Chapter 272
The sharp crack of Isabella’s palm meeting Damian’s cheek echoed through the room.
Without missing a beat, she grabbed his wrist, her brows furrowing into a deep scowl. “Your father is already buried under mountains of work every day,” she hissed, her voice laced with venom. “Do you really want to add to his burdens?”
Her tone shifted like a blade unsheathed—sharp, precise, deadly.
Over the years, she had studied Alexander well enough to know he never acted without reason. If he had James summon Richard, he had already set things in motion. He had likely pieced together parts of the kidnapping plot.
That question he asked? It wasn’t idle curiosity. He had cards to play.
Her gaze narrowed on Alexander, calculating.
“We came unannounced today, I admit,” she forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, swallowing her fury. “And yes, we didn’t bring gifts for Mr. Pembroke and Ms. Sinclair. But we’ll make it up next time.”
She exhaled dramatically. “I only lost my temper because of how you two were behaving. If Richard saw you at each other’s throats, it would devastate him.” She paused, then sweetened her voice. “So why don’t both of you take a step back?”
She said take a step back, but what she really meant was push Alexander into a corner.
“Alexander, you’re the eldest,” she continued, her tone dripping with false concern. “No matter what Damian has done, you should be the one to show restraint—especially in front of the staff. Hitting him only humiliates him.” She sighed theatrically. “Let’s settle this. Apologize to each other.”
Every word was carefully crafted—not for Damian’s ears, but for the servants undoubtedly reporting back to Richard.
Damian, still nursing his stinging cheek, bristled. “Mom, why should I apologize to him?”
Victoria’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Because he’s your older brother,” she snapped.
Just as expected, Alexander’s expression darkened at the mention of their brotherly bond.
But before the tension could escalate further—
Crash!
Isabella’s coffee cup shattered against the floor, its contents splattering across the polished wood.
She blinked, feigning innocence, her lips curling into a saccharine smile. “Oh dear, my grip must be slipping.” She tilted her head, eyes glinting. “Did I splash anyone?”
Had it not been for the audience, she would’ve chosen something far more satisfying—scalding water, perhaps—to ruin both mother and son.
She had planned to share her findings with Alexander, but it was clear now—he already knew. He had connected Victoria and Damian to the kidnapping.
All other evidence was gone. Wiped clean.
Isabella wasn’t kind. There were things Alexander wouldn’t—or couldn’t—do.
But she? She could execute them flawlessly.
Her smile sharpened. “But as Victoria so wisely said—peace is best.” She dabbed a stray drop of coffee from her fingers, her voice honeyed. “So let’s all take a step back, shall we?”
She met Victoria’s gaze, unblinking. “Apologies all around. My little accident was harmless, after all.”
Her grin was dazzling, but her words were knives.
“And I’m sure Mr. Damian Kingsley and Mrs. Kingsley—with their generous hearts—won’t hold it against me.”
At that moment, her charm was lethal.
