Chapter 15

Amelia didn't miss a beat. Arching an eyebrow, she stepped closer. "Who are you talking to?"

Isabel shrugged. "Whoever's insulting me? You're all..."

"You're just jealous because you can't enjoy a life like mine. You're pathetic, Isabel!" Amelia snapped. "You're throwing curses at fake things, but I'm the real deal. You don't deserve to be with Mr. Swanson!"

Isabel smirked. Does Amelia really think Liam's some kind of prize? she thought.

Liam glanced at the takeout bag in Isabel's hand, his eyes sharp. "Oh, I get it now. You came here to beg for food, huh? Your family's broke, so you're here picking up scraps?" His laughter echoed through the room.

Amelia smiled smugly, her chin tilted up. "Lucky for me. Otherwise, it would've been me stuck with the crumbs." Isabel rolled her eyes, unfazed. "Stay in your lane, Liam Swanson," she said flatly, lightly shoving him with her shoulder as she brushed past. Liam sneered, watching her go. "Isabel Galvez, if you keep going against me, I swear your whole family's gonna be in for a rough ride!"

Isabel's heart flipped, but she didn't glance back, continuing her walk.

Outside, she called Chris Jovian.

"Hey, boss," Chris answered immediately. "What's up?"

"Give me a hand, Chris," Isabel instructed. "I need you to find out if Mr. Wales from Sunpeak Construction has any ties to Liam Swanson."

"Got it. I'll handle it," Chris replied before hanging up.

Isabel's fingers tightened around the phone as Liam's threat echoed in her head. Something felt off. She suspected Alex's involvement. There was more to this—especially with Tommy's recent behavior.

Meanwhile, the Clydes and Swansons finished dinner, Liam and Amelia having just returned.

"Where'd you two run off to?" Rosy asked.

Amelia lowered her eyes. "Mom, I was just chatting with Mr. Swanson outside."

Rosy smirked, leaning forward. "Good! You two need to get closer, and we'll plan the wedding!"

Mrs. Swanson, however, shot them both a cool, calculating glance.

They finished the meal, exchanging polite goodbyes. As the Clydes got into the car, Rosy slammed the door, her temper flaring.

"What do the Swansons think they're doing?" she complained. "Especially Mrs. Swanson, acting like she's the queen of everything. They begged us to set up this match, and now they're throwing shade regarding the wedding plans? Ridiculous."

Calus leaned back, rubbing his temples. "They probably think we're weak since we don't have Oceania Group backing us anymore. That's why they're being so cold. But that marriage contract? They begged for it. They can't back out now."

Rosy threw him a quick, heated glance. "True. And they'd better not try. No one messes with the Clydes."

Her eyes narrowed as she turned to Amelia. "Amelia, you need to move fast. Get close to Liam. Once you've got him, Mrs. Swanson won't have any excuses. And if they dare back out, I'll make sure they're nothing but dust on the sidewalk. I'll destroy their name in Ardenfall."

Amelia sat quietly, murmuring, "Got it, Mom. I'll make it happen."

She clenched her fists. Liam is mine, she thought. Isabel is just an obstacle. She wouldn't let that "fake heir" get in the way of her future.

Back in the Swansons' car, Marvin Swanson glanced sharply at Liam.

"You've been out a while. Where'd you go?" he asked.

"I was just getting some air," Liam said casually.

"You think so?" Mrs. Swanson raised an eyebrow. "I know exactly what you were doing. A girl like Amelia—coming from the sticks, no class, and she's been sleeping around since we met. She's not worth your time. Same goes for her family. Too bad Isabel was a fake princess, or she might actually make a decent daughter-in-law."

Liam didn't expect this. He grumbled, "Mom, this whole thing with the Clydes was rushed. We never expected the whole 'fake princess' mess. Now we're stuck with Amelia, who's totally useless."

Mrs. Swanson snorted. "Don't remind me. I only agreed to this marriage because of Oceania Group. The Clydes were big-time with them. If we'd gone through with the marriage, it would've been a win for us. But then Oceania dropped them, and we're stuck holding the bag."

Liam frowned. "Why didn't you just cancel the engagement then?"

"No, we need to play it cool. What if Oceania Group comes back to the Clydes? We can't rush things," Mrs. Swanson said, her eyes glinting with cold calculation.

"Smart as always, Mom," Liam said, trying to flatter her.

Mrs. Swanson smacked him lightly. "Stop being lazy, Liam. Get to work. Less talking, more doing."

Meanwhile, Isabel arrived at Elysian Hospital with the takeout. Meeting Blake in his room, she opened the box and began feeding him. She was careful, ensuring he didn't choke, and quickly fetched water. Blake couldn't help but feel something stirring inside as he watched her.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Isabel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, just...no one's ever been this nice to me," Blake answered. "You saved me. Is it just because I'm your fiancé?"

Isabel shrugged. "Yes and no. Don't overthink it. By the way, I reviewed your blood report earlier," she added. "There's still another poison in your system. It's something you won't catch in normal blood tests. It's a toxin that'll slowly paralyze you. You won't even feel it, but it'll start messing with your nerves. Your muscles will go stiff, and eventually, you won't be able to feel anything at all. Years down the line, it'll cripple you; you'll still be weak, unable to move."

Watching Blake close his eyes in shock, Isabel continued. "If I heal you without clearing it, it's useless. You'll still be weak. Whoever did this to you, they really meant business."

Blake was silent, his chest tight. After a long pause, he opened his eyes. His voice was calm. "Can it be cured?"

"Yeah. Leave it to me," Isabel gave him a confident look. "If there's a way, I'll find it. Just give me time."

"Thank you," Blake said softly, his gaze steady.

Isabel was his angel. The thought lingered, a quiet whisper in the chaos. He couldn't believe he'd met someone so incredible.

If I survive this, he vowed silently, I'll do everything I can to protect her. No matter what it takes.