Chapter 210
Logic had no place here. This was a battle of narratives—who could spin the most compelling story, who could command the spotlight.
Ignoring Ethan Blackwood’s simmering rage, Isabella Sinclair let her gaze drift across the crowd until it landed on Julian Whitmore. Her expression softened deliberately, a sigh escaping her lips before she turned back to Darren Whitlock.
“We’ve known each other for years, Darren,” she said, her voice laced with sorrow. “I never thought you’d stoop this low—lying so shamelessly in front of everyone.” She shook her head, feigning disappointment. “I never wanted to expose you, but you’ve left me no choice.”
Her eyes flickered toward the reporters before settling back on Darren. “Most of you don’t know about his criminal record for theft when he was younger. But that’s not even the worst of it.” She lowered her voice, as if reluctant to continue. “His psychiatric evaluations have always been concerning. Violent tendencies. Unstable behavior. Some even say he’s mentally unfit.”
A mocking glint of pity flashed in her eyes. “I tolerated him because we grew up in the same orphanage. But I can’t let him keep harassing me, spreading these delusions about us being together.”
Darren’s face twisted in fury. “Who the hell are you calling crazy?” he snarled.
Isabella remained unshaken. “Your medical records don’t lie. They’re easy enough to verify.”
“Lies! All of it!” Darren roared, his voice cracking with rage.
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Some took hesitant steps back, as if fearing his supposed madness might be contagious.
Right on cue, Julian moved through the crowd, slipping closer to Darren, the tiny syringe in his palm unnoticed. The drug inside—Isabella’s request—would induce temporary mental instability. The needle was fine, the prick no more noticeable than a mosquito bite.
Isabella caught Julian’s subtle nod.
Moments later, Darren’s body tensed, his eyes wild. “You bitch!” he shouted, his voice breaking. “You’re the liar! The crazy one! Your whole damn family is insane!” He could feel something was wrong, but the rage consumed him, uncontrollable.
Isabella feigned fear, stepping back quickly. “Darren, calm down. Are you having another episode like yesterday?”
His outburst sent the crowd stumbling back in alarm. Whispers spread like wildfire—was there really something wrong with him?
Darren’s agitation worsened. “What the hell are you all staring at?” he spat, jabbing a finger wildly at Alexander Kingsley and Isabella, then at the retreating crowd. “You’re all enablers! Worthless!” His words dissolved into incoherent rambling.
Then his crazed gaze locked onto Sophia Kensington.
“Miss Kensington!” he shouted, lurching toward her like a drowning man grasping for air. “Why are you just standing there? You promised me a fortune to ruin Isabella’s reputation!”
The crowd erupted in gasps.
Ethan’s head snapped toward Sophia, disbelief written across his face. “What?”
Reporters surged forward, microphones thrust at Sophia. “Miss Kensington, is this true? Did you hire him to slander Ms. Sinclair?”
Sophia’s composure cracked. “That’s not—I don’t even know him!” she protested, hands raised defensively. “He’s lying! He’s clearly unstable!”
Darren let out a hollow, manic laugh. “Fine. If I’m crazy, then let me show you just how crazy I can be!”
In a blur of motion, he yanked a pocketknife from his jacket and lunged at Isabella.
Chaos erupted.
Alexander’s grip tightened on his wheelchair, veins bulging as he fought the urge to intervene. But before he could move, Julian was already there.
A swift, powerful kick sent Darren crashing to the ground, the knife skittering away harmlessly.
“I’m a doctor from the MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute,” Julian announced, holding up his badge with calm authority. “This man has a severe mental disorder.” He glanced down at Darren, still thrashing on the floor, eyes wild. “Right now, he’s exhibiting violent tendencies. He’s a danger to everyone here and needs immediate psychiatric confinement.”
His words hung in the air, unshakable.
Turning to the reporters, he added, “I take full legal responsibility for this assessment.”
