After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 256

“Mom, should we go after them?” Isabella asked, glancing at Cynthia with worry in her eyes.

She never expected Jackson to actually cheat, but that boy… he had to be Jackson’s with the other woman. If that was true, Jackson had been unfaithful for over ten years.

A wave of anger rose in Isabella. When Cynthia married Jackson, Jordan’s uncle insisted she get sterilized before joining the Lane family. He was afraid another child would threaten Jordan’s place in the family. But the rule was only for her mother. No one ever made Jackson get a vasectomy. Her mom couldn’t have more kids, but Jackson could have a child with someone else, and that would still threaten Jordan’s position. Maybe Jordan’s uncle never thought Jackson would cheat, or maybe he just couldn’t control him.

Cynthia and Jackson always seemed happy together. Even when Jordan’s birth mother was alive, Jackson played the part of a loving husband perfectly. He really was an expert at putting on a show.

Cynthia’s face was pale, but she squeezed Isabella’s hand, steadying herself. “No, we’re not going to ask him anything,” she said quietly.

“What’s the point? Their kid is already that old.” Her voice was tight with anger, but she didn’t make a scene. Instead, she took out her phone, held it up, and snapped a few pictures and a short video of Jackson with the other woman and their son.

“Mom, they’re kind of far. The pictures won’t be clear enough. Let’s get a little closer and try again,” Isabella suggested.

Cynthia didn’t say anything, but she started walking, picking up her pace. They moved closer and took more photos, catching Jackson and his secret family in the act.

When Jackson turned around, they quickly blended into the crowd, pretending to window shop until he looked away. He didn’t see them.

“No wonder he’s been buying me property lately, saying it’s to secure my future. Turns out it was just guilt. Before, he was so stingy, treating me like I’d steal from him. I got an allowance, but never anything real.”

Blended families always have their own problems. Cynthia and Jackson were no different.

As she spoke, Cynthia led Isabella toward a row of jewelry stores, all classic, well-known brands.

Isabella knew her mom was still hurting, but at least Cynthia was turning her pain into action. Jackson had cheated and the other boy looked about ten. He must have thought one heir wasn’t enough for such a big family fortune.