After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 1214

All the color drained from Isabella's face. "Is it York Austin? Is he behind this?"

York knew she remembered the past life, and she knew he had his memories too.

They had been silently circling each other in a deadly game of chess. But York was infinitely more powerful and connected in the underworld. She had to rely on Harold and Ethan just to stay afloat. Now, the Carters were paying the price.

"We don't have concrete proof it's York yet," Ethan admitted. "But Natalie is definitely involved. She was acting as their getaway driver."

Ethan could no longer pretend Natalie was a victim. Ever since the memories of their past life had resurfaced, his perception of her had shattered completely.

In those memories, Natalie had destroyed lives without a second thought. She had been utterly merciless, discarding people like trash.

It terrified him to realize he had spent nearly thirty years blindly defending a woman who was capable of such profound evil.

"York operates mostly out of The Cabinda Hotel," Ethan noted. "But he doesn't live there. He just rents a suite for a few hours and vanishes. We still haven't found his actual residence. The man is a ghost."

Isabella gripped her glass. York had the advantage of his memories. He knew what was coming and how to avoid detection. He was always one step ahead.

"Isabella, we are completely on the defensive," Ethan said, frustration lacing his words. "It feels like someone cast a massive net over us months ago, and we're just now realizing we're caught in it."

Even though Barbara was the one who got kidnapped, Ethan knew this was part of a larger design. His own recent car accident, the kidnapping—it all felt connected.

Isabella had warned him to investigate York, suspecting he was the mastermind behind the chaos.

The only question was who. With Barbara's kidnapping, the family would be on high alert, flanked by security at all times.

"Are you sure it's not a jealous rival?" Ethan asked. "This kind of psychological warfare feels incredibly petty. Like a woman's scheme."

"It's not a rival," Isabella said with absolute certainty. "My gut tells me it's York. I don't have the proof, but the motive fits perfectly. Break my connection to Harold, strip me of the Carters' protection, and leave me isolated."

"You aren't isolated," Ethan said immediately, his voice intense. "You have Linda. And you have me. I will always stand right behind you."

Even though their marriage was over, Ethan's protective instincts were stronger than ever.

He didn't speak for the entire Adams empire, but if he backed Isabella, his family wouldn't abandon her. Even Stephanie adored her.