Chapter 34

Isabella’s heart sank as she realized the truth about her father. The Lane family was clearly a dysfunctional mess, yet he saw it as paradise.

She slowly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again. A cold, mocking smile played on her lips. “You can keep your so-called life of luxury,” she said, turning on her heel and heading for the exit.

Molly and Ivana panicked, exchanging worried glances before hurrying toward Isabella.

Molly shouted anxiously, “Isabella, Father is doing this for your own good!” She thought, If she leaves, our plan will fail. It will be much harder to lure her back later.

Ivana sprinted ahead, blocking Isabella’s path. “Cameron knows you,” she said. “Dad showed him your photo, and he’s interested. He said he’ll spoil you rotten. Just agree to it.”

Ivana gritted her teeth. She couldn't let Isabella leave. If Isabella married Cameron and contracted a venereal disease, Jayden would forever be out of her reach. The thought of Jayden still having feelings for Isabella enraged her.

“Let go,” Isabella said, standing her ground but not pushing Ivana away. She wanted to be civil, but Ivana stubbornly shook her head. “No way! I won’t let you waste your life! This is a great match! The Lanes are far richer than we are. Becoming Mrs. Lane means a life of luxury!”

Isabella’s expression grew colder. “If you like that life so much, you should take it yourself.”

Hudson’s temper flared. “Isabella, you don’t get to decide this! Don’t be ungrateful!”

Isabella froze.

Ivana, fearing another blow, quickly released her grip but remained worried.

Isabella turned to Hudson, her hands clenching into fists. “Let’s see how you’re going to stop me!” She wanted to see just how heartless he could be. Memories of their time together flickered in her mind, then shattered.

Seething with anger, Hudson nodded repeatedly and pointed at Isabella. “You’ve got some guts!” he bellowed. “Guards!”

Six bodyguards, clad in black, instantly rushed in, standing at attention by the door, blocking Isabella’s escape.

Isabella scanned them, her gaze finally settling on Hudson and Molly. “What a perfect way to treat your daughter,” she said with a bitter laugh.

Disappointment washed over her, fueling her anger. How could I be this desperate? she thought. My own father is throwing me into a fire pit, and now he's using bodyguards. For years I've lived worse than a stray animal. Why did I come back? Hudson never cared about me. Why should I care about him? He never loved my mother, and he certainly doesn't love me.

Isabella radiated fierce determination.

Molly looked at Isabella with worry, trying to console her. “Isabella, your dad doesn’t want this either. If you obey, they won’t hurt you.” But the thrill in her eyes betrayed her true feelings. Let’s see how arrogant you are after this! she thought.

Hudson, believing Isabella was intimidated, cleared his throat. “As long as you just listen…” His gaze fell on Isabella, his chin lifted arrogantly. He was sure she’d back down. He’d specifically hired well-trained bodyguards for this.

Chapter Di (presumably should be 35)

Before he could finish, Isabella ignored him and started to walk out.

Hudson and the others were taken aback. They shouted, “Isabella!”

Hudson’s voice grew harsher. “Isabella, stop!”

Isabella didn’t react, her pace steady.

Grinding his teeth, Hudson barked, “Stop her!”

The bodyguards sprang into action, but Isabella swiftly raised her leg and kicked one squarely in the face.

Her speed stunned everyone. The bodyguard stumbled back, covering his face.

A moment of stunned silence followed.

Isabella coldly surveyed the remaining bodyguards. “It’s been a few years since I last fought; I guess my arms and legs are still in working order.”

Thanks to her mother's self-defense training, Isabella knew how to fight. Ironically, Hudson had set the trap, and now she had to defend herself against him.

Seeing their colleague fall, the remaining bodyguards charged, aiming blows at her head.

But Isabella was lightning-quick. She dodged their attacks and executed a low kick, sending them reeling.

The bodyguards cried out, clutching their legs.

Isabella seized the chance, landing a powerful punch. The Stout residence erupted in chaos.

Isabella’s fighting skills shocked Hudson, Molly, and Ivana. How could she fight?! I planned everything, but missed this detail. If I had known, I would have brought more people, Hudson thought.

As Isabella stood her ground, Hudson instinctively stepped back, Molly tugging at his arm. “Why didn’t you mention she knows how to fight?” she whispered.

He glared at her, frustration etched on his face. “How would I know?!”

It had been Isabella's late mother who trained her; Hudson had never paid attention. That woman actually taught her fighting skills! he thought angrily.

Ivana watched, swallowing hard. This was terrifying. She remembered Isabella’s earlier attack—if Isabella had been more ruthless, it would have been worse. Rubbing her sore back, she shivered. But something’s off; I’ve never seen Isabella fight. Why is she becoming more mysterious?

Ivana clenched her fists. No, Isabella must marry Cameron! Then, no matter how strong she becomes, Jayden won't look at her.

Hudson’s face was grim as he bellowed at the bodyguards, “What are you doing? Can’t you handle one person?!”