Chapter 11

After meticulously editing her post, Amelia shared it across all her social media platforms. Satisfied, she leaned back, watching the adulatory comments pour in. People were practically fawning over her glamorous life.

Just then, a maid announced Caius and the others' return. Amelia quickly pocketed her phone and hurried downstairs.

Rosy approached Caius immediately. "How did it go, honey? Weren't you meeting Chris Jovian today?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Caius's face was thunderous. "Don't even get me started," he grumbled. "Jovian completely betrayed us. He not only refused to discuss business but slammed the door in our faces and declared us enemies! I have no idea what provoked such a drastic reaction."

Rosy was equally shocked. Her brow furrowed, her mind racing, but then her eyes lit up. "This doesn't make sense. Chris Jovian turning on us so suddenly… There must be someone manipulating things behind the scenes."

Her words caught the attention of Caius and Lucian, who were already seething.

"But who would have that kind of influence over Oceania Group?" Caius doubted.

"Whoever it is, they won't get away with it!" Lucian growled. "I'll make them pay."

Rosy's worry was evident. "What are we going to do now?" she asked, realizing the Clyde family was in serious trouble. "So many companies have withdrawn their support."

Caius considered this. "Let's focus on what we can control. We still have the Swanson family's support," he said firmly. "With Amelia's engagement to Liam Swanson, we can stabilize our situation. Their backing would be invaluable."

A flicker of hope appeared on everyone's faces. Overhearing the conversation, Amelia felt a surge of smug satisfaction. She'd heard Liam Swanson called "Liam the Looker"—handsome, refined, and worlds apart from any Galvez man.

Well, Isabel can stay with that invalid if she wants, Amelia thought, but I'm marrying a perfect gentleman and rubbing my happiness in the Galvez family's face.

"Alright, then," Caius instructed. "Call the Swansons and arrange a meal. It's time for Amelia and their son to get acquainted, isn't it?"

As soon as she returned home, Isabel carefully unpacked the items she'd brought back.

"Isabel, what's all that?" Hannah asked, approaching her.

Isabel smiled, continuing to adjust a machine. "Mom, this is a rehabilitation machine. I got it from the hospital today. I've applied medicine to Dad, but he needs this to help him recover faster."

Hannah leaned closer, eyeing the machine with curiosity and concern. It looked complex and expensive. "Isabel, this must have cost a lot, huh?"

Isabel shook her head reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mom. It's second-hand. A classmate, knowing our situation, sponsored it for me. I got it for free."

Hannah's shoulders relaxed, and she sighed in relief. "Well, that's good to hear. Your friend sounds like a real angel. You should—"

She babbled on, helping assemble the machine, her hands fumbling slightly with the parts.

"Alright, let's get Dad up now," Isabel said, excitement brightening her face.

Hannah's eyes sparkled as she hurried to assist. "I can't believe this! He's really going to stand up again!"

They moved to Samuel, helping him into position. Isabel strapped him into the machine, ensuring everything was secure.

11:20 AM

"Dad, your hands are moving now. You just need to use this machine and slowly work your legs," Isabel said cheerfully. "It won't take a ton of effort. As long as you practice a little each day, you'll be back on your feet in no time!"

Samuel gripped the machine, his legs trembling as he slowly moved them. The progress was painstakingly slow, each movement a Herculean effort.

"Dad, it's going to be tough at first, but it'll get easier. Just stick with it," Isabel encouraged, watching him closely.

"Alright," Samuel gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. "My daughter's so dedicated. I'll push through for you."

Hannah hovered nearby, carefully attending to Samuel as he practiced walking.

"By the way, Isabel," Hannah asked, "the young master from the Yates family is okay, right? Didn't you take him to the hospital for surgery?"

"He's fine," Isabel replied confidently. "The surgery went really well."

"Isabel, you're amazing!" Hannah beamed, pride evident in her eyes.

Before they could fully celebrate, a loud knock interrupted them. Big Bill, their neighbor, burst in, his face panicked. "Hannah! There's trouble. Something happened."

Isabel and Hannah rushed to the door. "Big Bill, what is it?"

"It's Alex. He's been arrested," Big Bill panted.

"What? How did that happen? What's going on?" Hannah gasped, alarmed.

"Tommy from the construction site accused Alex of stealing materials and trying to sell them. They got into a fight," Big Bill explained breathlessly. "You know how strong Alex is—he knocked Tommy out cold. Tommy's in the hospital now, and the police found the stolen goods at Alex's place. They arrested him on the spot!"

Hannah staggered back, her face paling. "Oh no, my dear son…" She gasped for breath. "Mom, don't worry. I'll handle this," Isabel said quickly, stepping forward to support her.

"You? How are you going to fix this?" Hannah shook her head in disbelief.

Isabel met her gaze with firm determination. "Don't worry. I'll get Alex out. I'm going to the station to find out what happened and see him. Just trust me!"

She quickly left for the station. Hannah watched her go, a strange calm settling over her. "My daughter Isabel is so confident," she thought. "For the first time, I feel like someone in the family is taking charge."

At the police station, Isabel listened intently to the officers' explanation before visiting Alex.

Alex grinned when he saw her. "Hey, Isabel, it's so good to see you! I knocked those guys out myself!"

"Alex, as long as you're okay…" Isabel smiled. "So what exactly happened?"

Alex's smile faded. He looked down, uncomfortable. "It was Tommy. He accused me of stealing, but I didn't take anything. They were bullying me, so I had to fight back."

He lowered his gaze, a guilty look on his face. "Sorry, Isabel. It's my fault. I think I messed things up again…"

Isabel smiled softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Alex, you didn't do anything wrong. I'll take care of this. You'll be out soon."

Leaving the station, Isabel had Big Bill lead her to the construction site.

"Isabel, your brother's been wronged. He would never steal anything!" Big Bill insisted.

"I know. I believe Alex. There's no way he could pull something like that off," Isabel said matter-of-factly.

Big Bill nodded, realizing she had a point. "Yeah, I guess you're right. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed—he's simple, straightforward, and completely honest. He probably didn't even realize those materials could be sold for money."

"Exactly. That's why some people take advantage of him," Isabel said thoughtfully. "Now take me to his place!"

Alex had a temporary dorm room on the site. Reaching his room, Isabel immediately searched under his bed. She pulled out various items, but the stolen goods were gone.

Isabel's eyes narrowed. Looks like they've already taken the stolen stuff, she muttered, stepping outside to survey the dorms. "Don't they have any cameras around here?"