Chapter 18
Ivana’s shrill laughter grated on Isabella’s ears. She could almost see the twisted expression on Ivana’s face. Isabella paused, reconsidering hanging up. Instead, a mocking smile played on her lips as she replied, “What do you think Jayden’s reaction would be if he saw you like this?”
Ivana froze, then slammed the phone onto the table in a fit of rage, screaming, “Isabella! Do you really think Jayden would believe you? Let me tell you—”
“Tsk. You don’t think I could record this conversation?” Isabella said carelessly.
“You! Isabella, if you dare send any recording to Jayden, I’ll make sure Dad disowns you for life!” Ivana’s voice wavered, revealing her panic.
Isabella kept her eyes on the road, a cold smile curving her lips. “Getting upset already? Is that all you’ve got?”
Ivana fumed in silence, realizing Isabella had her emotions under control. She took a deep breath, calming her rage. After considering it, she convinced herself Isabella wouldn’t record the conversation. Even if she did and sent it to Jayden, Ivana was confident he wouldn’t believe Isabella over her. Jayden already despised Isabella due to Ivana’s persistent manipulation; he’d probably assume Isabella was slandering her.
This thought cheered Ivana. Smiling meaningfully, she said, “You’re just trying to get the last word. But do you realize what will happen if it comes out that you’ve been impersonating Queenie?”
Ivana gripped her phone tightly, her words laced with sarcasm, though a hint of nervousness crept into her voice. Despite her bravado, she wasn’t entirely sure if Isabella was Queenie. If so, she’d need a different strategy.
Isabella, seeing through Ivana’s trick, entertained a new idea. Playing along might give her room to maneuver and stop Ivana’s harassment. A subtle smile curved her lips as she lowered her voice intentionally. “Yes, I am pretending to be Queenie. So what? How is that any of your concern?”
Ivana’s face lit up. Everything was unfolding as planned. She’d started recording the call just in time.
Squeezing her throat to fake disbelief, she gasped, “Isabella, how could you? You know it’s wrong to deceive people like this!” Her voice trembled with exaggerated emotion, though beneath it was a surge of excitement and smugness. “Not only are you delaying Xavier’s recovery, but you’re also disgracing Dad and Jayden!”
Isabella listened to Ivana’s theatrics, her fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel. She responded carelessly, “I’m not afraid of being a disgrace myself; why would I care about disgracing others?”
Ivana’s eyes sparkled. This was exactly what she wanted to hear. Pretending to be compassionate, she urged, “You should apologize to Darryl. Don’t keep going down this path!” With a heavy sigh, she added dramatically, “I’ll go talk to Dad, and maybe he can convince you.”
Without giving Isabella a chance to reply, Ivana hung up. She couldn’t waste time gloating. All she wanted was to rush the recording to Jayden. Her eyes gleamed with malice as she muttered, “Isabella, this time you’re done for.” With this recording, she was sure Isabella would have no defense.
The smile vanished from Isabella’s face, replaced by a grim expression. Ivana really is eager to destroy me, Isabella thought bitterly. Despite being sisters, Ivana seemed hell-bent on ruining her.
11:46 AM
Chapter 18 (Continued)
She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh, realizing her hopes for a better relationship had always been misplaced. But that was fine. She was curious to see Ivana’s next move. If Ivana wanted a spectacle, Isabella would give her one.
The once luxurious Cox residence was now littered with debris, a chaotic mess. As Isabella stepped into the villa, she didn’t know where to place her feet. One glance showed her how terrifying Xavier’s episode must have been. Nearly everything that could be smashed had been destroyed. Even the wall behind the sofa bore faint dents and traces of blood, indicating Xavier had punched it.
Isabella furrowed her brows in concern. Hearing the commotion, Connor rushed down the stairs, slightly out of breath, saying, “Ms. Stout, upstairs, please.”
Isabella took one last look around before following Connor to Xavier’s bedroom. The situation upstairs was no better. The room showed signs of destruction.
Isabella stepped inside cautiously. Darryl and Xavier’s mother, Ingrid, stood anxiously by the bed, their faces full of…
Xavier was strapped to the bed, his hair and clothes soaked with sweat, his entire body drenched. His bloodshot eyes glared at Isabella intensely; he made muffled sounds, but something in his mouth prevented her from understanding.
Frowning, Isabella moved toward Xavier to examine him. Ingrid blocked her path, glaring furiously. “Didn’t you say this wouldn’t happen again? Why is my son like this?!”
Darryl’s expression shifted; he stepped forward, gently grabbing Ingrid’s arm. “Honey, stop it. Let Dr. Lovett take a look.”
Tears streaked Ingrid’s furious face. She pulled away from Darryl and cried, “What kind of doctor is she? She clearly doesn’t know what she’s doing.”
Isabella’s brow tightened. She didn’t understand why Xavier’s condition had worsened. She needed to check him, but Ingrid wouldn’t let her. Ingrid wouldn’t back down. Her hands trembled as she pointed at Isabella, yelling at Darryl, “This woman just wants to scam us for money! How could a young girl like her know anything about medicine?!”
Isabella glanced at Xavier, who was still thrashing. Her expression darkened. If they delayed, his blood vessels could suffer severe damage. Her gaze fixed on Ingrid, and in a commanding tone, she ordered, “Move aside!”
She stepped forward, but Darryl was quicker, pulling Ingrid away and scolding her, “Stop this nonsense! We don’t have time for this, get out!”
Ingrid stumbled back. Though he doubted Isabella’s skills, the gravity of the situation left him no choice but to trust her. Xavier’s condition couldn’t be left untreated. Ingrid, though still cursing, could do nothing as Darryl restrained her. Isabella, ignoring the others, swiftly approached Xavier’s bedside, pulling out the silver needle she always carried.
She found the right acupuncture points and deftly inserted the needles, her movements quick and precise. As she worked, she asked sternly, “Did you completely disregard everything I emphasized before?”