Chapter 108

Rosy’s heart was filled with fear and hesitation; she shrank back. Jubel stepped closer, looking into her eyes. “You never treated me like your own daughter. Don’t think I don’t know about your plans to dismember me.”

“I didn’t do anything! You’re just paranoid, afraid I’ll claim the family fortune. It’s your narrow-mindedness. In my past life, I was deceived; in this life, I seek revenge.”

“That’s right. The Clyde family’s downfall is my doing—because you brought it upon yourselves. Rosy, you heartless woman, you venomous snake! You only show kindness to your own child. This is karma!” Isabel’s calm words rang sharp and resonant.

A chill ran down Rosy’s spine. “I don’t understand,” she stammered, shaking her head in fear. She had indeed planned to dismember Isabel, but the plan was never carried out. She was confused about Isabel’s mention of a past life, dismissing it as nonsense.

Isabel coldly glanced at Rosy and walked away. Seraphina approached. “Old woman, I forgot to tell you something. Do you know who the real boss behind Elysian Hospital is?”

Rosy had no idea.

Seraphina sneered. “The boss isn’t our family; it’s Jubel. Our family only holds twenty percent of the shares. The rest—eighty percent—belongs to Jubel. You treated her so badly and still expect our hospital to save you? You must be dreaming!”

Rosy was incredulous. That little brat? How could she be related to Elysian Hospital? I always heard it was privately owned by the Flynn family. How did it become Jubel’s?

Unbeknownst to Rosy, years ago, John had wanted to reward Isabel for helping him find Seraphina. Isabel refused the money, so John invested in a hospital and gave her eighty percent of the shares; the Flynn family were merely figureheads. The hospital grew into the renowned Elysian Hospital it is today. Seraphina only learned this later from John.

“Isabel, you finally got your revenge. You must feel relieved,” Seraphina said, linking her arm with Isabel’s. “I bet the Clyde family regrets abandoning and mistreating you.”

“I didn’t expect she’d come begging,” Isabel replied.

“I heard Caius has heart disease and is partially paralyzed,” Seraphina said. “If he were brought to our hospital, you could cure him. But they brought this on themselves. People like them don’t deserve to be saved.”

They headed upstairs, discussing John’s condition. Seraphina felt relieved knowing her father was okay.

“You see, ever since you arrived, Dad’s condition has improved a lot. It seems he likes you. When you were gone, he constantly talked about how smart you were, saying I couldn’t compare to even one of your fingers. He told me to learn from you,” Seraphina teased.

“Your dad is just saying that to motivate you,” Isabel smiled.

Seraphina, intelligent and innocent, enjoyed fun and was reluctant to inherit the family business because John spoiled her.

“Speaking of childhood,” Seraphina said, putting her arm around Isabel, “I remember being kidnapped. Thank goodness I met you. Even though we were the same age, when I couldn’t walk, you carried me. We’ve had a bond since we were little.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Blake asked, entering the room.

“You brought your fiancé to meet my dad. Is there something big coming up?” Seraphina asked Isabel.

“Nonsense! You should go check on Mr. Flynn. We’re leaving,” Jubel said, removing Seraphina’s arm. Seraphina paused but didn’t disturb them further.

When Isabel and Blake left the hospital, Isabel curiously asked, “What did John talk to you about for so long?”

“Nothing much. Just to treat you well and not bully you,” Blake replied.

Just as I guessed, Isabel thought, John cares not only about Seraphina but also about me. He’s more concerned than my adoptive parents.

Blake suddenly took Isabel’s hand. “Isabel, I promised John I’d take care of you for life. You can rely on me.”

Isabel felt awkward. “Don’t be like that. His words are just words. I’m not that fragile.”

“You’re just pretending to be strong. You don’t want others to see your vulnerable side. I promised John, and I promised myself. I’ll protect you,” Blake said, leading her forward, still holding her hand. Isabel’s cold heart was suddenly touched.

After leaving the hospital, Blake had to go to the company. As he left, he held Isabel’s hand, reluctant to let go. “If only I didn’t have to go back. I really miss the days with your family, when I could be with you all the time,” he said, rubbing her hand.

But Blake had to return to his family; even if he didn’t, his father wouldn’t allow it.

“Alright, enough! What will people think?” Isabel said, pulling her hand away.

Blake smiled, teasing, “You’re blushing.”

Jubel turned and got into the car. Blake had Richard drive her home. Richard was used to Blake’s clinging to Isabel; Blake was beyond saving face, love-blinded.

Back home, Isabel found Alex dejected.

“Alex, what’s wrong?” Jubel asked.

Hannah explained, “He got dumped.”

“Did he break up with Cora?” Isabel asked. Weren’t they doing well? According to Hannah, Alex always sits at home, grinning foolishly at his phone, chatting with Cora, immersed in their sweet love. How can he suddenly be dumped?

Hannah sighed. “He won’t even tell us what happened. I thought we’d soon have a grandchild. Cora was a good girl and didn’t mind Alex’s condition. Who knew they’d break up?”

“Mom, don’t worry, I’ll ask him,” Isabel said. She approached Alex and gently asked, “Alex, tell me what happened.”

Alex looked up, his eyes red and swollen. “Isabel, I got dumped. Cora doesn’t want to be with me anymore.”

“Why? There must be a reason, right?” Isabel asked.