He vanished through the doorway.
Isabella watched the door swing shut.
Her hand clenched into a tight fist.
Despair crashed over her.
She had believed her hard work would finally free her from Ethan’s control.
She thought she could earn her independence.
Yet here she was, still completely bound by his influence.
What could she possibly do next?
Was escaping Ethan’s grasp even possible?
Her hand rested protectively on her belly.
She was guarding the tiny life growing inside.
If she failed to leave before her pregnancy became obvious, he might never allow this child to be born.
The memory of Ethan’s cold expression haunted her.
His harsh words echoed in her mind.
She took a deep, steadying breath.
She resolved not to give up.
She had to leave.
For her child.
Lucas approached, his concern evident.
“Isabella, please stay calm. I’ll speak with Mr. King. Given the long history between our families, he might reconsider.” His voice was gentle, reassuring.
He hurried off with clear urgency.
Isabella wanted to call out to him.
But the moment slipped away.
Amidst the elegantly dressed crowd in the banquet hall, she felt utterly out of place.
She turned and walked away.
The night air outside was cool and refreshing.
Her phone buzzed.
It was Lucas calling.
“Isabella, Mr. King agreed.” Lucas’s voice buzzed with excitement. “He’s creating an independent project for you. It won’t involve Ethan’s oversight at all. What do you think?”
Clutching her phone, she realized this was better than she’d hoped.
Without Ethan’s knowledge, he couldn't interfere.
“Lucas, I’m so grateful,” she said earnestly. “How can I ever thank you?”
“Marry Lucas, and you’ll be even,” a cold, sarcastic voice cut through.
She looked up sharply.
Ethan stood a short distance away.
Impeccably dressed in a sharp suit.
His handsome face showed no warmth.
His deep, cold eyes were fixed on her.
A heavy feeling settled in her chest.
Had he heard everything?
“What, feeling guilty?” He stepped closer, his voice icy. “You promised last night there was nothing between you and Lucas. Yet here you are. What’s your excuse now?” His tone dripped with derision.
Her expression darkened.
Lucas’s worried voice came through the phone. “Isabella? What’s happening? I can hear Ethan—is he there? Tell me where you are, I’m coming!”
Her heart sank.
She dreaded another confrontation.
“Lucas, listen—”
Ethan snatched the phone from her hand.
He ended the call with a swift motion.
He threw the phone into the nearby lake.
It hit the water with a splash.
Despair gripped her.
Her eyes snapped to his, filled with fury. “Ethan, have you lost your mind?!”
His eyes flickered with chilling resolve.
He gripped her wrist tightly. “I can’t stand watching you talk to him!” he exclaimed, fury dripping from his words.
The pressure on her wrist was painful.
But she stood her ground, defiant. “We’re just friends!”
He sneered. “Don’t overestimate yourself, Isabella. Just because he introduced you to his family doesn’t mean you’re free. You’re still my wife. Until I sign those divorce papers, you’re not going anywhere.”