Chapter 19

“Mr. Yates, just focus on getting better, okay? Don’t worry about anything else. If you need anything, just let us know. We’re family, after all,” Hamah said with a warm smile.

“Thanks, Mrs. Galvez. Just call me Blake; no need for formalities. Isabel saved my life, and from now on, you’ve got my back, just like family,” Blake said, giving a small nod.

Being at the Galvez family’s house was far better than the hospital. There was a warmth here, a real sense of home. And the best part? He got to see Isabel every day.

A small smile tugged at Blake’s lips.

“Alright then, now that Blake’s back, I’ll cook something extra tasty tonight!” Hannah said, her eyes twinkling.

At that moment, Samuel entered the room, leaning on his rehabilitation device. After weeks of training, he was finally able to walk, though he still needed a bit of support.

“Hannah, what happened when you went to the manor yesterday? Mom called me this morning, and she sounded furious,” he questioned.

Isabel and Hannah had remained silent when they returned the previous day, not wanting to worry him. But clearly, Madam Galvez couldn’t contain herself and had called Samuel, giving him an earful.

“Mom, let me explain,” Isabel said, stepping in. She recounted the entire story.

Samuel’s face darkened as he listened, anger rising. “I can’t believe it. After all these years, she’s still the same. She wants to punish you? Hannah, I’m so sorry you had to deal with this. And Isabel… this is all my fault. I’ve let you both down,” Samuel muttered, his voice thick with regret as his eyes started to water. “The others are living in luxury, and here you two are…”

“It’s fine, Dad. You’re kind-hearted. You don’t fight for things, and that’s why good things will come to you. From now on, we don’t need to care about them anymore!” Isabel reassured him, placing a hand on his arm.

“That’s right. I’ve lived a long time, and for once, I’ve stood up to the Galvez family. Feels good!” Hannah added with a grin, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Just then, Samuel’s phone rang. Hannah answered; it was another call from Madam Galvez.

“It’s from the manor again,” Hannah sighed, handing the phone to Samuel.

Samuel answered. Before he could speak, Madam Galvez’s shrill voice blared through the speaker. “Samuel, you’d better get Hannah and Isabel to apologize, or you’ll regret it! Do you even see me as your mother anymore!”

“Enough!” Samuel’s voice rang out, cutting through the tension. “Isabel did nothing wrong. The one who’s in the wrong here is you. You’ve already lashed out, so don’t bother calling me again.”

He slammed the phone down, immediately blocking her number.

“Good job, Dad. From now on, we need to stand our ground with these people,” Isabel said, offering a reassuring smile.

“You’re right, Isabel,” Samuel nodded, the weight lifting from his shoulders. “It should have been this way all along.”

The next day, the weather was gorgeous. Alex was carrying Blake around the yard, letting him enjoy the fresh air.

Blake glanced up at him, feeling a little awkward. “Alex, really, you’re doing too much.”

Alex grinned, waving it off. “No trouble at all. We’re family. Helping you out means I’m helping Isabel.” He chuckled.

But then, his smile faltered, and he looked down, troubled. “I messed things up, Blake. Big Bill set me up with a job, and I blew it. Now I can’t even get to the construction site,” he mumbled. “All I do is sit around the house, feeling useless. I can only handle the simple chores.”

“Alex, you’re a great guy. You really shouldn’t have said that,” Blake said, offering a warm smile. “The world is full of scheming and backstabbing, but you have a genuinely kind soul.”

Alex’s eyes lit up, and a grin spread across his face. “You mean it?”

“Sure thing,” Blake nodded, happy to see him so cheerful.

“I trust you, Blake,” Alex said with a bright smile. “If you mean it…”

Blake chuckled. Things weren’t perfect, yet he was starting to enjoy it. The clean air, the peaceful views, and the little vegetable garden outside—this place had a cozy, rustic charm.

As the sun dipped lower, Hannah returned from the fields, her brow furrowed. “Alex, has Simon come home yet?” she asked, glancing around.

“Nope, haven’t seen him all day,” Alex answered.

“Simon… his temper’s all over the place. He ran off last night and still hasn’t come back,” Hannah’s voice was full of concern. “It’s Sunday; no one knows where he might have gone. My heart has been twitching all day, like something’s about to go down.”

“Who does he usually hang out with?” Isabel asked, narrowing her eyes.

“I know! He’s tight with Andy from the Lester family. Those two are always together,” Alex said quickly.

“Got it. I’ll check at the Lester’s house. Don’t worry, I’ll find him,” Isabel replied.

“Isabel!” Blake called out suddenly as she reached the door.

Isabel turned, raising an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“Be careful on your way,” he said, his gaze softening.

“I will,” she replied with a reassuring smile before stepping out.

Blake sat in the doorway, watching her leave. He wished he could get better fast so he could be by her side. Isabel went straight to the Lester’s house, spotting Andy sneaking out the back door. Without hesitation, she rushed over, cutting him off.

“Hey! Who are you?” Andy froze, looking at her like a stranger.

“I’m Isabel, Simon’s sister. Now tell me where he is,” Isabel asked, blocking his escape.

“I don’t know,” Andy stammered, looking nervous.

Isabel grabbed his wrist tightly. “Take me to him, now.”

“Ouch! Hey, what are you doing? Let go!” Andy winced. “You’re hurting me!”

“Take me to Simon, or I’ll make it worse,” Isabel commanded.

“Okay, okay,” Andy begged. “Just be gentle! I never thought Simon’s sister would be so…”

Isabel gave him a sharp look and let go. Andy immediately shut his mouth. He led her to a cheap motel.

“He’s right here,” Andy murmured, pointing to a door.

Before he could finish, Isabel kicked the door open with a sharp bang. Both Andy and Simon in the room flinched. Simon, especially, was in shock, thinking someone was after him. When he saw Isabel and Andy, his eyes widened with surprise.

Isabel’s eyes immediately locked onto Simon, who was lying on the bed, bruises marking his arms and torso. He was wearing a tank top, and the injuries were glaringly obvious.

“What happened to you?” Isabel asked softly, but with clear concern.

“It’s none of your business!” Simon snapped, glaring at her.

Isabel didn’t flinch. She marched over to him, grabbed him by the ear, and yanked him up.

“Ow! Let go! You can’t just grab my ear like that!” Simon yelped. “Not even my mom does this to me. Who do you think you are?”

“So what? I’m your sister. That means I get to call you out and kick your butt when you act like an idiot,” Isabel shot him a sharp look. “Now, why didn’t you come home? What are you doing hiding out here?”