Chapter 87
“Honey, are you okay? We saw what happened p>
Diana’s voice trembled through the phone. Isla could also hear her father’s voice in the background. He’s also worried.
“Tell her to stay away from trouble–and from those women,” Charles said.
Isla sighed softly. “Tell Dad I’ll be careful, Mama. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m safe. Just waiting for Gabriel in the car right now. He’s still inside the police station, and the press are everywhere p>
“This is very bad,” Diana said in a low tone. “The video is everywhere now, and there’s even a hashtag trending –#thecruelfight, #thewyndhamwomensucks, #delphinewinthropeisabitch p>
“Mama, I’ve seen everything too, and I don’t like it one bit,” Isla replied gently. “I’ll talk to you later, okay? Love you, Mama. Tell Dad I love him too p>
She ended the call and leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes for a moment.
It had been a long day – filled with tension, noise, and too much drama. Who knew what tomorrow would bring?
Two hours later, Gabriel and his father finally stepped out of the police station. The press hadn’t moved an inch; their cameras and microphones were ready in their hands. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
There was no escaping it. Gabriel had to face them now.
He stood before the flashing lights and apologized to the public on behalf of his family. His voice was calm, sincere, and controlled. He promised that the three women involved would also issue a public apology once things settled down.
And somehow, that worked. The press slowly began to disperse, satisfied with his response.
From the car, Isla watched him and felt her heart ache. She knew how hard he worked, how much he carried on his shoulders. Even when he should’ve been resting, he was out there, fixing the chaos his brother and the women had created.
It turned out that the three women couldn’t be bailed that night–they would spend it in a holding cell. Isla should’ve been happy about that, right? But she wasn’t. Deep down, she understood what it felt like for a woman to see her husband with an unfamiliar woman.
Still, the irony wasn’t lost on her.
The same women who contributed to her pain were now the ones suffering publicly for their actions. Could it be karma catching up with them?
That night, when Gabriel and Isla returned home, they barely spoke. Exhaustion weighed heavily on them both. They showered, crawled into bed, and drifted into sleep almost immediately.
The next morning, Gabriel left early for work while Isla headed to Wyndham Heights. She remembered she had an appointment with Sofie, her assistant. After their meeting, she decided to drive to Wyndham Hospital–Sofie also went with her.
1/2
Alfred Wyndham’s health was her top priority. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
She could have gone to see the faces of those women who despised her, but no. Alfred came first.
When she arrived, she learned that the old man had been transferred to a private suite. The doctor allowed her to stay with him.
The VVIP suite was spacious and luxurious–more like a home than a hospital room. Soft lighting, warm colors, a private lounge, and quiet air–conditioning that hummed gently.
The first thing Isla did was turn off the smart TV that was playing the news. She didn’t want him hearing or seeing anything that might upset him.
While Sofie waited in the lounge area, Isla moved quietly to the bedside. She pulled a chair close and sat down, her eyes softening as she looked at the old man lying peacefully with an oxygen mask over his face.
His chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm.
Her heart tightened. Gently, she reached for his hand and squeezed it, then leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on his knuckles.
And just like that, she felt a faint twitch beneath her fingers.
At first, she thought she imagined it. But then—
“Isla p>
The voice was weak, but the sound of it made her freeze.
“Grandfather?” Isla gasped, standing quickly but still holding his hand. “You’re awake… you’re back to us.” Her voice trembled with joy.
A small chuckle escaped his dry lips. “Of course, I can’t just leave before carrying your children p>
Isla laughed softly through her tears. Hearing him joke, even in that weak tone, eased her heart.
“Let me call the doctor,” she said, about to move away.
But Alfred’s frail fingers tightened around hers with surprising strength.
“I need my phone first,” he whispered. “Get me my phone p>
Isla froze, her expression shifting instantly. Her face paled as her heart sank.
No–not his phone.
He mustn’t use his phone.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.