Chapter 78

Nathaniel watched as the tension between them escalated again, his fists clenching in frustration. He desperately wanted to intervene, to silence the boss’s cruel words before they did more damage.

Isabella let out a soft, bitter laugh, her eyes shimmering like fractured diamonds—broken yet still radiant. "Sebastian, I’ll admit it. I was arrogant. I chased you relentlessly, showered you with kindness, convinced I could make you love me. But in the end, all I got was self-delusion. You’re wrong about one thing, though. Even when you pushed me away, I never resented you. I wanted a clean break, but you kept dragging me back, tearing apart whatever dignity we had left. So I had no choice but to cut you out of my life. Sebastian, you were forced into this marriage, and now I’m forced to treat you like this. The only way we both move on is if we become strangers."

Sebastian felt like he’d been struck in the chest with a hammer, his breath hitching in his throat.

"Mr. Nathaniel, it’s time. Please take Mr. Sebastian home."

Isabella swallowed the ache in her chest and turned away sharply.

If he couldn’t see her love, he didn’t deserve her pain.

Suddenly, a sharp grip clamped around her wrist. She spun around to meet Sebastian’s bloodshot gaze.

"Sebastian, let go." She tried to pull free.

Before he could speak, a cold voice sliced through the air.

"Mr. Sebastian, a man of your standing, accosting our future daughter-in-law on our doorstep? How disgraceful."

Isabella saw Arabella and Genevieve rushing toward them. She wrenched her arm free and stepped back.

"Future daughter-in-law?" Sebastian’s voice was hollow, his expression blank.

"Alexander brought her home for dinner tonight," Arabella said smoothly, draping a protective arm around Isabella’s shoulders. "She’s elegant, well-mannered, and perfect for our family. Even Chairman Reginald approves. We’re already discussing wedding arrangements."

Isabella stiffened. She knew they were helping her, but this was… excessive.

Sebastian’s chest felt like an empty cavern, the wind howling through it.

"Mr. Sebastian, didn’t you just announce your engagement in the press?" Genevieve’s sharp eyes pinned him in place. "Shouldn’t you be with your fiancée instead of harassing Isabella? A woman’s reputation matters. If you don’t care about yours, fine. But don’t drag her down with you. She’s part of the Sinclair family now. Push any further, and we won’t be so polite."

Isabella exhaled. Genevieve was usually the type to throw a punch first. The fact that she was still talking meant Arabella and Margaret had reined her in.

Nathaniel groaned internally. Mr. Sebastian, what are you doing? This is self-sabotage.

Sebastian’s hand, which had just touched Isabella, slowly curled into a fist, trembling slightly.

He tried to hold onto something—anything—but his grip was slipping. He wasn’t even sure what he was trying to keep. He had been the one to end things.

"Ladies, it’s freezing out here. Let’s go inside."

The words Let’s go home slipped out before Isabella could stop them. The sense of belonging was so strong it erected an invisible wall between her and Sebastian.

"Isabella," Sebastian’s voice was rough, barely audible. "Is this true?"

She took a steadying breath. "Yes."

"Fine." His face paled. He repeated the word like a mantra before pulling a velvet box from his pocket and holding it out.

"A wedding gift."

Isabella stared at it, stunned. She hadn’t expected him to still have it.

"Maybe she’s too embarrassed to take it. I’ll do it for her."

Before she could react, Genevieve snatched the box and flipped it open. Inside lay an exquisite amethyst bracelet, its purple gems glinting under the light.

Isabella recognized it instantly—rare, priceless. Once, she would’ve been overjoyed to receive anything from Sebastian. Now, it meant nothing.

Late affection was worthless.

"Beautiful craftsmanship," Genevieve mused, then her expression darkened. With one swift motion, she hurled the bracelet to the ground.

The gems shattered between them like broken promises.

Sebastian’s face went deathly pale.

Isabella flinched, unable to look at him.

"Madam!" Nathaniel exploded. "That was a gift from the heart! You had no right—"

"Why give it now?" Genevieve cut in, her stiletto grinding the shards into the pavement. "After the divorce? After humiliating her? Are you trying to rub salt in the wound?"

Each word was a dagger.

Sebastian’s throat worked silently before his shattered gaze finally met Isabella’s.

Her pulse stuttered. She looked away, tugging Genevieve’s arm. "Let’s go."

"Madam," Nathaniel muttered, devastated that she hadn’t defended Sebastian.

If he felt this betrayed, Sebastian must be shattered.

"Enough," Genevieve said, linking arms with Isabella. "We have a party to enjoy. No need to let outsiders ruin it."

Arabella shot Sebastian one last disdainful glance. "He brought this on himself."

Back inside, Isabella’s mask crumbled. She felt hollow.

The bracelet. His expression. It hurt more than she expected.

She knew they meant well, but this didn’t feel like justice. It felt like cruelty.

"Isabella!"

Oliver burst in, breathless. "Alexander and Dad are fighting again! Dad hit him!"