Chapter 432

The deep resonance of Gordon's voice carried through the air, reaching even Isabella's ears.

"Dr. Nathaniel, I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll contact you later."

Isabella ended the call abruptly, her gaze immediately locking onto Alexander with a spark of excitement.

The corner of Alexander's lips curled into a smirk as his large hand tousled her hair. "What finally made him crack?"

"Last night, Ward was attacked by his cellmate—stabbed in the neck with a sharpened toothbrush. He barely fought back in time before the guards intervened and saved his life."

Alexander and Isabella exchanged a heavy glance. "How is he now?"

"Released on medical parole. The moment he was stable, he started demanding to see you and Mrs. Sinclair. Fear has a way of loosening tongues."

Gordon chuckled darkly. "A few days in, and someone already tried to kill him. How's he supposed to survive the next twenty years? Clearly, he's desperate for your mercy."

Isabella's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She rose onto her toes, wrapping her arms around Alexander's neck and pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek.

Alexander's grip tightened around her waist, effortlessly lifting her against him. The sheer strength in his arms sent a thrill through her.

His other hand cradled the back of her head as he deepened the kiss, his lips claiming hers with possessive hunger.

The air between them grew thick, charged with unspoken desire.

"Brilliant as always," Isabella murmured, her nose brushing against his. "You saw right through that wicked stepmother's schemes."

"Only because I have you," Alexander admitted, his voice rough. "Your sharp mind keeps me on my toes. Without you, I wouldn't have thought of this."

He nipped at her lower lip. "Elspeth panicked when you used the media against her. She had to act fast to cover her tracks. Now she's under house arrest, Alex and Ward are behind bars—yet she still managed to orchestrate an attack from inside her gilded cage. Impressive connections."

Isabella arched a brow. "Don't forget your darling sister, Glynnis. When it comes to ruthlessness, she's in a league of her own."

"I only have one sister," Alexander growled, his grip tightening. "Mari."

His gaze darkened, predatory. "But you—you seem to have quite the collection of devoted male friends."

"Who? Dr. Nathaniel?" Isabella teased, tracing his jawline. "Are you jealous?"

"What do you think?"

The dangerous glint in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

"Any man who goes to such lengths for you—aside from your father, brothers, and me—clearly wants more than friendship."

"And what if they do?" She flicked her hair over her shoulder. "I'm a woman many desire. If you can't handle Dr. Nathaniel, you're in for a rough ride, darling."

Even knowing she was teasing, jealousy coiled in his chest.

Isabella relented, her breath warm against his ear. "Out of all the men in the world, I only want you."

Alexander's heart hammered.

Memories of the past flooded back—how cold he'd been, how much she'd endured. The thought of another man near her now made his blood boil. How had she stayed by his side through all those years of torment?

The guilt was a knife twisting in his chest.

"Hey." Isabella frowned, noticing his reddened eyes. "It was just a joke. Why are you getting emotional?"

"Nothing." He forced a smile. "Let's clean up and meet Aaron. Then we'll deal with Ward."

She tried to slip from his arms, but he held her tighter, their bodies pressed flush.

"Isabella," he murmured, his voice rough with need. "I'm hungry."

Without another word, he carried her toward the bedroom. "Feed me first. Then I'll have the energy to work."

She smacked his shoulder in protest.

God, maybe I should be the one hospitalized for a few days.

By the time they arrived at the prison gates, dusk had settled.

Though spring had arrived, the evening wind carried a biting chill.

Alexander shrugged off his suit jacket, draping it over Isabella's shoulders before pulling her close.

They stood in the shadows, listening to the rustling leaves, their expressions calm but hearts racing.

"He confessed," Isabella finally said.

"Yes. Everything." Alexander exhaled, relief washing over him. "It's almost over."

"Not yet. Eden is still missing."

"Eden's testimony won't change Ward's fate. He's not connected to Elspeth."

Isabella's eyes hardened. "That man nearly killed you and my brother. Whether he's tied to Elspeth or not, I won't let him walk free."

And then there was the mastermind—Avery.

But without concrete evidence, it was all speculation.

Eden was the missing link.

After a long silence, Alexander spoke. "Leave Eden to me and Jareth. You've been through enough with my injury and Elspeth's case. Let me handle this."

Isabella softened. "Alright. I trust you."

Alexander pulled her close, their hearts beating as one.

"Are you worried I'll overwork myself," she asked quietly, "or is this about Avery? Do you think I'll hesitate because of our past?"

Alexander remained silent.

"Are you overthinking this?" She poked his chest. "Avery and I were never more than friends. Even if we had been, I wouldn't forgive what he's done. I won't show mercy when it's time to act."

"What if the evidence proves Eden wasn't involved with Avery?" Alexander's voice was hoarse. "What if I was wrong?"

"That doesn't excuse his crimes. Not after what he did to Debby and her husband—or nearly destroying my brother-in-law."

The memories of her family's suffering made her fists clench.

Avery had crossed a line.

And for Isabella, that line was her family—and the man beside her.

"I've done terrible things too," Alexander whispered. "Why do you forgive me?"

"Are you comparing yourself to him?" She scowled.

"No. It's guilt."

"You're nothing like him." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I know you—better than you think."

Before he could respond, her phone buzzed.

Emeric's name flashed on the screen.

"What is it, Emeric?" she answered casually.

Alexander tensed, palms damp.

"Where are you?" Emeric's tone was sharp.

"What's wrong?"

"Are you in Elmsworth?"

"Is something happening?"

"Are you with Alexander?" His voice turned icy. "Not only are you together, but he's staying at your place?"

Alexander caught his name and stiffened.

Isabella's eyes darkened. "Are you having me followed?"

"I'm concerned about my daughter. Is that a crime?"

She scoffed. "I was alone overseas for six years, and you never sent so much as a birthday card. Suddenly you care?"

Her anger flared. "Did retirement make you nostalgic, or are you just bored?"

Alexander frowned.

Six years alone overseas?

Why would the Sinclairs, who adored her, allow that?

"Come home. Now." Emeric's voice was steel. "You're a Sinclair heiress, living with your ex-husband under the same roof. If you're not embarrassed, I am!"

"You married four times. If you're not ashamed, why should I be?"

Emeric nearly exploded.

Father and daughter—both sharp as knives.

As they argued, Alexander pieced it together. Emeric disapproved of their relationship.

The realization stung, but he didn't resent it. He'd brought this on himself.

"Regardless, return immediately," Emeric snapped. "The horse racing event is this weekend—a crucial partnership for our future. Every major family in Elmsworth will be there. You will attend with me."

Major families.

Meaning the Abernathys and Chambers would be present.

This would be interesting.

Isabella exhaled. "Fine."

"And stay away from that Abernathy boy!" Emeric's disdain was palpable. "My daughter deserves better than a man who abandoned and humiliated her. You may have forgotten, but I haven't."

His voice turned lethal. "Not unless I'm dead. Goodbye."

The line went dead.

Isabella sighed, glancing at Alexander's frozen expression. "Heard all that?"

"Yeah." His shoulders slumped.

"Emeric's stubborn. Given your history, his reaction isn't surprising."

"I understand."

"But it doesn't matter." She cupped his face. "We've come this far. I believe in us."

Her eyes sparkled. "If Emeric refuses to accept us—if the world turns against us—would you give up on me?"

Alexander searched her gaze. "Would you give up on me?"

She pretended to consider it, then shook her head.

"Never."

Alexander crushed her to his chest, his throat tight.

"If you stay, I stay."

No matter what.