Chapter 8
“Don’t worry, Mom. From now on, I’ll carry this family,” Isabel reassured her.
Hannah shook her head and left the room.
Blake, lying on the bed, glared at Isabel with frustration. “Are you out of your mind? What are you trying to pull?”
He couldn’t believe anyone would willingly take care of someone like him.
Isabel, unbothered by his tone, replied calmly, “The one who’s out of their mind is you. I’m here to fix it.”
As she spoke, she began testing his muscle reflexes.
Blake watched her intently. “You know medicine?”
Without looking up, Isabel said, “Of course. How else am I going to save you?”
She finished her reflex tests and moved on to examine his bones, pressing and prodding with practiced precision.
Finally, she concluded, “Both your legs were broken in the past–severely crushed. They weren’t treated properly, which is why you’re like this now. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you.”
Blake laughed bitterly.
He’d been paralyzed for three years–what hope could there possibly be?
“Do you think you’re some kind of miracle worker?” he asked sarcastically.
“Damn right I am,” Isabel replied matter–of–factly.
Her master had been a miracle worker, and she was his sole disciple.
Blake scoffed at her response, dismissing it outright. The idea of someone fixing him after all this time was absurd.
420
Isabel glanced at him briefly. “Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for some tests–a scan, bloodwork, a full examination. We’ll see exactly what’s going on.”
She still didn’t understand the connection between herself and this man. ‘Why did Baxter insist I save him?
Outside, the house had grown lively.
Alex and Jack had returned, and the news of Isabel bringing back a man had everyone talking.
Alex said, “Mom, I heard from the villagers that Isabel might be into disabled guys or something. But hey, if that’s what she wants, we’ll support her, I’ll earn the money to take care of him.”
Isabel, overhearing this, nearly rolled her eyes. ‘I never said I’m into disabled guys!”
She knew it must be the villagers.
Jack added, “Alex is right. Besides, he’s her fiance. It’s only proper we take care of him.”
Roy chimed in, “Yeah, I can always take on more jobs. We may not have much, but as long as the family’s happy, that’s all
that matters.”
1/4
+20
8:29 pm
Chapter 8
&
Hearing her brothers‘ support, Hannah felt a warmth in her heart.
She sighed and said, “I’m glad you all agree. Isabel’s got a kind heart, unlike Amelia, who only ever complained about how poor we were.
“She was always angry with us, always looking down on us. Isabel is different. She’s a blessing to have as a daughter. A little extra work is nothing.”
Inside the room, Isabel heard their conversation and felt a rare warmth bloom in her chest.
This was something she had never experienced with the Clyde family.
Under her breath, she whispered to herself, “Don’t worry. I’ll carry this family on my shoulders.”
The Yates family’s tranquil atmosphere was shattered by urgent news.
“Mrs. Yolanda Yates, bad news. Someone from the outskirt village came to report that Mr. Yates has been taken away,” a servant said hurriedly.
The woman, elegantly sipping her afternoon tea, remained unbothered.
The large diamond ring on her finger glinted in the sunlight, a testament to her wealth and refinement. Every movement radiated sophistication and privilege.
“Did they say who took him?” she asked calmly.
The servant bowed slightly. “The woman claimed to be his fiancée.”
“The Galvez family?” she mused, setting her teacup gently on the mahogany table.
The woman murmured thoughtfully, “Who would’ve thought… The Galvez family still values old ties.
“Very well. If she’s his fiancée, let her take him. Perhaps it’s better this way. He’ll be out of that hellhole… Let him have his peace.”
The next day, Isabel resumed her normal routine.
She returned to her classes at the University of Ardenfall.
Seraphina Flynn wasted no time tracking her down.
“Girl, where have you been? You practically disappeared!” Seraphina exclaimed, concern etched across her face,
Isabel smirked. “Life threw me into hell, and I clawed my way back. Now I’ve been reborn.”
“Ugh, stop joking around!” Seraphina rolled her eyes. “Seriously, where were you?”
“I’m not joking,” Isabel replied more seriously. “I’m Isabel Galvez now.”
