Chapter 121

"Then we should involve the authorities!" Alistair's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his piercing gaze locked onto Vanessa.

"Since Ms. Sterling claims to have witnessed everything, surely she wouldn't let Isabella suffer injustice. Ms. Sterling, I expect you to testify honestly about what you saw."

Vanessa hesitated. "I—"

Her teeth sank into her lower lip. She had intended to testify, but one look at Nathan's stormy expression made the words die in her throat.

She changed her statement. "The lighting was poor. I might not have seen everything clearly."

She'd just altered her testimony in front of Alistair Delaney himself! Vanessa's pulse hammered so violently she feared everyone could hear it.

"Ms. Sterling," Alistair said icily, "All I require is the truth. Why are you behaving this way?"

Vanessa dropped her gaze, silently pleading with Nathan for intervention.

Nathan's expression darkened. Even now, he still protected Evelyn.

Using his authority as the eldest present, Alistair confronted Nathan. "That was your child Isabella carried! Your heir is gone, yet you show no remorse!"

"Instead, you shield the woman responsible. How can you face Isabella after this?"

"My apologies," Nathan responded coolly. "I'll personally oversee the investigation into this matter."

"An investigation?" Alistair scoffed. "Or another opportunity to protect her?"

Their heated exchange carried into Isabella's hospital room. Silent tears soaked her pillow as her fingers twisted the sheets.

Nathan's protection of Evelyn proved he cared nothing for their lost child.

Very well. If this was his choice, she'd drag Evelyn down with her—straight to hell.

"Grandfather—" Isabella's fragile voice shattered the standoff between the men.

"Isabella's awake!" Vanessa rushed into the room first.

"Isabella, how are you feeling?"

Isabella didn't respond. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at Nathan. "Nate... our baby is gone..."

Nathan's face remained impassive, as if the tragedy meant nothing to him.

He approached the bed, studying her pallid face. "What really happened last night? How did you fall? I want the truth."

Isabella's tears fell faster, staining the pillow. "What are you implying? That I'd endanger our child?"

Nathan said nothing, his scrutinizing gaze never leaving her face. "Just the truth."

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "You can't believe Evelyn would do this, can you?"

"But she pushed me! If not for her, I wouldn't have fallen. Wouldn't have lost the baby! She's responsible!"

Nathan regarded her dispassionately. "Is that so?"