Chapter 349
Isabella had been confined in the Harding family basement for over two months now. During this time, she had no phone, no entertainment facilities, and had even resorted to counting days on her fingers.
She could no longer remember exactly how long she’d been imprisoned here, only recalling that when she was first brought in, the branches outside were bare, without leaves.
Now, those same branches had sprouted new shoots, vibrant green and beautiful.
Her favorite activity each day was sitting by the window after meals, quietly watching the green leaves and birds on the branches.
Today, for some unknown reason, her body felt unusually hot and restless, making sleep impossible.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Sitting by the window, Isabella turned around without any expectation, looking toward the figure entering the
room.
Slowly, her pupils brightened with recognition.
“Henry, is that you?” she asked while bracing herself against the floor to stand up, rushing toward the tall silhouette.
This basement was dark and damp, hidden from daylight. Despite Isabella’s daily cleaning efforts, there was still a musty odor permeating the
space.
The furnishings were extremely simple–a bed, a nightstand, a table, a chair, and a tiny bathroom. Nothing else.
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Isabella, who had always loved luxury, couldn’t possibly adapt to such a lifestyle. She spent her days cursing the guards and the Harding family.
But no matter what she said, no one ever paid her any attention.
She rushed eagerly toward the figure, wanting to confirm if he was real.
Henry moved faster, avoiding her touch as if she were a plague.
“Henry, it really is you! I knew you couldn’t bear to leave me here, that you’d definitely come to see me!” As she spoke, she lunged toward Henry again, trying to embrace him. “Let me hold you, I’ve missed you so much.”
The man stepped back, avoiding any physical contact, and signaled for the guard behind him to step forward, creating a barrier between himself and Isabella.
“I came here to confirm one thing with you. That night six years ago at the Palace Grand Hotel–was that woman really you?”
Initially, when Richard confined Catherine to the basement, Henry learned about it and had pleaded on his mother’s behalf.
After all, she was the woman who had raised him single–handedly.
Richard sighed deeply and revealed Catherine’s relationship with his son, telling him: you are not Catherine’s biological child. He also clarified Isabella’s relationship with Catherine.
Officially, Isabella was Henry’s cousin. With this revelation, Henry no longer harbored any romantic feelings toward Isabella.
Catherine had cared for him all these years, treating him as her own despite having no blood connection–showing even more love than many biological mothers.
Therefore, Henry still hadn’t decided how to handle Catherine’s situation.
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Chapter 349
But regarding Isabella, he could now face her with complete detachment,
A few days ago, while dining with Sophia, that contemptible Thomas suddenly mentioned the Palace Grand Hotel incident, immediately raising Henry’s suspicions.
That night had always been a blur in Henry’s mind–he couldn’t even identify the woman he’d been with. How could Thomas be so certain it was Isabella?
Furthermore, after their conversation, Thomas had approached Sophia, obviously trying to spread rumors. This made Henry extremely suspicious of Thomas’s intentions. If Thomas truly knew what happened that night at the Palace Grand Hotel, why would he try to drive a wedge between him and Sophia?
Henry’s mind was filled with confusion about what happened six years ago, but Isabella had repeatedly insisted that she was the woman at the hotel that night.
Previously, Henry had believed her without question.
Now, knowing that Isabella had been constantly lying to him without a shred of truth, he had begun to question this story as well.
However, too much time had passed–evidence had been cleaned up, security footage overwritten, and the woman’s identity remained unknown, making investigation impossible.
After careful consideration, Henry decided to confront Isabella directly, hoping to extract some truth from her.
“Henry, what do you mean by that question? Don’t you believe what I told you?”
pletely.
Previously, she had consistently emphasized to Henry that she was the woman that night. Henry had believed her completely, so why was he suddenly questioning this again?
With the guard blocking her attempts to embrace Henry, Isabella had no choice but to negotiate with him.
*Oh? I’m guessing you want to know the details from that night. That’s why you came, isn’t it?”
come and h
“If you want me to tell you the truth, it’s not difficult–just have your guard step aside and hold me properly. Then I’ll tell you everything.”
The moment her true heritage was revealed, she had lost everything, including Catherine’s protection.
Now, to escape this dreadful place, Isabella’s only hope was Henry. Even though her body was failing her, she would still use it as a weapon to conquer Henry.
Henry’s eyes were icy cold, filled with obvious disgust. “I’m giving you an opportunity right now. If you don’t take it, I’ll leave and never see you again.”
However, if your answer proves useful to me, I might consider improving your current living conditions.”
The basement was dark and damp, emitting a rotting smell. Not only was the furniture basic, but even the blankets on the bed felt perpetually
moist.
Isabella had always hated the cold. If Henry could provide some heating equipment, it would truly be a tremendous help to her.
After brief hesitation, Isabella agreed. Getting out of this place alive was her priority now. “What can you offer me? How will you improve my situation?”
Hearing her change of tone, Henry stopped and turned to face her: “If you tell me the truth, I can have someone bring you heating equipment and several thick blankets.”
Isabella licked her lips, looking at the elegant, imposing Henry, and smiled: “Deal!”
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