Chapter 9

Isabella withdrew her gaze from Ivana and turned to Darryl. Her voice was soft and composed. "She's my half-sister," she replied, slightly emphasizing "half-sister." Darryl's expression shifted, and he instantly understood.

Isabella offered a gentle smile, her tone filled with mild apology. "I'm sorry. My sister is young and a bit mischievous. I hope you can overlook it." She carried herself with grace, playing the part of the considerate older sister.

Ivana's fists clenched. 'Young and mischievous? How dare she!' she thought furiously. 'Who does Isabella think she is to talk about me like that?'

Despite her seething rage, Ivana maintained a facade of concern, speaking as if for Isabella's own good. "Isabella, stop this nonsense. We grew up together—I know you don't know anything about medicine. How can you deceive Mr. Cox like this?"

Ivana's hands clenched tighter, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She felt utterly trapped, unable to vent her anger, which only intensified her feeling of suffocation. 'I'm going to lose my mind!' she thought. 'One day, I'll make sure Isabella is utterly ruined!'

Darryl's eyes flickered with doubt as he turned to Isabella. 'Does she… does she even know anything about medicine?'

Isabella, unbothered by the growing tension, smiled faintly. "Some things are difficult to explain right now. Xavier's health is the priority. Let's go in and check on him first."

Jayden's brows furrowed, his eyes fixed on Isabella. He couldn't believe it. "Why does she suddenly seem so poised and composed, speaking with such grace and confidence? It's as if she had really changed."

Ivana's knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists harder. Seeing Jayden look at Isabella with newfound admiration only fueled her jealousy and resentment. 'That wretch! She's doing all of this to seduce Jayden!'

Ivana stepped forward, standing before Isabella. Her voice softened, as if pleading. "Isabella, for Dad's sake, and for Jayden, please just go home."

She reached out to grab Isabella, but Isabella stepped back, leaving her hand outstretched.

Jayden gazed at Isabella and let out a soft sigh. Lowering his voice, he said, "Bella, stop this." His tone carried a hint of affection.

Isabella's eyes darkened. 'Does he still think I'm playing hard to get, trying to win him back with some elaborate scheme?' It seemed the confidence Jayden now possessed was built on the years she spent chasing him. 'That's on me,' she thought.

George's expression grew colder. "Is this ever going to end?" he muttered, clearly irritated. He had been holding back out of respect for Isabella, but their actions were pushing his limits.

Darryl, still harboring doubts, noted George's growing impatience. Finally, with a sigh of resignation, he decided, "Fine! Let's treat this like a last-ditch effort. I have to trust George."

Suppressing her disgust, Isabella ignored Jayden and Ivana, turning her attention to Darryl. "Mr. Cox, can we go in now?"

Darryl's eyes flickered, but he quickly stepped aside with a smile. "Of course, this way, please."

However, just as Isabella was about to enter the room, Jayden's tall figure blocked her path. His gaze bore into hers, intense and unreadable. Ivana rushed forward, her face filled with concern, trying to stop Isabella. "Isabella, are you out of your mind?"

Their actions caused Darryl's face to darken instantly. His tone dropped, filled with authority. "Jayden, I really appreciate your help, but the matters of the Cox family are no longer your concern!"

Darryl shot Connor a glance. Connor swiftly stepped in front of Jayden and Ivana, his voice firm yet polite. "Please, both of you, leave now."

Jayden's eyes remained locked on Isabella, silently pleading with her to make the "right" choice. But Isabella didn't even spare him a glance. Without hesitation, she walked toward the hospital room.

Ivana, in a fit of frustration, tried to follow, but Connor blocked her path. They were forced to watch helplessly as Isabella disappeared into the room.

Chapter 9 (continued)

Ivana, fuming, stamped her foot but knew she was powerless. She turned to Jayden in desperation. "Jayden, are we just going to let her go in? What if she messes up? If something happens to Xavier, it's not just you—it could drag my father into it, too!"

In her eyes, the Cox family's power was overwhelming. If anything were to happen to their heir, not only the Stout family but also the Logue family could be crushed. 'Isabella is a disaster waiting to happen,' she thought.

Jayden stared at the hospital room door, his expression dark and brooding. "Let's wait and see."

Ivana had no choice but to stand outside, furious and frustrated, her anger simmering.

Soon, the group pushed open the door and entered the room.

It was a high-end VIP suite, with expensive leather sofas and a minimalist, clean design. The window was slightly open, allowing a breeze to lift the white curtains, and a bouquet of soft orange roses sat on the side table, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. If not for the medical equipment near the bed, one could easily mistake it for a home.

On the bed lay a young man receiving an IV. His sharp features and strong jawline, paired with his well-defined eyebrows and cold, deep eyes, gave him an imposing presence. Despite being weakened by illness, his striking looks were undeniable. However, upon seeing the group, his eyes turned cold.

Isabella raised an eyebrow. 'So, the patient has quite the temper,' she thought to herself. 'Handsome, yes—but still not on the same level as Samuel.'

Darryl hurriedly introduced them. "Dr. Lovett, this is my son. Please, take a look at him!"

Before Isabella could respond, Xavier's hoarse voice cut through the air, filled with icy disdain. "Dad, I've told you more than once—don't bring random people in here!"

George's face darkened immediately. He had personally brought Isabella here to treat the Cox family, a great favor, yet Xavier was so rude. Isabella, however, remained impassive.

Darryl, sensing trouble, panicked. His eyes darted nervously between Isabella and George. If she got offended and left, no one would treat Xavier's illness.

He barked, "You little brat! This is the famous Dr. Lovett! If you dare speak like that again, I'll teach you a lesson!"

Xavier's brow furrowed slightly as he glanced at George and Isabella, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Darryl, regaining his composure, forced a smile and turned to Isabella. "Doctor, would you please take a look?"

Isabella, unbothered by the tension, nodded calmly. "You two should step outside. I need to speak with him alone."

Her words made both Darryl and George's expressions change instantly.