Chapter 281

Isabella saw Alexander staggering toward her, his body weakened. Without hesitation, she reached out, pulling him into her arms.

A warm, sticky wetness seeped into her palms.

Her pulse spiked.

Slowly, she lifted her hand.

Blood.

Her breath hitched as she took in the brutal lash marks marring Alexander’s back, his once pristine white shirt now soaked crimson.

Her pupils constricted, fury igniting in her chest, her gaze turning glacial.

"Alexander, are you okay?"

His handsome face glistened with sweat as he leaned into her embrace. "Do you care?"

"Of course I do!" she snapped, unable to rein in her emotions.

His heart swelled at her response. "Thank you, Isabella."

"Shut up!"

Her eyes blazed as she glared at him. "You’re injured. Don’t speak. I don’t want to hear another word from you."

He gave a wry smile, murmuring a soft "Okay" against her ear.

Isabella’s sudden appearance stunned everyone.

From the shadows, Seraphina watched her sister command the scene like a goddess descending from the heavens, tears of admiration welling in her eyes.

But Arabella and Genevieve weren’t pleased. Their expressions soured as if they’d swallowed something bitter.

"Mr. Reginald, your household is quite lively tonight," Isabella remarked, her tone laced with amusement. "Had I arrived any later, I might’ve missed the grand performance."

Her sharp gaze cut through the room like a blade, sending chills down spines.

The staff stifled their laughter.

With a serene smile, Isabella steadied Alexander. "They say not to air dirty laundry in public, but this is the first time I’ve seen a father punish his son so openly, with no regard for reputation. Why not strip him bare and hang him from the estate gates for three days? I’ll invite every reporter in New York to witness it—then your family’s fame will truly spread."

Her ruthless retort drew more stifled snickers.

Alexander shook his head in amusement. This woman—always finding ways to torment him.

Reginald despised her.

How had William raised such a disrespectful daughter?

"Ms. Isabella!"

Arabella, emboldened by her husband’s presence, lashed out. "The Kingsley family has upheld these traditions for generations. Those who err must accept punishment. My husband was raised this way, and so was Alexander. This is a Kingsley matter. You divorced him—you have no right to interfere!"

Isabella remained composed, having anticipated this.

But Alexander couldn’t tolerate Arabella’s attack. His eyes darkened, ready to retaliate—

"If she can’t interfere, can I?"

A commanding voice cut through the tension.

Everyone turned to see Nathaniel, who had arrived with Lawrence. Isabella’s presence had overshadowed him.

"Grandfather."

"Grandpa!"

Alexander and Isabella spoke in unison, her voice notably affectionate.

Arabella’s arrogance crumbled instantly, sweat beading on her forehead.

"Dad, when did you arrive?" Reginald asked, his grip on the whip trembling.

Nathaniel’s presence was formidable. "If I hadn’t come, my grandson might’ve been beaten to death by you!"

Seated in his wheelchair, he took in Alexander’s injuries, fury shaking his frame. "Alexander—are you alright?"

"I’m fine, Grandfather."

"Lawrence! Call my personal physician—now!"

Arabella, desperate to shift blame, interjected, "Reginald, Dad’s health is fragile. It’s late, and the air is cold. I’m worried—"

"Enough!" Nathaniel waved her off dismissively. "I’m in perfect health. Isabella takes excellent care of me. You act as if I’m on death’s door—are you cursing me?"

Arabella paled. "No, Dad, I didn’t mean—"

"And it wasn’t Isabella who brought me here."

Nathaniel didn’t let her finish. "She was visiting me when I heard about this disgrace. I rushed over immediately. She came only to ensure my safety. If you have questions, direct them to me—not her!"

All eyes turned to Arabella, her face ghostly white.

She had truly shot herself in the foot.

"Isabella, you went to see Grandfather?" Alexander’s gaze burned into her.

"Yes." She refused to meet his eyes.

"Why didn’t you ask me to come?"

"That’s my business. Why should I involve you?"

His heart ached at her sharp retort.

Genevieve frowned at Nathaniel’s words.

If Isabella’s presence was coincidental, who had summoned him?

Her gaze snapped to Seraphina—

The girl’s smug smile gave her away.

"Dad, Arabella’s right. You shouldn’t have come. It’s too taxing—"

Reginald stepped forward, but Nathaniel silenced him with a glare. "If you truly cared about my health, you wouldn’t have done this! You wouldn’t have enraged me! Damn it—you’ll be the death of me!"

The grand hall fell into deafening silence.