Chapter 12

“Yeah, there’s some footage, but the manager says it’s all messed up. No one can prove Alex is innocent,” Big Bill nodded.

“This afternoon?” Isabel asked, her eyes scanning the area.

“Got it. I’ll dig into it. Big Bill, can you tell the manager to set up a meeting this afternoon?”

“Sure thing,” Big Bill said, leaving.

Isabel wandered, feigning casualness but remaining vigilant. She hacked into the camera footage. As expected, the cameras had been sabotaged. “No surprise there,” she muttered. A few keystrokes later, the screen flashed: Repair Complete.

Just then, her phone buzzed. The hospital: Blake was awake.

It was early afternoon, so Isabel visited Blake. She strolled into his room with a knowing smirk. “How are you feeling?” she asked, glancing at the awake, propped-up Blake.

Blake grinned. “A whole lot better than before,” he said. Before, he’d felt deathly ill; now, he felt alive.

“By the way, since you needed surgery, I had to shave your head,” Isabel said, eyeing his bald scalp with a mischievous grin.

Blake shrugged. “I don’t care.” He hadn’t worried about his looks in ages. He’d had bigger problems—like the lice he’d had before Isabel started caring for him. Since then, he felt clean, well-fed, and much better overall.

“Seriously, though, you’re kind of cute with the bald look. But you’ve lost weight,” Isabel teased. “Once the surgery and rehab are over, you’ll be good as new.”

Blake gave her a deadpan look. “You’re trying to be sweet, huh? Well, I’ll take it.” He pondered this unexpected kindness. He was used to being seen as a burden. ‘She’s really something special,’ he thought.

“By the way, there’s something else. Your kidneys aren’t looking too good,” Isabel pointed out, glancing at the report.

Blake blinked. “What?”

“I found traces of sleeping pills in your blood work. Have you been taking them? It looks like it’s been going on for a while,” Isabel said, her voice calm but concerned.

Blake frowned. “I don’t know. I never took them myself, but when my maid was looking after me, I just kept feeling sleepy all the time.”

Isabel’s frown deepened. “I knew it. She must’ve been sneaking pills into your food or drink.”

“You sure?” Blake’s face darkened, his hands clenching into fists. “What kind of twisted person does that?!” he thought.

Isabel nodded seriously. “She drugged you. If you’d continued, your kidneys would’ve failed. It could’ve killed you.”

A rare crack appeared in Blake’s tough demeanor. “Can it be cured?”

Isabel smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. You’ve only been on them for about a year. Your kidneys aren’t completely damaged. Once your body heals, I’ll get you some meds to help. You’ll be fine.”

Blake sighed, relieved. “Thanks! No wonder I kept feeling like my chest was about to explode. Guess someone’s been messing with me.”

“Chest pains?” Isabel raised an eyebrow, examining his report more closely. “What’s with the face?”

Isabel’s expression turned serious. “Let me take a look. I need a blood sample.”

Blake took a deep breath and extended his arm. He had no idea what she’d find, but he let her handle it. Isabel pricked his finger. “I’ve got things to deal with this afternoon. Stick around; they’ll keep an eye on you. After a couple of days, I’ll bring you home.”

Blake smiled. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Isabel nodded faintly, noticing Blake's gentler demeanor recently.

Leaving the hospital, Isabel planned to meet the construction manager, but Roy and Jack insisted on accompanying her.

“Isabel, Big Bill said the other side has big players backing them, like Mr. Wales. We don’t feel comfortable letting you go alone,” Roy said.

“Yeah, we’ve got your back, but we need to stick together,” Jack added.

Isabel half-smiled. “I can handle myself. You guys stay home.”

“We’re family,” Hannah also chimed in, worried.

Isabel sighed. “Fine, fine. I’ll let you tag along,” she said, feeling a sense of satisfaction. ‘Maybe this is what’s called family?’ she thought.

They arrived at Sunpeak Construction shortly after. The guards waved them through.

“Mr. Wales is expecting you,” the guards said.

Jack and Roy exchanged nervous glances. They followed Isabel into a high-end conference room guarded by bodyguards.

Roy grabbed Jack’s arm, anxiety palpable. Jack tried to appear calm, but his stomach was in knots. Isabel, however, seemed utterly composed.

A man in his early thirties sat at the head of the table: Mr. Wales.

“So, you’re Alex’s family?” Mr. Wales asked, eyeing them with lazy interest.

“Yeah, Alex is our brother,” Jack replied.

Mr. Wales smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Well, well. A family reunion. This should be fun. Who’s in charge?” He chuckled, enjoying his power.

Jack stepped forward, but Isabel held him back, turning to Mr. Wales with a cool smile. “Actually,” she said, “I’m in charge.”

Mr. Wales blinked. “Really? I thought you were just some girl, but…” He paused, his eyes narrowing in surprise. He sensed her rage, but didn't perceive her as dangerous because of it.