Chapter 347
Alexander never anticipated Isabella’s sharp retort. “Wait a second, do you think I’m that phony girlfriend of yours? Pick up the pace. Don’t slow me down.”
She moved ahead of him without hesitation. The trail was narrow and uneven, paved with rough stone steps that grew steeper with each one.
Despite the challenging terrain, Isabella moved with effortless grace. Her steps were sure and swift as she descended several levels quickly.
Alexander watched her back, his eyes narrowing. How did she navigate this treacherous path so elegantly? One wrong step could send her tumbling down the mountainside. Yet she showed no fear whatsoever.
Admiration flickered in his gaze.
He remembered how Victoria had clung to him desperately when they came here last night. Her vulnerability had fed his masculine pride. But Isabella’s confident composure showed him a different kind of strength.
A woman like her belonged only to him.
His expression darkened as he thought of his plan. He quickened his pace to catch up with her. They walked for over thirty minutes before reaching the mountain’s base.
The sky had deepened into twilight. Village homes showed signs of evening meals being prepared, with smoke curling from their chimneys.
Alexander finally stepped in front of Isabella, blocking her path. “Follow me.”
She remained alert as she trailed him deeper into the village. They passed between ridges and along deserted paths. The gathering darkness hid them from any watching eyes.
As they walked, Alexander began speaking slowly. “Isabella, I’ve regretted my actions these past five years. I never should have enabled Victoria’s mistakes back then.”
Isabella merely laughed coldly, offering no response.
If a man like him could truly repent, the world might as well spin backward.
Still, she wanted to discover what game he was playing.
“I mean every word, Isabella.” Alexander stopped abruptly and turned to face her. “During our wedding ceremony, I genuinely wanted to marry you. I wanted to spend my life making things right with you. What happened with Victoria was an accident. Bringing you to find Vincent Moreau today proves my sincerity.”
“Enough nonsense. Are we moving or not?” Isabella’s impatience was palpable.
Alexander’s face darkened again. He had swallowed his pride to say those words, and she dismissed him so contemptuously?
How dare she treat him this way?
He suppressed his anger, remembering his plan. “You’ll believe me soon enough.”
His cold tone carried absolute confidence. As they walked, he made a quick phone call. “Isabella doesn’t believe me. We proceed now.”
“Sir? Are you certain about involving Ms. Victoria—”
“This is an order. Execute immediately.” Alexander ended the call before hearing more.
Isabella’s sharp hearing caught every word.
‘Execute immediately’? Regarding Victoria?
What scheme was he concocting now?
She followed him to a remote hut nestled against the mountainside. A faint, dim light glowed from within.
Instead of approaching the main entrance, Alexander led her to the side of the structure.
A transparent window allowed a clear view inside. Isabella saw a large, rough-looking man throwing a bound woman onto a bed.
“Forgive me, Ms. Victoria,” the man growled, “but Mr. Alexander needs to earn Isabella’s forgiveness. You overstepped back then… This is your punishment.”
The man’s thick, coarse hands tore at Victoria’s clothing.
Rip!
The fabric gave way. The woman curled into herself on the bed, screaming and crying. Her dress hung in tatters, revealing her pale, slender legs.