. He was used to her coldness.

After comforting Amelia, Isabella followed Nathaniel to the room she’d lived in alone for three years.

She strode confidently to the wardrobe, opening it to see her belongings neatly arranged.

Memories flooded her—nights spent crafting gifts for him, hoping to see him smile. Only for him to barely glance at them.

She stood with her back to him, pain twisting her heart, a mocking smile on her lips.

Once, she’d loved him desperately.

Now, there was only emptiness.

"Do you have a suitcase? I didn’t bring one. I need to pack my things."

Before she could finish, a shadow loomed over her.

Startled, she looked up to find his hand slamming the wardrobe shut, trapping her beneath him.

The dim light glinted off his cufflinks, making her shiver.

"Nathaniel, what are you doing?"

His voice was low, rough. "Isabella."

It sent chills down her spine.

"If you want to leave, tell me one thing first—why did you marry me?"