Chapter 191
Outside the MDH Research Institute, Sophia Kensington and Ethan Blackwood arrived together.
“Ethan, we’ve spent an entire week just tracking this place down,” Sophia said, her voice laced with unease. Her expression mirrored the concern she hoped would mask her darker thoughts.
The Blackwood Group’s plagiarism scandal still weighed heavily on them, and now, Eleanor, that insufferable woman, had sent them scrambling to Vrining on a desperate errand.
Ethan exhaled sharply. “We don’t have another option. Let’s try.”
He wasn’t confident. He had once hoped to secure the medication through underground connections, but the so-called holographic game they’d banked on had never materialized. Meanwhile, his mother’s worsening migraines were tearing their household apart—shattered teacups, thrown vases, servants fleeing one after another. Desperation had led them here, clinging to the faint hope that this institute could offer salvation.
As they stepped into the lobby, a familiar figure caught their attention. Sophia’s eyes narrowed, then she plastered on a saccharine smile and sauntered over.
“Isabella! What a small world!” Her gaze flicked to the young girl at Isabella’s side. “Though I must say, I didn’t expect you to have a child. How… curious. You and Ethan have only been divorced for three years, haven’t you? I wonder where this little one came from—quite the secret you’ve been keeping.”
Her words snapped Ethan back to attention. Such insinuations were dangerous.
Before Isabella could respond, Alexander Kingsley rolled forward in his wheelchair, his voice icy. “If you don’t need your eyes, I’m sure someone else could put them to better use.” His sharp gaze flicked between them. “The Blackwood Group is sinking faster than a stone, yet here you are, gallivanting abroad. Enjoy your little vacation while you can—bankruptcy might strip away what little dignity you have left.”
Sebastian Harrington, sensing Alexander’s disdain, smirked. “This young lady is my boss’s niece, Miss Amelia Kingsley. And yet, you’re quick to throw around accusations. Could it be you’re the ones hiding something?”
Sophia’s cheeks flushed, anger flashing before she smoothed it over with feigned innocence. “Oh, no, I didn’t mean it like that. I was just… surprised, that’s all.” She turned back to Isabella, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “Since you’re already here, why not help Eleanor out? It’s been so long—surely you’re not still holding a grudge?”
Ethan seized the opportunity. “Isabella, if you’re here to get medicine for my mother, I’d appreciate it. I’m willing to let bygones be bygones if you are.”
Isabella remained unmoved, gesturing for Sebastian to take Amelia’s hand. “Get medicine? For your mother?” Her laugh was devoid of warmth. “You two are hilarious. The institute might treat mental illnesses, but for cases as far gone as yours, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
Ethan stiffened, his patience fraying. He had been willing to bury the past, but her indifference cut deep.
Sophia, ever the opportunist, pounced. “Isabella, that’s cruel. Eleanor adored you, treated you like her own daughter. How can you forget everything she did for you?” Her voice oozed false sympathy.
“And it’s not like this is your first time helping others. You aided Mr. Kingsley in Ontdale, didn’t you? Surely you wouldn’t leave empty-handed now. Imagine the scandal if word got out.”
Her honeyed words might have fooled Ethan, but Isabella wasn’t buying it.
“You’re joking, right?” She arched a brow. “Even a child knows you handle your own messes. How can two grown adults be this shameless? Why don’t you go get the medicine instead of trying to pressure me?”
Ethan’s fists clenched. “Don’t think you’re untouchable just because you got lucky last time. The institute’s fully booked—whatever brought you here, you’re leaving disappointed.”
Seeing her beside Alexander, so effortlessly untouchable, his irritation burned hotter.
