Chapter 113
As Henry’s footsteps gradual faded down the hospital corridor Isabella picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found the name she wanted.
“Grace? It’s Isabella. Come visit me–I’m absolutely bored to death in this hospital room.”
In less than an hour, Grace strode purposefully into the private suite, her high heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. When she spotted Isabella sitting up in bed, looking far healthier than the “critically ill patient Henry had described to the family, her face broke into a mischievous smile.
“Well, don’t you look comfortable,” Grace remarked, casually tossing her Hermes bag onto a nearby chair. “Given how meticulously my brother has been caring for you, I expected your condition to be much more serious!”
Isabella laughed softly. “Your brother has always been rather dramatic when it comes to matters concerning me.”
Grace rolled her eyes as she settled into the visitor’s chair. “Speaking of dramatic, Henry has been absolutely unbearable lately. He’s like an injured lion–roaring at everyone.”
“Is that so?” Isabella asked, feigning innocence while secretly delighting in the effect her return was having on
Henry.
“Worse than ever,” Grace continued, examining her manicure. “Mother has barely spoken to him since their last argument. Apparently because he was defending Sophia, of all people. Can you believe it? After treating her like she was invisible all these years, he suddenly decides to play the role of a good husband.”
Isabella’s smile faltered slightly. “By the way, how’s your health? Nancy told me about your condition.”
“It’s manageable,” Isabella replied dismissively. “Regular dialysis waiting for a suitable kidney donor. The doctors say I shouldn’t stay cooped up in this room all day. I need to get some fresh air occasionally–it’s good for my recovery.”
Nancy entered the room with a wheelchair. “Miss Scott, it’s time for your daily outing. The doctor insists on it.”
With Grace and Nancy’s help, Isabella carefully transferred to the wheelchair. Nancy wrapped her in a cashmere scarf, sunglasses, and a wide–brimmed hat to shield her from the sun
“I look ridiculous,” Isabella complained, though she secretly enjoyed the attention.
When they reached the hospital garden, Isabella waited until Nancy walked a short distance away before turning to Grace
with a serious expression.
“Get her to leave for a few minutes,” she whispered. “I need to ask you some personal questions.”
Grace nodded, then called out, “Nancy! Could you get us some hot tea? Isabella looks a bit cold.”
Once Nancy disappeared inside,sabella immediately leaned closer to Grace. “I remember you saying your brother doesn’t care at all about Sophia and that little brat. Yet one phone call from the kid, and he immediately rushed back to them.”
Grace’s perfectly arched eyebrows rose in surprise. “He left you for them? That’s… unexpected.”
“So you were wrong?” Isabella pressed, her fingernails digging deep into the wheelchair’s armrests. “You repeatedly told me he has no feelings for them.”
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“He doesn’t!” Grace insisted, looking genuinely confused. Actually, there’s something I’ve never told anyone outside the
I trust you.” She glanced around to ensure they were alone, then lowered her voice and family. I’m only telling you because I
pally isn’t continued: “Mother and I strongly suspect Billy isn’t Henry’s biological child.”
Isabella’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Sophia was already pregnant when she came to our family,” Grace explained, her voice filled with contempt. “But something always seemed off to me. Pregnancy is supposed to last ten months before childbirth, yet she gave birth just over six months after joining our household.”
“Are you saying Sophia betrayed Henry? That the child has a different biological father?” Isabella whispered, barely able to conceal her excitement at this revelation.
Grace nodded emphatically. “If not for Grandfather and Henry constantly protecting her, I would have exposed that gold- digger ages ago.”
Isabella barely heard the rest of Grace’s complaints. Her mind was racing, considering the implications of this information. If Billy wasn’t Henry’s biological son, this would change everything. This was a powerful weapon she could use.
“I’m feeling unwell,” Isabella suddenly announced, interrupting Grace mid–sentence. “Could you take me back to my room?”
After Grace left and Isabella was alone, she pulled out another phone from beneath her pillow–one Henry knew nothing about–and made a call.
“It’s me,” she said when the line connected. “I need you to investigate something. I just heard that Sophia was carrying another man’s child when she married Henry. Find out everything you can about her pregnancy and that child.”
Across town at Maple Grove, Sophia finished clearing the breakfast dishes while Billy played with his toys in the living room. She had just decided to take him to the park when the front door suddenly opened.
Henry’s tall figure appeared in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
Hearing the sound, Billy’s head snapped up, his eyes brightening as he recognized the visitor. “Dad!” he exclaimed, immediately abandoning his toys and racing toward his father.
Henry’s gaze softened as it fell on Billy. He crouched down, extending his arms to receive the running child. “Where are you two headed?” he asked, knowing that controlling Sophia was simple–he just needed to keep Billy in his grasp.
Billy hesitated for a moment before throwing himself into Henry’s arms. Instead of his usual cheerful greeting, he buried his face against Henry’s chest and murmured, “Dad, that bad woman was mean to me!”
Henry straightened up, lifting Billy with him. “What bad woman Who taught you to say that?”
Billy’s small face twisted with displeasure as he pulled back to look at his father. I don’t want you anymore! Put me
down!”
Henry’s expression darkened with confusion. “Billy, what’s wrong? Tell me what happened.”
You know what happened!” Billy accused, his voice rising with childish indignation. “That lady who answered your phone was mean! She said you don’t want me!”
Sophia stepped forward, her protective instincts flaring. “Billy, that’s enough. Your father is tired.”
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But Billy was beyond consolation. She called me names! And Henry’s arms. “Put me down I hate you!”
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