Chapter 80
The moment Isabella stepped out of Alexander’s mansion, her face turned to stone.
She slammed her foot on the accelerator, speeding toward the genetic testing facility.
“The results are ready,” Dr. Gregory Thornton said, handing her the paternity report before discreetly exiting the room to give her privacy.
Isabella clutched the thin document as if it were made of lead. She inhaled sharply, unfolded the paper, and scanned straight to the conclusion at the bottom.
“No biological relation detected.”
A storm of emotions churned inside her. Though the lead she had hoped would bring clarity had abruptly dead-ended, an unexpected wave of relief crashed over her.
At least she wasn’t tied by blood to Alexander.
The facility was discreet—no cameras, soundproof walls, absolute confidentiality. After a long pause, she folded the report and dialed Julian.
“Dig into Alexander’s mother. I need every detail, no matter how buried,” she commanded.
Julian hesitated, then recognition flickered in his voice. A hint of playful irritation laced his reply. “Boss, you finally remembered me. I was starting to think you’d deleted my number.”
She had expected him to return to Cobweb by now, but he’d vanished. She didn’t have time for banter. “This isn’t a joke, Julian. I need you on this.”
“Consider it done,” he said with a chuckle. “Knew something was up when you called out of the blue. But seriously—when are you coming back? The team’s restless. They barely listen to me anymore. They just keep asking when you’ll show up.”
“Soon,” she muttered. Lately, every minute had been consumed by chaos.
She shoved the report into her bag and turned to leave—only to freeze at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Isabella!”
Ethan and Sophia stood by her car, clearly having spotted it parked outside.
Her lip curled in disgust. “Are you seriously stalking me now?”
The disdain in her glare made Ethan shift uncomfortably. Still, under Sophia’s prodding, he forced out an apology, his words stiff and awkward.
“I’ve been thinking,” he began, voice strained. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have copied your perfume. It was a misunderstanding.”
His expression twisted as he met her gaze. “My mother talks about you constantly. My grandfather misses you too. They’d love to see you. Just because we’re divorced doesn’t mean we can’t be civil.”
Isabella listened, unimpressed. He still hadn’t gotten to the point. She crossed her arms. “Did you chase me here just to ramble? What do you actually want?”
Ethan faltered, taken aback by her bluntness. But Sophia cut in, voice pleading. “My fault. Hit me, yell at me—I’ll take it. I did it for Ethan. You, of all people, understand loving someone that much, don’t you? Even if that love turned to hate, we don’t have to make a scene.”
Isabella’s response was ice. “Hate? You’re not worth the energy.”
She clicked her key fob, ready to leave. Listening to them was exhausting.
“Wait!” Ethan blurted, panic edging his voice. His brow furrowed before he finally spat it out. “You’ve already secured the Everett Group deal.”
He stepped closer, desperation leaking into his tone. “But the Blackwood Group needs this. We’ll pay whatever it takes. It’s my grandfather’s legacy. You wouldn’t let it collapse, would you?”
Isabella laughed—sharp, genuine amusement. “Not my problem.”
