Chapter 23
Isabel hung up after that. Linda couldn’t control herself anymore and buried her face in her hands while sobbing. She’d lost her biological daughter as well as the adopted daughter she’d raised for over a decade. Neither of them would return anymore, and she’d lost everything.
She thumped her chest again and again, hating herself for being foolish enough to treat Isabel the way she had.
Felix grabbed her hands to stop her from hurting herself. His expression was somewhat hopeful as he said, “Mom, listen to me! I think we still stand a chance!”
“What?” She looked up at him in confusion, her eyes still wet with tears.
“I just received the money Izzy sent to us. She gave us ten million dollars! Would anyone pay that much to cover the expenses of raising her? She must be using that as an excuse to give us the money. In truth, she’s helping us get through this crisis!
“You heard how she’s still holding a grudge against Dad for what he said, right? That means she still cares about us! I knew Izzy wasn’t that cruel. I’m sure she’ll give in as long as we apologize sincerely. She won’t sit by and watch as we flounder!” Felix said.
Linda dried her tears and checked the bank balance that Felix had shown her. His words made some sense. Unfortunately, it didn’t even occur to them that ten million dollars was just Isabel’s monthly allowance now.
Linda’s eyes lit up with hope, and she clutched Felix’s hand. “Let’s go apologize to Izzy, Felix. We have to find the most sincere way to do it! Contact the media and tell them the truth about everything that’s happened. We have to clear Izzy’s name first.
“Then, I want you to fly to Almonia. Do whatever it takes—whether it’s kneeling or prostrating yourself before her to earn her forgiveness!
“Her birth parents own an ultra–large corporation. As long as she speaks up for your dad, I’m sure he’ll be freed from the detention center. We can start afresh after that!”
Felix clenched his fists tightly, seemingly already seeing things play out the way he wanted them to. He assured resolutely, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll make sure Izzy sees that we mean what we say!”
On a rainy day two days later, Felix boarded a flight to Almonia. He was filled with hope as he rehearsed the things he would say to Isabel when he saw her. Though the words were scripted, his regret and guilt weren’t faked.
In fact, his blood had run cold the moment he’d learned that the Winifred he’d doted on was nothing but a manipulative impostor.
Since then, he’d been filled with regret, even when dreaming. Why hadn’t he had more faith in Isabel when she was so kind and obedient?
Those thoughts swarmed his mind as he gradually drifted to sleep on the plane. He had a dream–it was a happy one of him and the rest of the family celebrating Isabel’s birthday.
Suddenly, he was rudely awakened from his dream by a violent jolt. Felix felt the whole plane shuddering uncontrollably as an air stewardess‘ shaky voice came over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our plane has just been struck by lightning, damaging the power system. Please fasten your seatbelts, put on your oxygen masks, and await further instructions.”
Felix’s heart started racing, and his vision soon went black. In the darkness, despair washed over him as he sensed the aircraft plummeting. Before losing consciousness, he thought, “I’m sorry, Izzy. I may not get another chance to apologize to you in person…“>
