Chapter 456

After a refreshing shower, Alexander didn't want Isabella to strain herself, so he effortlessly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the dining room for supper.

He had been on his feet all day, and his usually pristine white shirt now clung to his body, radiating warmth mixed with the scent of his exertion.

Isabella felt lightheaded, but instead of recoiling, she buried her nose against his chest, inhaling deeply like a kitten savoring its favorite scent.

"What's wrong? Craving me?" Alexander murmured with a low chuckle, his lips brushing her forehead.

"Even if I did, you'd need to be spotless first," Isabella retorted, her cheeks flushing as she averted her gaze. "Aren't you usually Mr. Clean? What happened today?"

"Didn't have time. I'll shower after we eat."

Isabella pressed her lips together, warmth blooming in her chest.

The table was laden with an array of exquisite dishes, some prepped earlier by Olivia, needing only a quick reheat. "Wow, Olivia, you're amazing!" Isabella clapped her hands excitedly, her joy making her look like a delighted schoolgirl.

"Mrs. Kingsley, don't flatter me—your cooking skills far surpass mine!" Olivia grinned. "A few of Mr. Kingsley's favorites here are actually your recipes, remember?"

"Really? I'd forgotten," Isabella admitted sheepishly before digging into her meal with gusto.

She knew Olivia meant to compliment her, but the words inevitably stirred bittersweet memories. Alexander, acutely aware of the hardships she had endured, felt a pang of sorrow as he gently wiped her lips with a napkin.

Just as he was about to speak, Isabella swiftly popped a piece of shrimp into his mouth. "No apologies. Didn't we agree to leave the past behind?"

Alexander paused, then gave a wry smile as he chewed. Nothing tasted better than when his woman made it.

Suddenly, the front door swung open, and three boisterous men barged in, instantly filling the villa with lively chatter. "Seriously, Isabella, hogging all this food for yourself? That's just unfair!" Harrison, who hadn't eaten all day while reviewing case files, lunged forward and grabbed a pork knuckle, stuffing it into his mouth.

Nathaniel followed suit, tearing into a dish like a man starved. "Been interrogating suspects all day—I need meat to recharge!"

The Sinclair brothers, usually so refined, devoured the food as if it were their last meal, leaving Alexander and Daniel stunned. "Those two are like mythical beasts—one a gluttonous tiger, the other a ravenous wolf," Daniel muttered.

Isabella sighed, resting her cheek on her hand. "If Eleanor and William saw this, they'd disown them on the spot."

Olivia, delighted by their enthusiasm, hurried to offer more. "There's plenty! I made pasta too, but since Mr. Kingsley doesn't like it, I didn't serve it. Would you two like some?"

Harrison and Nathaniel nodded eagerly. "Yes! Anything else?"

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Be grateful there's food at all. You're pushing it."

Daniel couldn't take it anymore and discreetly reminded them, "Ahem. Harrison, Nathaniel, Mrs. Kingsley took a serious fall from her horse today. As her brothers, shouldn't you at least show some concern?"

The brothers exchanged glances, one mid-bite, the other chewing furiously. "She looks fine to me, eating happily. No need to overreact," they said in unison.

Daniel was speechless. Who was the heartless one here?

Isabella, nestled in Alexander's arms, shook with laughter. His strong arm supported her waist gently, content just to watch her smile.

The Sinclair brothers rarely appeared together—when they did, it meant something serious was afoot.

Nathaniel belched, his expression turning grave. "Elspeth tested positive for drugs this afternoon. Not just prescription misuse—actual substance abuse. But she's denying everything, claiming she thought she was getting beauty treatments from her doctor, Victor, and had no idea about the drugs. Says she's been framed."

Isabella froze.

The treatments given to Elspeth had indeed been prepared by Victor. With his extensive pharmacological knowledge, Isabella had trusted him completely—never suspecting he would administer drugs to her!

At that dosage, it was practically attempted murder.

"Nathaniel, Victor has nothing to do with this," Isabella insisted, defending him. "Elspeth's desperate—she's trying to drag someone down with her."

"I know Victor. He's had our father's support and is close to you," Nathaniel said, his playful demeanor fading into professional solemnity. "But as a police officer, I have to remain impartial. Right now, Elspeth is adamant Victor set her up. Even if it's false, protocol demands we bring him in for questioning."

