Chapter 8

The moment Jayden saw Isabella, his gaze turned cold. She was like a ghost, he thought, one that refused to leave him alone, always haunting him. He mused, "So, the breakup was a lie. She's just found a new way to cling to me."

What irritated him most was her habit of disrupting his important business. She used to be considerate, but now each appearance was more intrusive than the last.

Yet, despite his annoyance, Jayden couldn't deny Isabella's stunning appearance. He hadn't noticed her outfit in the car, but now he saw she wore light makeup and a form-fitting, strapless dress that highlighted her figure.

Ivana, who had been closely watching Jayden, was furious. Moments before, she'd seen the disgust in his eyes when he first spotted Isabella. But now, his gaze held a hint of admiration—the same look he'd given her in sexy lingerie.

Isabella did look more beautiful than ever. Ivana's thoughts spiraled. "Is she here to seduce Jayden again? Hasn't she had enough? They've broken up, yet she's still here. What's wrong with her? And that provocative dress? Shameless!"

However, Ivana didn't recognize the man beside Isabella. Her jealousy instantly shifted to excitement. Isabella had brought another man—to provoke Jayden! Didn't she know how much he despised women involved with other men?

Smirking, Ivana leaned closer to Jayden, hesitating slightly before asking, "Jayden, do you think Isabella is just acting impulsively by being with this man?"

Ivana's excitement grew. Once Jayden saw Isabella's "true colors," he'd be disgusted.

Jayden glanced at the man—George. Tall and confident, he instantly darkened Jayden's mood.

Before Jayden could react, Darryl stepped forward, beaming. "Mr. Sampson, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

George smiled warmly and shook Darryl's hand, noting the slight tremble in Darryl's grip. The usually stern Darryl looked grateful.

Isabella stood quietly beside George, unhurried.

This left Jayden and Ivana exchanging puzzled looks. They didn't know this man, but he clearly commanded a respect from Darryl neither had ever witnessed. Isabella knowing someone like this was even more baffling.

Ivana clenched her fists, jealousy swirling. "How does she keep meeting these remarkable men? Why is she so lucky?"

Darryl, still holding George's hand, glanced behind him expectantly. Only Isabella stood with George, leaving Darryl slightly uneasy.

Darryl cautiously inquired, "Mr. Sampson, has the doctor arrived?"

George glanced at Isabella before turning back to Darryl with a mysterious smile. "Of course, she has." He gestured toward Isabella. "This is her."

Darryl and Connor immediately looked at Isabella. Stunning, refined, and elegant, she didn't look like a renowned doctor.

Dumbfounded, they couldn't believe that Queenie, the highly anticipated doctor, was a young woman. Considering Xavier's critical condition, Darryl questioned Queenie's capabilities.

He quickly glanced at Connor, silently asking if this was George. Connor nodded in confirmation; George's distinctive baby face was widely recognized.

Darryl's gaze flickered with uncertainty, but he took a deep breath. If this was George, anyone he brought must be trustworthy.

Suppressing his doubts, Darryl smiled brightly. "I must be blind not to have realized you were this young. Please, come in!" He stepped aside. "We're truly thankful you could come. My son's life is in your hands!"

Isabella nodded calmly. "No need for thanks. I'll assess the situation first."

She didn't make empty promises, but Darryl declared, "If you're treating him, I'm sure everything will be fine!"

Jayden and Ivana watched, shocked. Isabella, who they believed knew nothing about medicine, was treated with utmost respect. Had Darryl lost his mind?

Too stunned to overthink, Ivana turned to Jayden, worried. "Jayden, could Darryl really be referring to Isabella as the doctor?"

Jayden furrowed his brow, equally confused.

"This is reckless!" Ivana fretted, pacing. "This is life or death! If anything goes wrong, it'll ruin our father, and drag you down too!"

Jayden's expression darkened. Isabella's behavior was outrageous. He'd tolerated her before because she knew what to do, but now she threatened his collaboration with the Cox family. He couldn't let her interfere.

He stepped forward, blocking Darryl and the others. Darryl's expression darkened, but before he could speak, Jayden apologized, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Mr. Cox. She knows nothing about medicine, and she can't treat Xavier."

Darryl was taken aback; Connor looked suspiciously between Isabella and George.

Isabella's gaze turned icy. Encountering Jayden here was either lucky or unfortunate. Seeing him with Ivana caused unexpected bitterness. Even when they were together, they'd hidden their relationship. Now, they didn't care. But she'd suggested the breakup. She'd been blind, wasting time on someone undeserving.

"Let's go inside," Isabella said coolly, ignoring them.

Ivana stepped forward, disappointed. "Sis, this is life or death! How can you be so reckless?"

Hearing Ivana call Isabella "sis" confused Darryl. He hadn't heard about Queenie having a sister.

Ivana glanced at Jayden before speaking in a low, aggrieved voice. "I see now. This is all because of Jayden. You're still upset, and you want to embarrass him. But…"

Her eyes were red, her voice cracked. "No matter how unhappy you are, you can't play with Xavier's life. If something goes wrong, what will Dad do?"

Isabella's gaze fell on Ivana, impatient. Ivana always played the victim, making herself seem pitiful and forgiving. But Isabella wouldn't let her get away with it this time. Before, she would have held back, remembering Ivana was her sister. Now, she realized there was no need for that bond.

Darryl, perplexed, turned to Isabella. "You… Is she…"