Chapter 227
Isabella’s voice sliced through the heavy silence, sharp and unyielding.
But it was the undeniable truth.
“Mr. Kingsley,” she continued, her tone firm, “if simply keeping Amelia safe and sheltered for the rest of her life is enough, then why bother treating her autism at all? Wouldn’t it be easier to let her remain trapped in her own world?” No parent wanted to see their child suffer—that much was clear.
Her gaze locked onto Alexander’s, unwavering.
“Maybe, deep down, you want more for her. For her to speak, to connect with others, to heal instead of hiding.”
Her words were brutally honest—most people wouldn’t dare speak to him like this, but Isabella had never been one to shy away from uncomfortable truths. She pried open the part of his heart he’d kept locked away for years.
“Yes,” he admitted, his voice strained. “I want her to get better. But I don’t want her hurt in the process.”
Isabella didn’t hesitate. “Can you promise she’ll never face danger, Mr. Kingsley?”
Alexander knew he couldn’t. It was a lie to think otherwise. Especially when he was gone—Amelia would be left defenseless.
Isabella’s gaze never wavered. “A lifetime is too long to rely on someone else’s protection. I’ve never trusted promises like that. You say you’ll keep her safe forever, but what happens when you can’t? When she’s left alone, the fall will be even harder.”
Her expression softened slightly, but her voice remained steady. “If it were me, I’d rather be strong enough to protect myself. That’s the only real security.”
She had never believed in hollow assurances. Her survival had always depended on her own strength.
Alexander’s expression darkened, something unspoken flickering in his eyes. He knew she was right, but facing it was another matter. Growth required hardship—there was no way around it.
Isabella gave a faint smile. “Of course, that’s just my opinion. I’ve always preferred the wild over a gilded cage.” She glanced at Amelia, who had drifted into a peaceful sleep. “No matter what you choose, there will always be risks. But since you’re her family, the decision is yours.”
“Thank you, Ms. Sinclair,” Alexander murmured, the weight of her words settling over him. No plan was perfect. No protection could last forever. He had been clinging to an illusion.
“I’ll consider it,” he said finally. “But not yet. She’s still too young.”
Isabella nodded. “There’s no rush. You have time.”
Even as she spoke, Alexander couldn’t help but wonder what she had endured to speak with such raw, painful wisdom—as if she had lived through every harsh lesson herself.
Before he could dwell on it further, his phone rang. He answered, his expression tightening with irritation.
“Understood,” he clipped out before hanging up.
Turning back to Isabella, his voice turned grave. “Your ex-husband and Sophia are causing trouble again.”
Isabella calmly picked up a piece of fish from her plate, then set it back down with a quiet sigh when she noticed the bones.
“What now?” she asked, annoyance lacing her words. She was tired of their endless schemes.
Despite everything, Ethan had once saved her life. She couldn’t retaliate fully—but that didn’t mean she’d let them walk all over her.
“Ethan hired a lawyer to sue you,” Alexander said, a bitter smirk curling his lips. “Ironically, he tried to hire my firm. Sebastian overheard it while collecting financial reports.”
His eyes narrowed. “Just because my firm refused doesn’t mean others will. Be prepared.”
