Chapter 188

In just two months, many things had changed in the Wyndham family. Life no longer felt calm or predictable.

Each day brought a new discovery, a new secret, or a new truth that shook them deeply. What they once believed was real had slowly started to fall apart, revealing painful realities beneath.

There was no doubt that Isla was an extraordinary woman.

Despite the constant threat to her life and the delicate state of her pregnancy, she refused to slow down. She took over the project Alfred had left unfinished and poured herself into it fully. The work moved faster than anyone expected, and the results were impressive. Isla worked with focus and determination, as if completing the project was her way of holding the family together.

Gabriel never left her side. He watched her closely, always afraid something might happen to her, but also proud of her strength. He supported her in every way he could-emotionally, mentally, and physically. Their love only grew stronger during this time. It blossomed quietly, deeply, and with understanding. They had faced fear together, and it bonded them in ways words could not describe.

Security had become a part of their daily lives.

Bodyguards followed them everywhere. It was no longer just Gabriel and Isla who were protected. Every member of the Wyndham family had security around them. Danger still lingered from the unknown, and no one wanted to take chances.

Carl was still missing. His disappearance troubled John and Gladys deeply. They could not sleep peacefully, not knowing where he was or whether he was even alive. They were not completely sure Carl was truly their son, but their hearts hoped he was. Hope was all they had left.

The search for Carl Hompton continued across Richbouph.

His disappearance shocked the entire city. Even the agency he worked for was confused and alarmed. Carl was a popular actor, well known and admired. He did not simply disappear without reason.

Wyatt and Johanna had been sentenced to prison. They confessed to their crimes, and the court ordered the immediate arrest of Adrian Wyndham. His name was now on every wanted list in Richbouph. But Adrian had vanished like smoke. No one could find him.

Two sons were still missing. Stone and Isla strongly believed Adrian was responsible for everything. They believed the old man was deeply involved in the disappearance of both Uriel Wyndham, who had reportedly been discharged from prison, and Carl Hompton, who they suspected was one of the triplets.

Gladys tried to stay strong. She was grateful she still had Gabriel. But her heart ached for the two sons she could not find. Only a mother truly understands the pain of losing her children, especially when there is no closure.

She held on to hope, even when it hurt.While Gladys lived with quiet pain, the Reese and Ainsworth families were filled with joy.

At the Reese mansion, a celebration was in full swing. The Wyndham family, the Sterling family, and many friends and well-wishers gathered together to celebrate the birth of a baby girl. Maya had given birth just a week earlier, and the mansion had not known silence since then.

It was a beautiful day. Laughter filled everywhere, and happiness flowed freely Servers moved around the large garden, offering drinks and refreshments to the guests.

Soft music played in the background, adding warmth to the moment.

Isla sat with Sofie, watching everyone talk, laugh, and smile. Seeing so much joy around her brought her a sense of peace. For a moment, everything felt normal.

Then her eyes found Gladys.

Isla’s heart tightened slightly. She could see the sadness in her mother-in-law’s eyes, even in the middle of celebration. Gladys smiled when spoken to, but the pain never truly left her face. Isla knew she would never fully heal until she found her missing sons.

Isla quickly looked away and saw Gabriel standing with his brothers-in-law, Carl Reese and Luke Green. A group of other men surrounded them-men she barely recognized. She knew what they were talking about.

Contracts. Deals. Business.Gabriel hated gatherings like this. People always used such moments to get close to him for business reasons.

Isla looked away again-and that was when she saw Stone.

He stood near the edge of the garden, scanning the crowd.

He looked tense, focused, and restless, like someone searching for something important.

Ista stood up immediately. She did not even tell Sofie where she was going.

Stone had been away for almost a week, searching tirelessly for Gabriel’s brothers. Isla had been involved in the search too, constantly asking for updates, and hoping.

Stone noticed her walking toward him. His expression softened with respect.

“Ma’am,” he said, giving a slight nod.

“Any progress?” Isla asked quietly. The sound of laughter and music filled the air around them.

Stone hesitated.

“Can you come with me, please?” he said.

Her heart began to race.

Isla followed Stone away from the noisy garden. They walked toward the quieter walkway of the Reese mansion.

When they reached a secluded spot, Stone stopped.Isla’s mind raced with thoughts-mostly about Desmond.

She remembered hearing how the little boy kept asking his mother about his father. She knew Miss Adams might struggle to accept the truth, but Isla also knew she loved Uriel deeply.

ISla remembered the way Miss Adams used to look at Gabriel. Back then, Isla misunderstood that look. Now she knew it was because Gabriet reminded her of Uriel. That look carried love, longing, and pain.

Stone finally spoke.

“We finally found them.”

The words hit Isla harder than she expected.

Yes, she had hoped for good news. She wanted them found. She wanted them saved. But she never imagined the progress would come so suddenly.

“What did you just say?” Isla asked, her voice shaking.

“We found them,” Stone repeated. “Adrian has been arrested. He’s in police custody right now.”

Isla’s breath caught.

“You were right, ma’am,” Stone continued. “And I was right too.”

Stone paused, his expression darkening.

“Adrian didn’t just kidnap Carl,” he said slowly. “He alsokidnapped the son he raised himself. He tortured him.

Isla felt cold all over.

“I’m sorry,” Stone said quietly. “Uriel didn’t make it. He’s dead.”

The world seemed to spin.

Isla stumbled backward, almost losing her balance. Stone – quickly grabbed her arm and steadied her.

“No…” she whispered.

This was not supposed to happen. Not again. Not another Loss.

Her mind immediately went to Gladys. How would she survive this? Losing another son—one she barely got to know existed.

And then she thought of Desmond.

And his mother.

Tears filled Isla’s eyes as her heart broke for them all.