She explained everything–Amelia, the child swap, and her estrangement from the Clyde family. Seraphina, her closest confidante, listened intently, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
2/4
8:29 pm
Chapter 8
She then exclaimed, “Whoa, that’s… wow. I mean, who gets hit with drama like that? But it doesn’t matter. Real heiress or not, you’re still my girl.
“If the Clyde family treated you so cruelly, just tell me how you want to make them pay. I’ll back you up no matter what.”
Isabel smiled faintly. “There’s no need. I already have a plan. The Clyde family’s already on edge.”
She was just waiting for them to crumble, piece by piece.
A sneering voice interrupted their conversation. “Well, well, if it isn’t the fake heiress, Isabel. How does it feel to go from riches to rags?”
Isabel turned to see Liam Swanson, the man the Clyde family had once arranged as her fiancé.
Now, of course, he was tied to Amelia.
Back when Isabel was still with the Clyde family, Liam had pursued her shamelessly, but she’d repeatedly turned him down. And yet, here he was again.
“Seraphina, let’s go,” Isabel said coolly, brushing past him without a glance.
She didn’t want to waste time on a jerk like that.
“Stop right there, Isabel,” Liam called out. “I’ve got something to say to you.”
Isabel snorted. “Clean the gunk out of your eyes first.”
“Gunk?” Instinctively, Liam touched his eyes.
Seraphina burst out laughing, covering her mouth.
It took Liam a moment to realize Isabel had tricked him.
His expression darkened as he gritted his teeth. “How dare you mock me, Isabel? Do you think you’re still the Clyde family’s precious daughter? You can’t treat me like you used to.”
“Get lost,” Isabel said sharply, her tone brimming with disdain.
Liam’s presence was as irritating as a persistent fly.
He sneered. “What’s with the attitude, FAKE HEIRESS? Don’t think I don’t know. Your new family’s a bunch of pig farmers.
“Before, I tolerated you because of your status and our engagement. Now you’re nothing. Don’t overstep your bounds.”
He stepped closer, his voice dripping with mockery and something more sinister. “But hey, if you’re willing to play nice, I won’t hold a grudge. I could take care of you, keep you fed and clothed. What do you say?”
His eyes gleamed with lecherous intent.
He had no shame.
Isabel stared at him, her expression unreadable.
Liam started to feel uneasy under her unwavering gaze. “What? Why are you staring at me like that?” he asked, his tone faltering.
3/4
8:29 pm D
Chapter 8
Isabel’s lips curled into a faint, chilling smile. “You have a lovely neck.”
For a moment, Liam had no idea what Isabel meant.
He blinked, then smirked smugly. “Oh, really? Finally noticing how handsome I am?”
As he spoke, he instinctively touched his neck, preening under the imagined compliment.
Isabel shook her head. “You do have a nice neck. Too bad it’s holding up the most stupid head I’ve ever seen.”
“What did you say, Isabel?” Liam growled, his teeth clenched.
He should’ve known she wasn’t capable of saying anything nice–she never had before.
Seraphina, not missing a beat, chimed in with a sharp tone. “She said you’ve got a nice neck, but it’s a pity there’s a stupid head on top. Didn’t catch it the first time? Let me repeat it for you.”
“And who are you?” Liam snapped, glaring at her.
Seraphina raised her head proudly. “I’m Seraphina, Seraphina Flynn.”
The name sent a jolt through Liam. Flynn.
There were few Flynns in Ardenfall.
The Flynns were one of the most prominent families in Ardenfall, with their wealth and influence rooted in the Flynn Corporation. And this girl–Seraphina–was none other than the family’s young heiress.
By comparison, the Swanson family, though respectable, was leagues beneath the Flynns in status and power.
Liam instantly realized he’d just messed with someone far out of his league.
“You… ” he stammered, his bravado faltering. He cast a quick glance at Isabel, surprised she had such a connection.
“Well, Isabel,” he spat bitterly, trying to save face, “you’ve got guts today. I’ll remember this. I’ll be waiting for the day you come crawling back to me.” With that, Liam turned and stormed off, his retreat laced with humiliation.
4/4
