Chapter 194
“You bitch! You’re ruining everything over some paranoia?” Logan’s shout echoed, but Isabella ended the call mid-rant, her hands trembling slightly as she dialed her lawyers next.
“Mr. Nathan? It’s Isabella Voss. Prepare for war. My fiancé—ex-fiancé—was plotting my murder. I need restraining orders, asset freezes, everything. Police report incoming.” Her voice cracked just a fraction on the last word, the weight of betrayal crashing down.
Henry set his mug aside, his reserved nature giving way to the kind-hearted empath he was. He saw the pain etching lines on her face—the woman who’d built her wealth from nothing, now facing a personal apocalypse. “Isabella… hey, sit down. You don’t have to handle this alone right now p>
She sank onto the couch, phone still clutched like a weapon, as tears welled in her eyes—hot, angry tears that she swiped away furiously. “I thought he loved me, Henry. Or at least respected me. But it was all for the money. God, how could I be so blind p>
Henry moved to sit beside her, his tall frame offering a comforting presence. He hesitated, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “You’re not blind—you’re human. And strong as hell. Look at you, taking charge already. That’s not weakness; that’s power p>
She leaned into him, sobs breaking free in waves, her body shaking against his. “It hurts… so much. The wedding was today. Everyone’s calling, judging. My parents are devastated, my friends confused. And Logan… that monster p>
“Shh, it’s okay,” Henry murmured, stroking her hair softly, his warm eyes filled with compassion. Memories of his own hidden love for Eliana surfaced, the ache of unrequited feelings mirroring her heartbreak. “Cry it out. I’m here. You’ve got this—you built an empire; you can dismantle a liar p>
For over an hour, they sat like that—Isabella venting through tears, Henry listening, offering quiet words of encouragement. “Tell me about your business,” he prompted gently, steering her from despair. “How’d you start? That takes guts p>
She sniffled, a small laugh escaping amid the sobs. “From nothing. Waitressing tables, saving every penny. Invested in tech startups—hit big on one app. But now… it feels tainted p>
“Not tainted,” Henry countered softly. “Yours. All yours. Logan’s the fool for thinking he could take it p>
Their conversation flowed, raw and real, Henry’s ambition shining through in his advice: “Call the cops now. Document everything. I’ll stay until you’re steady p>
Isabella nodded, wiping her eyes. “You’re too good, Henry. After last night… you don’t owe me this p>
“I owe it to decency,” he replied with a faint smile. “Besides, you’re handling this like a boss. Inspiring, really p>
Just as her tears began to subside, the hotel room phone rang—a shrill interruption. Isabella answered, her voice regaining its edge. “Yes? This is Ms. Voss p>
“Ma’am, this is front desk,” the manager said apologetically. “There’s a Mr. Logan Steve here—your fiancé? He’s demanding access to your suite. Says it’s urgent wedding business. We’ve stalled him in the lobby, but he’s… insistent p>
Isabella’s face paled, then flushed with fury. “Keep him there. Do not let him up. Tell him I’m coming down. And call security if he causes a scene p>
She slammed the receiver down, turning to Henry with wide eyes. “Logan’s here. Trying to force his way in. I have to deal with this p>
Henry stood, concern knitting his brow. “You sure? I can come with p>
“No, stay here,” she insisted, but then softened. “Actually… come down with me? Moral support p>
He nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Let’s end this p>
They dressed quickly—Isabella in a sharp blouse and slacks, projecting unyielding strength; Henry in his wrinkled clothes, but his handsome features set in determination. As they descended in the elevator, Isabella gripped the rail, her breathing steadying. “Thank you, Henry. For not bolting p>
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, squeezing her hand briefly. “You’ve got this p>
Meanwhile, across the city, Rafael Vexley’s network of shadows had been in motion since the previous night. His men—hardened professionals led by James—had pieced together Henry’s trail with ruthless efficiency. Starting from Eliana’s frantic calls, they traced his last known location to the site of a hit-and-run crash, where skid marks and shattered glass told a story of chaos.
“Check the footage,” James ordered his team, his voice low and commanding as they huddled around a laptop in their unmarked van. A nearby store’s security camera revealed Henry, dazed but determined, limping away on foot toward a dimly lit bar down the block.
At the bar, the attendant—a grizzled man with a tattooed arm—eyed them suspiciously but relented under James’s piercing stare. “Yeah, the doc-lookin’ guy? Left hammered with a redhead bombshell. Looked like they were commiserating over broken hearts p>
CCTV from the bar’s exterior captured the pair stumbling into a sleek green car—Isabella’s. License plate traced to her name, leading straight to the upscale hotel where she kept a permanent suite.
“Hotel it is,” James muttered, signaling his men. “Move out. Boss wants him safe—for the lady’s sake p>
They arrived that morning, the van pulling up discreetly as the sun climbed higher. James and two burly associates entered the lobby, blending into the polished marble expanse with its crystal chandeliers and bustling guests. But the scene unfolding drew them like magnets: Isabella and Henry emerging from the elevator, confronting a red-faced Logan in the center of the foyer.
Logan, a slick man in a disheveled tuxedo, jabbed a finger at Isabella, his voice rising in a venomous tirade. “You whore! Cancelling our wedding because of him? This pretty-boy? I knew you were cheating— that’s why you’re spinning this murder bullshit p>
Isabella stood tall, her green eyes blazing. “Cheating? You’re the one with a baby mama and a kill plot! I heard every word, Logan. The police are coming—your game’s over p>
Henry stepped forward protectively, his warm eyes hardening. “Back off, man. She said it’s done. Leave before you make this worse p>
Logan sneered, turning on Henry. “And who the hell are you? Her one-night stand? Yeah, I see it—rumpled clothes, guilty looks. You ruined my life, you bastard p>
The lobby hushed, guests whispering as tension crackled. Isabella shot back, “Ruined? You tried to murder me for my money! Henry’s a friend—unlike you, a liar and a coward p>
James and his men exchanged glances, recognizing Henry. They moved closer, ready to intervene, as the confrontation escalated into a powder keg of accusations and fury.