Chapter 186

Isabella's voice trembled as she spoke. "This isn't an act. If I hadn't resorted to this, I would never have gotten to see you."

Nathan's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Now that you've seen me, what does it change? Still putting on your performance?"

His piercing gaze held undisguised disdain.

If not for Isabella's schemes, he and Evelyn might still have had a chance.

Tears streamed down Isabella's face as she reached for Nathan's arm. He recoiled violently, sending her stumbling back.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "What, am I forbidden from touching you now?" Her voice turned venomous. "Never forget, the Sterlings will always owe the Delaneys. That debt will haunt you forever."

Nathan's hands clenched into white-knuckled fists.

There it was again.

That unshakable truth he couldn't escape.

Isabella had wielded this weapon against him countless times, forcing his compliance.

"Say it often enough and it loses its meaning," Nathan warned, his voice dangerously low.

Isabella's eyes gleamed with desperation. "Then let this be the last time. Nathan, I propose a bargain."

She stepped closer, whispering words meant only for his ears. "I know you're tired of this debt. So let's settle it permanently."

"Get me out of this prison. A few more months here will destroy me. Grant me my freedom, and our families will be square."

The offer hung between them, tantalizing.

"Think carefully, Nathan. For someone with your resources, it's nothing. Just hire a competent attorney to get my sentence overturned."

His laugh was harsh. "So you can resume your scheming? How amusing."

Isabella shook her head violently. "No! I just want to start over. Once I'm out, I'll leave New York forever. You'll never see me again." Her voice cracked. "I'm just begging for a second chance."

At the mention of Evelyn, Nathan's expression darkened. So many misunderstandings between them traced back to this woman.

Perhaps without Isabella's interference...

"Impossible." The word fell like a guillotine's blade.

Yet Isabella laughed, undeterred. "Don't be hasty, Nathan. Consider carefully. That Delaney debt must weigh heavily on your conscience."

The same old manipulation. The same tired threat.

Nathan seized her chin with bruising force. "Listen well. Keep dreaming. If ten years seems too lenient, I'll gladly provide more evidence."

"You can rot here until you're nothing but bones."

He released her with a shove, wiping his hand on his coat as if touching something foul.

Isabella's face twisted in rage.

With a sudden lunge, she grabbed his sleeve. "After everything we shared, Nathan! How can you choose that nobody over me?"

Madness glittered in her eyes.

"Have you forgotten your promises? Or has that witch poisoned your mind completely?"

Her voice rose to a shriek. "Mark my words - when I get out, I'll tear her apart piece by piece!"