Chapter 62

Isabella Sinclair slammed the car door shut, her entire body radiating tension. She felt like a malfunctioning machine, every gear grinding against the next.

Each time Thaddeus Kingsley's cruel words replayed in her mind, it was like being doused in ice water. How had she never noticed how vicious he could be? How utterly shameless?

Love might not guarantee happiness, but one thing was certain—it could turn you blind.

"Miss Sinclair, I posted the video like you asked. Look, Glynnis and her little minions are tearing each other apart!" Jason Carter shoved his phone in front of her.

Isabella glanced at the screen where three women were engaged in a vicious brawl, hair-pulling and all.

"Damn, that girl's got claws. Holding her own against two? She should join the wrestling circuit," Jason chuckled.

"Please. It's just hair-pulling and slapping. Nothing impressive."

Despite her words, Isabella kept watching. The petty drama was oddly satisfying.

"Miss Sinclair… did Thaddeus really delete all the photos?"

Jason remembered the way Thaddeus had once held Isabella’s waist—flirtatious, possessive. The memory made his blood boil. But then he remembered their three-year marriage. There must have been far more intimate moments. He had no right to be angry.

"He deleted them. Even if he despises Glynnis, he still has to protect the Kingsley Group’s reputation. Call it ‘thinking big picture.’ Or call him a heartless bastard who doesn’t care about family."

Isabella sighed and unlocked her phone. She hadn’t expected Thaddeus to remember her passcode. Maybe he’d seen it once and never forgotten.

But what did it matter? The man who never loved her would never understand what "0923" meant.

Thirteen years ago—the day he rescued her from that mountain. To him, it was just another forgettable moment.

"Miss Sinclair, what now? Thaddeus destroyed our evidence. Glynnis won’t back down," Jason asked, frowning.

Isabella suddenly gasped. Thaddeus’ number was now saved in her contacts. No matter how careful she was, he always outmaneuvered her.

That night, Thaddeus returned to Windermere Estate in the pouring rain.

Drops slid down the car window like tears. He thought of Isabella’s eyes—bright as stars, but filled with resentment.

His mood darkened further.

Leaning back, neon lights traced his sharp jawline, adding an air of mystery to his stern expression. He adjusted his tie, its smooth silk reminding him of her slender waist.

His throat tightened.

Isabella had grown bold. During their marriage, she wouldn’t even touch him. Now? She provoked him in public.

Did she think he was a joke?

"Mr. Kingsley…" Gordon Bennett hesitated.

"Speak." Thaddeus’ tone was ice.

"The Glynnis incident is spiraling. The internet’s crucifying her. Should we—"

"Leave it."

"But if we don’t act, Mr. Frederic might summon you."

Thaddeus scoffed. "I’m not scared. Why are you?"

His phone buzzed. Gordon checked it. "The surveillance footage you requested is ready."

Thaddeus took the phone. The video showed Glynnis’ confrontation with Isabella—her arrogance, her attempt to strike, and Isabella’s retaliation.

His expression darkened.

This wasn’t just anger. This was fury.

Thaddeus had barely changed when Frederic summoned him to the study.

"Dad! You have to defend me! Look what she did to me!" Glynnis sobbed, her face scratched, her lip split.

Frederic stroked her hair. "When Thaddeus gets here, we’ll sort this out."

Elspeth Kingsley wrung her hands. "The scandal’s spreading. How will our daughter face society now?"

Frederic’s eyes hardened. "She won’t be humiliated."

The door opened. Thaddeus walked in, expressionless.

"Thaddeus! You’re the CEO, and you’re ignoring this mess?" Frederic snapped.

"The PR and legal teams handle scandals. I don’t micromanage."

Elspeth clutched her chest. "She’s your sister! Are you fine with her reputation ruined?"

Frederic comforted her, his gaze tender.

Twenty years, and their sickening displays still made Thaddeus nauseous. His father had erased his birth mother like she never existed.

"I’m fine, darling," Elspeth whispered. "Thaddeus is busy. Maybe… he resents me. I’m not his real mother."

Thaddeus watched, bored. How had Frederic not grown tired of this act?

"Don’t be ridiculous. You’re his mother!" Frederic glared at Thaddeus. "Fix this. By morning, those videos disappear. Or else."

"I already gave Glynnis a solution."

"Dad! His ‘solution’ is for me to apologize to that nobody!" Glynnis wailed. "And today, Isabella slapped me in public!"

Elspeth gasped. "She what?!"

"Look at my face! Would I lie?"

"That woman is a demon!" Elspeth snarled. "I’ll sue her!"

"Glynnis hit her first. She defended herself," Thaddeus said flatly.

Frederic’s eyes darkened. "So she did strike Glynnis?"

Thaddeus nodded.

"Call her. Demand an apology. And finalize that divorce tomorrow. No more contact."

Thaddeus’ jaw tightened. He wanted the divorce—but hearing the order made his skin crawl.

"No."