Chapter 35

A group of men found themselves utterly powerless against Isabella. Hudson felt a surge of anger, but fear kept him rooted to the spot; he was terrified Isabella would attack him.

With a swift kick, Isabella sent a bodyguard crashing to the ground, howling in pain. The bodyguard couldn't even react to Hudson's furious shout. Why would anyone challenge Isabella? the bodyguard thought. And why doesn't Hudson do it himself?

The others stood frozen, their earlier confidence evaporating as they remembered the sharp pain of her kick.

Hudson's face darkened. He had to restrain Isabella; if she left, retrieving her would be nearly impossible. Gritting his teeth, he barked, "Grab her! I'll double your pay!"

Isabella's heart turned cold. A tremor ran through her as she glanced back at him, recognizing the desperation in his tactics. Clenching her fists, she replied icily, "Do your worst!"

Lured by the promise of double pay, the bodyguards charged. They attacked with renewed aggression, punching and kicking from all directions. Despite her agility, six men proved too much; she took several hits.

The more pain she felt, the colder her gaze became. A dark aura enveloped her, chilling everyone. This pain was a reminder of Hudson's actions, and she would never forget.

With a sudden, swift flip—a blur of motion—she left behind a series of afterimages. Moments later, all six bodyguards lay sprawled on the ground, crying out in terror.

Hudson, Molly, and Ivana stood stunned. How could Isabella be so strong? Hudson thought. These men are professional fighters, and yet… It's infuriating! I've invested so much in such useless people!

Isabella exuded menace. With a blazing glare, she locked eyes with Hudson and declared, "From now on, we're no longer father and daughter. Your condition has nothing to do with me." This had to end today.

Hudson swallowed hard, fear washing over him at her fierce, unfamiliar gaze. She was no longer the daughter he knew. Instinctively, he took two steps back.

Molly suppressed her panic, thinking, She can't leave! What about the marriage alliance with the Lane family? She knew how heartless Hudson could be. If Isabella wasn't stopped, he'd surely target Ivana. She wouldn't allow that.

Approaching Isabella, Molly tried to reason with her. "Isabella, you might be misunderstanding. Cameron isn't who you think; he's been slandered. When you meet him, you'll see. And how could your father ever want to harm you? You just need to…"

Isabella's piercing gaze silenced Molly. She couldn't finish her sentence.

Isabella's cold stare swept over the three before she turned and left without looking back, leaving an awkward silence.

Ivana felt a surge of panic. If Isabella didn't marry Cameron, Jayden would remain fixated on her. She needed a plan.

Hiding her panic, Ivana looked at Hudson, worry etched on her face. "Dad, what do we do? Isabella's skills are incredible… A few bodyguards were no match for her. This is a mess."

Molly echoed Ivana's concern. "Right, if she refuses, our cooperation with the Lane family could fall apart." Remembering Isabella's earlier look, a chill ran down her spine. That little brat is getting too powerful. We have to ruin her life. If she gets too strong, it will be a disaster, Molly thought.

Molly understood Hudson's priorities: family interests came first. To emphasize this, she added, "Cameron is seriously infatuated with Isabella." It had to be Isabella.

Hudson's expression darkened. He gazed in Isabella's direction and scoffed. "We'll send her to Cameron's bed even if we have to tie her up!" He couldn't allow her to ruin their partnership with the Lane family.

Ivana and Molly exchanged sly smiles. Isabella, do you really think you can run forever? Dream on, they thought.

In the Howerton Group's towering office building, the top floor buzzed with activity. Secretaries hurried past, immersed in their work. The CEO's office was sleek and minimalist, featuring a grey carpet, elegant black leather sofas, and a matching coffee table—an aesthetic exuding sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked downtown Draxenport.

Samuel sat at his desk, reviewing documents with a serious expression. His icy demeanor caused secretaries to slow their steps as they passed.

A light knock. Samuel's voice was cold. "Come in."

Perry bowed slightly. "Mr. Howerton, Mrs. Howerton returned to the Stout residence today."

Samuel's gaze fixed on Perry.

Perry continued, "Her father brought six bodyguards and tried to force her to stay."

The atmosphere plummeted. Samuel's intense stare made Perry shudder.

"They plan to force her marriage to Cameron Lane. Mrs. Howerton resisted, and things turned violent," Perry added.

Samuel's pen snapped.

A chill ran down Perry's spine. Mr. Howerton is furious! Does Hudson really want to gamble with his life? His daughter is Mrs. Howerton now; no one can touch her, Perry thought.

Samuel's gaze remained fixed on a distant point. "I've heard the Stout family is eyeing the Lane family's land."