Chapter 666

“I know. I believe you,” Alex White said.
Thinking back on those old days always made Alex’s chest tighten. “I still remember -back then, he was the one cheating, that’s why you two broke up. Yet somehow he had the nerve to accuse you of being unfaithful, to claim you were the one two- timing him. The whole thing blew up, and I remember every bit of it. There’s no way I’d ever believe him over you.”
A flicker of emotion crossed Isabella Austin’s eyes, and she replied softly, “As long as you remember. He was always lying to me, even when we were together. Benjamin Gomez is a habitual liar. Whatever he says, don’t trust a single word.”
Alex White smiled, lips curving. “I know. I only trust you.”
With that, Isabella felt a burden lift from her heart.
She finished bandaging the wound, then looked up. “All done.”
Dennis Lane only ever paid attention to the important bits. The moment he heard “all done,” he dashed over from the window. “All done? Does that mean we can go home now? I’ve been stuck in this hospital forever, and I’ve been fine for ages. Dad’s too busy with work to visit, and I’m so bored.”
Isabella reached out and gently ruffled his hair. “Yes, we can go home now. And once we’re home, you’ll get to see your dad.”
Dennis let out a triumphant cheer.
Isabella turned to Alex. “Alex, when do you get off work? Do you want a ride home?”
Alex was about to agree, but suddenly remembered he’d already made plans with Emily Blair.
“I’m on the day shift today, so I’m just about done,” he said.
Isabella smiled softly. “Okay, I’ll have the driver take you home first.”
Alex shook his head.
He knew things were tense between Isabella and Emily, so he didn’t bother with the details. “No need. I drove myself and I can get back on my own. Besides, I’ve got plans to meet someone after this. You and Dennis should go ahead.”
Since the matter was settled, Isabella didn’t ask any more questions. She took Dennis by the hand and left.
Meanwhile, Emily Blair wandered over to Benjamin Gomez, rubbing her nose.
She was more than a little embarrassed to admit that her curiosity had given Ashley Gomez a chance to sneak off in the first place.
Emily coughed lightly, trying to make small talk. “Is Ashley still not well enough to leave? How come she hasn’t been discharged yet?”
Benjamin scooped Ashley up from the floor and looked at Emily. “How much did you hear?”
Emily arched a brow. “You noticed?”
His tone wasn’t exactly cold, but it was far from friendly. “You were standing there long enough it would’ve taken a blind person not to notice.”
In truth, Emily hadn’t heard much—just saw Benjamin and Alex White provoking each other, tempers flaring, fists flying.
She wasn’t about to admit it, though. Instead, she played it cool. “What do you think?”
Ashley clung obediently to Benjamin’s shoulders, little arms wrapped around his neck, wide-eyed as she watched the adults talk.
Suddenly, Benjamin smiled—a cold, warning edge to it. “I don’t care how much you heard, but let me give you a word of advice.”
Emily said, “What’s that?”
His amber eyes were unreadable, fixed on her. “Stay away from Isabella Austin.”
Emily fell silent, meeting his gaze.
Benjamin continued, “That taxi tailing me and Isabella the other day-that was you, wasn’t it?”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “So you figured it out?”
He scoffed. “Did I really need to? It was obvious.”
He stepped closer, his eyes dark. “Emily, this is your first warning. If you try
something like that again, it won’t end so easily.”
Emily held his stare for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “So, you really are Isabella’s ex?”
“That’s right. Are you planning to use that against me?”
“Not at all. Everyone has a past—it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” She shook her head, honest and straightforward. “But I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to still care about her this much. She’s married, and you’re still so protective.”
“What does that have to do with you?” Benjamin shot back.
“Nothing,” Emily said simply. “But there is something I want to ask you.”
“Go on.”
“Are you and Andrew Lane really cousins?”