Chapter 96
“Don’t be shocked, Isla,” Alfred said with that faint, knowing smile of his, “There are things you don’t know about me. And today, I’ll tell you a little. Not because I want to, but because you deserve to know p>
He paused, gripping the handle of his cane before walking back to his chair. The slow rhythm of his steps echoed softly through the study. When he sat down, Isla quietly adjusted herself too, her fingers clasped tightly together on her lap.
“I’ve made many mistakes, Isla,” he began, his tone lower now, carrying the weight of regret. “And now, I want to correct those mistakes before I leave this world p>
He leaned back slightly, staring at nothing in particular as his mind seemed to drift to a time long gone.
“My son, John, was in love with a beautiful woman. Her name was Janet. She was an orphan, simple but graceful. But I… I thought she wasn’t good enough for him p>
Isla’s lips parted slightly. Her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths as she tried to digest the revelation.
“I was close to the royal family,” Alfred continued. “Back then, that meant power. I wanted an alliance that would secure our name for generations. So I searched for a wife for John among the royals–someone from their bloodline. I thought that was what my family needed. I thought I was doing the right thing p>
His eyes dropped to his desk, voice softening. “But I was wrong p>
He looked up at her again. “John loved Janet deeply. Just like Gabriel loves you, Isla p>
The comparison made her chest tighten. Love? The word felt heavy, almost cruel. Her lips curved in a faint, bitter smile, but she said nothing.
Alfred noticed. “You may not believe it,” he said gently, “but Gabriel does love you. He’s just… not good with words. He carries too much of me in him p>
He rested his elbows on the desk. “And if you think he loves Delphine, then you’re mistaken. Whatever Gabriel shares with that woman began long before you came into his life. They were children, and something bound them together that I still cannot understand. Even with all my knowledge, that is one secret I could never uncover. And that-“his tone darkened slightly “-is the weapon Anna uses against him p>
Isla’s shock began to fade, replaced by something else. Maybe curiosity. She could feel herself slowly being drawn into the tangled web of secrets that surrounded this family. She had always known the Wyndhams were hiding things, but she had never imagined the truth would run this deep.
Alfred exhaled slowly. “The truth is, I only played a small game with my grandson’s heart. I wanted to see how far he would go, whether he would return to that gold–digger he once fancied. But no–he didn’t. Instead, I heard that he’s been suffering ever since p>
That pierced through Isla’s guarded composure. Her expression softened despite herself. She had been angry for so long, but hearing that Gabriel had been in pain because of the misunderstanding last night. It made her heart ache.
“I’m sorry that I hurt you in the process,” Alfred said quietly. “Truly, I am. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to
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forgive me p>
Isla sat back, her eyes narrowed slightly as she processed everything. There were still holes in his story. “If Gabriel isn’t Anna’s son… does that mean he’s not your grandson?” she asked carefully.
Alfred’s lips twitched with a faint, amused smile. “Gabriel is my grandson. My blood,” he said firmly. “But yes, there’s more to that story–more than you need to know right now. Today is not the day for it p>
He waved a dismissive hand. “I only called you here to clear your confusion. And please don’t ask me how I got your test results swapped. Let’s just say-” a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth “-I have my ways p>
Despite herself, Isla felt something in her chest loosen. The crushing weight she’d carried since last night finally began to lift.
But a question remained. “You said you have people following every member of your family. Does that include me p>
Alfred chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “You ask the most ridiculous questions, Isla. Especially you.” His eyes gleamed with a trace of fondness. “You’re my favorite grandson’s wife. You’re my first priority p>
Her brows lifted. “So… you know then?” she asked carefully.
The old man laughed. A warm, genuine laugh that startled her. “If you’re talking about your fast–growing company in Teriporto, then yes, I know p>
Isla’s eyes widened. She stood abruptly, pouting like a caught child. “That’s very wrong of you, Grandfather. That was supposed to be my little secret p>
“That was our little secret,” he corrected smoothly. “And why do you think I allowed you to leave Wyndham Wardrobe p>
Her confusion deepened. “You knew I wanted to leave p>
“Of course,” Alfred replied, chuckling again. “I knew you needed freedom, time to build something that’s yours. So I used that opportunity to play a little game with Anna. She thought she could outsmart me p>
He laughed quietly to himself, clearly amused by the memory.
Isla could only shake her head slowly. A shiver ran through her despite the warmth of the room. Now she understood, this old man wasn’t just powerful. He was dangerous. Discover more novels at
And yet, beneath that danger, there was something else she couldn’t quite define. Something almost… protective.
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.