Isabella's shoulders slumped, guilt weighing heavily on her.

Alexander's brow furrowed slightly—he hated seeing tension between the siblings. Stroking Isabella's hand, he said calmly, "Captain Sinclair, we understand procedure. Do what you must."

The formal address—"Captain Sinclair"—made Nathaniel regard Alexander with renewed respect. But Isabella remained uneasy. She knew Nathaniel was right, but she couldn't shake her guilt over Victor. She didn't want anyone else hurt because of her.

The rare tension between the siblings thickened the air.

Nathaniel's chest tightened—he hadn't meant to upset his sister. "I need to head back to the precinct," he said quietly. "Harrison, why don't you stay with Isabella? We don't see her often enough."

As he turned to leave, Isabella suddenly sprang up and flung herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. "Nathaniel, don't go! I didn't ask you to leave!"

Instinctively, Nathaniel embraced her back, his eyes glistening.

As her half-brother, Isabella was just as dear to him as any full sibling, yet he always held back, too shy to voice his affection. Rare were the moments he could hug her without restraint.

"Thought you were mad at me," he murmured, stroking her hair.

Isabella looked up, her eyes bright with unshed tears, and shook her head. "Nathaniel, how could I be mad? I know how hard you've worked—police academy, detective squad, now leading it. I shouldn't mix personal feelings with duty. Go do what you need to. Whatever happens, I support you."

Daniel watched the tender exchange, then peeked at Alexander's expression.

Predictably, the man looked like someone had dumped the entire feast into a sewer.

Alexander took a deep breath, struggling to compose himself, but envy still flushed his cheeks.

"Jealous, huh?" Harrison plopped into a chair beside him, shoving a muffin into his mouth. "If you can't handle this, how will you cope with Isabella? You'll be crying more often than not! Then you won't just be 'Unfaithful Alexander'—you'll be our modern-day Heathcliff."

Alexander's blood pressure spiked. "Even as her brothers, she has a partner now. And frankly, you're not getting any younger. Propriety matters."

Harrison nearly choked. "If William heard you, he'd end your bright future prematurely."

"No, he wouldn't," Alexander countered coolly. "He couldn't stand his sister being a widow."

Harrison was speechless.

Nathaniel was indeed swamped—Elspeth's case was no small matter. Until justice was served, he wouldn't rest.

After dinner, they gathered in the living room. Nathaniel's phone rang—a call from the precinct. His expression darkened.

"Nathaniel, what's wrong?" Isabella asked anxiously.

Nathaniel met Alexander's gaze. "Mr. Kingsley, your father hired Elmsworth's top lawyer to represent Elspeth. He's at the precinct now, demanding her release on bail."

"Damn it!" Daniel exploded. "He thinks the police station is his family's backyard? Some lawyers have no conscience—justice is blind, but they're blinded by money!"

"Elmsworth's top lawyer?" Alexander and Isabella exchanged glances. "Cedric Dempsey?"

"You know him?" Nathaniel was surprised.

"More than know him—he's an 'old friend,'" Isabella said with a scornful laugh.

"A lapdog for the Kingsley Group," Alexander muttered. Cedric was ruthless—no easy opponent.

"We need to secure Elspeth's conviction fast," Isabella said urgently. "If it's just the drug charge, with the Kingsleys' influence and Cedric's skills, she might walk."

Harrison looked at Alexander gravely. "Mr. Kingsley, I've seen your mother's file. After twenty years, the evidence chain is weak. If you sue Elspeth for murder, chances are slim."

Isabella stared at Alexander's stern profile, stunned. Even Harrison had been consulted. He had done everything to avenge his mother.

"Also, in Erica's case, Ward was the hitman—Elspeth was an accessory. If Cedric shifts blame onto Ward, she might only get a decade, not the death penalty," Harrison added.

The air grew oppressive.

"Harrison, we have Erica's recordings—conversations between Elspeth and Glynnis. Can't those convict her?" Isabella asked desperately.

Harrison shook his head. "Those are illegal recordings—inadmissible in court."

Isabella slumped against Alexander, hope draining away.

He held her close, steadying her trembling shoulders. "I know testimony alone isn't enough. But what if I say I have physical evidence?"