Chapter 249

Every time Isabella stepped into the Abernathy mansion, it felt like a hurricane had torn through the place, leaving nothing but wreckage and tension in its wake.

She had no patience to explain herself to Harrison. The truth would come out eventually—she was sure of it.

Besides, she'd already gotten a taste of Cedric's true nature from Alexander and Olivia. If he could pull strings to get Victoria out of trouble, it meant he'd covered all his tracks. Even if she exposed his role in framing Kevin, the case was closed. The police wouldn't reopen it.

Cedric's smile was as polished as a gentleman's, but his actions? Pure venom.

Harrison, at least, didn't press her. He trusted her. He'd seen the fire in her, the unwavering loyalty beneath her sharp edges.

And if he couldn't trust her, who else in this world was worth believing in?

Isabella personally wheeled Harrison back to his room, with Nathaniel trailing behind like a shadow.

She was irritated, but Harrison seemed pleased, his aged face glowing with satisfaction. The tension in the air almost felt like a tonic, breathing new life into him.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry I haven’t visited lately," she murmured, guilt tightening her chest. "Things have been... complicated."

"Don’t worry, child. Just knowing you think of me is enough." He squeezed her hand warmly before glancing at Nathaniel. "You're young. You should be out there, meeting people. I hear you've been spending time with Adrian. Any interest there? Bring him around—I'll vet him for you."

Nathaniel's jaw clenched like he'd been sucker-punched. Harrison, sitting there in his wheelchair, was playing matchmaker with terrifying nonchalance.

"Grandpa, how do you even know about Adrian?" Isabella asked, startled.

Harrison chuckled. "I may be old, but I'm not out of touch."

"We grew up together," she admitted.

"Childhood sweethearts?" Harrison's eyes twinkled.

She scoffed. "More like an older sister looking after a sickly kid." She struck a pose, hand on her hip, chin lifted.

Nathaniel's head throbbed. The way she laughed—it reminded him of someone. A girl from his past, just out of reach.

"Is that so? Strange you never mentioned your connection to the Lockwoods before."

"Adrian moved to Helgen with his mother. We lost touch until recently."

"Ah. I heard he donated a priceless necklace at your charity gala. Seems he still cares."

Isabella shrugged. "Probably just repaying a childhood debt."

Harrison shot Nathaniel a pointed look. "Hmph. At least Adrian knows how to show affection. Unlike some block of ice I could name."

"Grandpa," Isabella cut in sharply, "don’t hold a grudge against Nathaniel because of our divorce. It was mutual. I don’t blame him."

Her voice was calm, but Nathaniel felt the words like a knife. Regret twisted inside him.

As she turned to leave, he followed. "I'll walk you out."

Isabella spun around, finger jabbing at him. "Stop!"

Nathaniel blinked.

She flushed, realizing she'd meant to say don't but it came out wrong.

"Whatever! Same difference!"

"I don’t need an escort, Nathaniel. I’m a grown woman—I can find my own way home."

"It’s late. I’m walking you." He stepped closer.

She remembered the way he'd held her earlier. Teeth gritted, she brushed imaginary lint off her shoulder. "Listen, I didn’t lose my temper earlier because I have feelings for you. I was just keeping it civil for Harrison’s sake. Don’t push it."

Her glare was sharp enough to cut glass. "I’m already furious about Cedric and Victoria. Even a stray dog would get snapped at right now. You want to be next?"

She thought she sounded impressively intimidating.

Nathaniel just smirked.

"If Cedric bothers you again, tell me. I’ll handle him."

She scoffed. "No thanks. Whatever happens between the Sterlings and the Sinclairs is none of your business. Stay out of it."

She remembered how he'd defended her in front of the Abernathys, humiliating Cedric. A bitter taste rose in her throat.

But then it hit her—Nathaniel wasn’t protecting her. He was protecting his own interests.

If Cedric became the Abernathy Group’s legal advisor, Harrison would have another powerful ally. And that was bad news for Nathaniel.

The realization made her sneer.

Just as Nathaniel moved toward her again, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Nathaniel!"

Frederic strode toward them, expression stern.

"Study. Now."

"I’ll be there. After I see Isabella home."

Frederic laughed coldly. "Home? She left five minutes ago."

Nathaniel turned—but Isabella was already gone.

Outside, the night air was crisp.

"Isabella."

She froze. Cedric stood there, smirking.

"Like it or not, I got Victoria out of this mess. Losing to me isn’t the worst thing."

She tilted her head. "Actually, the more I think about it, the more I feel like I won."

His smile faltered.

"Thanks to Victoria, I got to see the real Cedric Sterling. Most people complain about the chef after they’ve eaten. But you? You smash the plate." She smirked. "Tell me, if your father knew his golden boy’s greatest ambition was licking billionaires’ boots and betraying his own allies—would he be proud?"

Cedric’s face darkened. "Isabella, I’ve been lenient because you’re Alexander’s daughter. But you’re crossing a line. Do you think your last name makes you untouchable?"

She grinned. "Oh, it absolutely does. And I intend to use it."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "So next time you come at me, remember who I am. And who stands behind me."

She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Cedric seething.

His voice chased after her. "Don’t mistake me for my pathetic brother Daniel. He might be content as your family’s lapdog—but I’m not that weak. We’ll see who laughs last."