Chapter 365

Isabella Sinclair stood frozen, her mind reeling from the shocking revelation.

Could Alexander Kingsley, with his polished manners and refined demeanor, truly be capable of such brutality? It seemed implausible that he would dirty his own hands when he had countless others who could handle Byron Prescott for him.

She steadied herself, her voice firm. "Byron, these are serious accusations. We need concrete evidence. You should take this to Mr. Chambers and the authorities, not me."

"Miss Sinclair, you saved my life. You're my savior!" Byron's eyes burned with desperate sincerity. "I can't just stand by and watch you walk into his trap! I know Alexander has been pursuing you, spending time with you. I don’t want you deceived by his act. That man has been a monster since childhood! His gentlemanly facade is just that—a mask. Underneath, he’s nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing! He’s only after you for the Sinclair family’s influence. He doesn’t care about you!"

Even if Alexander wasn’t a saint, Byron was no better. The incident at the equestrian club had been his own doing.

Of course, he knew Alexander had retaliated on Isabella’s behalf, taking sadistic pleasure in personally making him suffer.

Now, with his condition and any chance of marrying Isabella gone, he was determined to expose Alexander’s true nature. If he couldn’t have her, no one would.

Stepping out of the hospital room, Isabella’s expression was pensive.

The Chambers family members hovered by the door, questioning her about Byron’s state. She answered mechanically, her thoughts elsewhere.

That was when she spotted Alexander, leaning casually against the wall in the corner.

She bit her lip and strode toward him.

"Isabella, you’ve had a long day." Alexander straightened instantly, his warm smile softening his sharp features.

Nothing about him resembled the monster Byron had described.

"Alex, we need to talk." Her tone was calm, but her eyes were serious.

"Of course."

As they walked away together, Jeff Chambers nodded approvingly.

"Matthew, don’t you think Alexander and Isabella make a perfect match?"

Matthew lowered his voice. "Are you really giving up on Byron?"

"Given the circumstances, do you honestly think Isabella would still marry him?" Jeff watched Alexander’s retreating figure thoughtfully. "Alexander and Isabella share a childhood bond. Their feelings for each other are undeniable. If they end up together, it wouldn’t be the worst outcome. I may not favor Alexander, but he is still my son."

Matthew’s expression darkened.

Across from the hospital, in a secluded café booth, the two sat facing each other. Alexander, ever attentive, ordered Isabella’s favorite strawberry tart, sensing she might be hungry after the morning’s chaos.

"Eat. You’ve always had a healthy appetite, and you love strawberries."

"Alex, do you consider me a friend?" she interrupted abruptly.

His lashes flickered. "Of course. Aside from my mother, you are the person I value most in this world."

"Then I need you to be honest with me." She took a deep breath. "Did you have anything to do with what happened to your brother?"

"Did Byron tell you that?" Alexander’s hand stilled around his coffee cup.

"I have my reasons for asking."

"If I said no, would you believe me?"

He lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes glistening with hurt. "You’re asking because you doubt me. You’re questioning my integrity. Am I less trustworthy than Byron in your eyes?"

Isabella stared at him, stunned.

For a fleeting moment, she thought of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

That man had once demanded, almost desperately, why she couldn’t trust him.

"Byron lost a leg. He wouldn’t go this far just to frame you."

"Byron was Matthew’s pawn. He’s made countless enemies in Elmsworth. Plenty of people would want him dead." Alexander’s jaw tightened. "Besides, he deserved it."

Then, he recounted everything that had transpired at the equestrian club.

"It was Byron who orchestrated it all."

Isabella watched him silently.

"Alexander, I’ve never cared about the Chambers family. If I wanted revenge, I wouldn’t resort to something so crude. It’s beneath me." He straightened, sipping his coffee with effortless elegance.

For fifteen years, he and his mother had fought to survive in Helgen, their consciences long abandoned, their lies more convincing than the truth.

Even to the woman he loved, he lied instinctively, again and again.

Some lies were necessary.

To Isabella, he believed his lies were justified. In a way, they were his twisted form of love.

