Chapter 38
Standing in the sterile hospital corridor, I took several deep breaths, trying to process what had just happened.
I’ve always thought Isabella was inst a spoiled rich girl, I reflected, smoothing down my wrinkled blouse. Living off her pretty face and Henry’s obsession with her. But those few minutes trapped in that bathroom had completely shattered my previous assessment.
The calculated nature of the incident struck me like a physical blow. The perfectly timed malfunction of the door, the convenient lack of cell service, the way the nurses had disappeared just when I needed help -none of it was coincidental. Isabella Scott wasn’t just Henry’s first love or a privileged society princess. She was something far more dangerous.
My shoes clicked against the polished floor as I strode toward the VIP wing, fury building with each step. The pristine corridors of Manhattan Generat seemed to mock me with their perfect order, just as Isabella’s carefully constructed facade concealed her true
nature.
I’d been naive, thinking she was just another entitled socialite. The truth was becoming crystal clear – Isabella Scott was a master manipulator who had been playing us all like pieces on a chessboard. And I was done being her pawn.
The VIP suite loomed ahead. Without hesitation, I pushed the door open, letting it swing wide with deliberate force. Isabella reclined on her hospital bed, a glossy fashion magazine in her manicured hands. Nancy, her private nurse, stood nearby adjusting an IV drip.
Before either woman could react, I crossed the room in three quick strides and grabbed Nancy’s arm, my grip firm but controlled. ‘Miss Scott,” I said, my voice carrying a dangerous edge, “I believe we need to discuss what just happened in the restroom.”
Isabella’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose in practiced surprise. “Miss. Wilson? Whatever do you mean?”
“The locked door? The conveniently missing staff? The sudden cell service disruption?” I tightened my hold on Nancy’s arm. “Your nurse here knows exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Miss. Wilson, Isabella’s voice dripped with false concern as she set aside her magazine. “You seem distressed. Perhaps we should call for help?”
The silk of her designer robe whispered against the Expensive cotton sheets as she rose, every mo
calculated for maximum effect. Even in a hospital
bed, she managed to look like she belonged on a magazine cover.
“You’re not calling anyone,” I stated firmly. ‘Not until we address your little attempt to trap me in that
bathroom.”
Isabella’s laugh was musical, perfectly pitched to carry just the right note of incredulity. “Trap you? My dear Miss. Wilson, what an extraordinary accusation. Nancy, have you heard anything about this?”
The nurse trembled slightly in my grip. “N–no, Miss Scott. I don’t know anything about-”
‘Save it,” I cut her off. “We both know Isabella doesn’t do her own dirty work. That’s what she has people like you for.”
Isabella’s expression shifted, something calculating flickering behind her perfect mask. “Miss. Wilson, accusations require evidence. Do you have any proof that my nurse was involved in this alleged incident?”
Alleged?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re good, Isabella. Really good. But we both know what happened.”
“Do we?” She moved closer, her voice dropping to a confidential whisper. “Because from where I stand, it seems like you’re making wild accusations without a shred of evidence. That could be considered slander, you know.”
‘Slander? I met her gaze steadily. “Interesting choice of words from someone who’s been trying to destroy my marriage for months.”
“Your marriage?” Isabella’s smile was razor–sharp. My dear, you can’t destroy what was never real to begin with. Henry and I have a connection you couldn’t begin to understand.”
“A connection built on manipulation and lies,” I shot back. “You’re nothing but a skilled actress, Isabella. Playing the delicate flower while orchestrating chaos behind the scenes.”
Her smile never wavered. “Such dramatic accusations. Henry wouldn’t like hearing you speak to me this way. Should I call him?”
“Go ahead, I challenged. “Call him. Let’s see how he reacts when he learns about your little bathroom trap.”
1/2
Chapter 38
“But where’s your proof?” Isabella’s voice was honey sweet II Nancy thily wanted to harm you, have are you standing here must it seems to me like yours letting your imagination run wild. She paused, then added with perfect timing. Perhaps the stress of yenir… wituation is affecting quar jodgnum
Before I could respond, the white’s doors swung open. Hemy stored in the entrance, his tall frame filling the demay, free benke back it was immaculate as always, though his tie was loosened slightly. The camel hair cost draped over his arm. His gray eyes took in the srevo bofore him, cold and artmasing.
Isabella’s transformation was immediate and breathtaking. Tears sprang to her eyes as she rushed to Henry’s tile, wrapping her arme around Henry! Thank goodness you’re here. Miss. Wilson has completely lost controlf
I watched as Henry’s arm automatically encircled her, his expression softening in a way I’d never seen directed at me. The tenderness in his eyes as he looked down at Isabella made my heart crack into a thousand pieces.
“She burst in here making wild accusations, Isabella continued, her voice trembling perfectly. Claiming I tried to trap her in a bathroom, threatening prior Nancy… I didn’t know what to do!”
Henry’s gaze shifted to me, all warmth vanishing. “Explain yourself.*
The command in his voice made my spine stiffen. “Your precious Isabella had her nurse lock me in the restroom. No witnesses, no cell service, no way to call for help. Quite clever, actually.
“Is this true?‘ Henry’s question was directed at Nancy, who seemed to shrink under his attention.
“No, Mr. Harding,” the nurse stammered. “Just like Miss Scott said, Miss. Wilson was apparently trapped in a bathroom – probably just a faulty lock. But she came in here insisting it was some kind of plot, demanding answers…”
Isabella pressed closer to Henry, a perfect tear rolling down her cheek. “Henry, she’s trying to destroy everything. First these horrible accusations about Nancy, now trying to slander me… aren’t you going to do something?”
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The Ex–Wife’s Redemption: A Love Reborn