Isabella’s piercing gaze made even him, hardened by years of deception, falter.

"Alex, I value honesty, integrity, and kindness. I’m not accusing you. I just hope that no matter what happens, you’ll always hold onto the pure, kind-hearted boy I once knew."

Alexander’s fingers twitched against the table, his heart crumpling like paper.

He forced a weak smile, stabbing a piece of cake and shoving it into his mouth, chewing aggressively.

Just like his love for her, irreversible.

Some things could never be undone.

After parting from Alexander, Isabella felt emotionally drained.

Just then, Sebastian Sinclair called, and she answered immediately.

"Sebastian."

"Isabella, Oliver has secured what you wanted." His voice held a hint of amusement.

"What? What is it?" She frowned in confusion.

"Chasel Bright."

Isabella nearly choked.

"Oliver went to great lengths to bring him back to Elmsworth. Make sure you thank him properly when you see him tonight."

"Oliver’s coming back tonight? That’s wonderful! I’ve missed him so much!" Her voice cracked with emotion.

Ever perceptive, Sebastian caught her vulnerability. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoiled his surprise. I was just... excited."

"Sebastian, I don’t need surprises. I just want my family close."

But she knew that was easier said than done.

"Isabella, are you still at the hospital? With Byron?"

"Yes."

"I’ll pick you up."

"That’s not necessary. I can’t leave yet."

"It’s not just my decision. Father insists." His tone darkened. "He said you’ve done enough for Byron. There’s no need to push yourself further. Besides, the Chambers household is chaos right now. Even though we’re close, it’s best we keep our distance. Father wants me to bring you home."

Isabella’s brow furrowed.

She’d interacted extensively with the Abernathy family because of Nathaniel and his grandfather, clashing with Elspeth and her daughter. Yet Emeric had never erected such barriers before.

Her father’s disdain for the Chambers family ran deeper than she’d realized.

"I understand, Sebastian. You don’t need to come. I’ll drive back myself."

As night fell over Skyrim...

A sleek Maserati sped through the back gates of Silverlake Harbor, executing a sharp drift before parking in the courtyard.

It had been six months.

Oliver Sinclair stepped out and sprinted toward Sebastian.

"Sebastian! I missed you!"

"Me too."

They clasped hands in their usual默契 greeting. Sebastian glanced at the tinted car window. "Is Mr. Bright inside?"

"Yeah." Oliver smirked. "He’s... not very cooperative."

"Even the most stubborn tend to behave around you."

Sebastian’s gentle eyes flickered with concern. "You didn’t hurt him, did you?"

"Physically? No. Mentally? Maybe."

Oliver suddenly grimaced. "Damn! I need to pee! Be right back!"

Before Sebastian could respond, he was already sprinting away.

Sebastian shook his head, amused. "What has he been doing all these years? His bladder’s gotten worse."

A moment later...

Sebastian noticed the car rocking slightly before going still.

Curious, he approached cautiously.

As he neared, the occupant seemed to sense his presence, struggling more violently.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes and yanked the door open.

The next second, he froze.

There, bound and gagged in the back seat, was a strikingly handsome man, his furious protests muffled by the tape.

Angry. Pitiful.

This was Chasel?

Sebastian was stunned, quickly leaning in to rip the tape off.

Chasel gasped, his flawless face damp with sweat, his lips red and slightly swollen.

Even in distress, he was breathtakingly beautiful—more so than most women.

But what caught Sebastian’s attention were his eyes—wide, frightened, and glistening with unshed tears. In their depths, Sebastian saw a familiar innocence that always unsettled him, no matter how much time passed.

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, time stood still.

"Hey! That hurt, you know!" Chasel snapped, though his eyes never left Sebastian’s.

"My apologies." Sebastian’s tone was sincere.

"Untie me now!"

Chasel kicked his bound legs. "I’m losing circulation! I’ll die!"

"I can’t."

"What?!"

"I’ll wait for Oliver to release you."

Sebastian’s lips curved slightly. "If you run, I doubt I could catch you. After all, it’s better for the doer to undo what he’s done."