After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 433

Isabella glanced his way, clearly annoyed every time he called her “wife.” She worried he’d never actually go through with the divorce, but since they were still technically married, she let it slide. Arguing over what he called her just wasn’t worth it.

She took the wedding gift list, checking off each item with quiet focus. Every time she marked something as returned, Natalie could only watch, teeth clenched in frustration. She wanted to protest, but with her parents standing nearby, she had no choice but to hold it all in.

When Isabella finished, she turned to Ethan. “Looks like they’ve given back about half,” she said, then shifted her gaze to Natalie. Natalie’s glare was full of resentment, but Isabella met it head-on, unfazed.

“Natalie, when are you giving back the rest? Can you get it all together in three days?”

“Three days? There’s no way,” Natalie shot back, voice rising.

“Then give me a date. I’ll be coming back for it.”

Natalie pressed her lips together, thinking. “At least a month. Maybe even three.”

Isabella’s expression darkened. “Don’t try to stretch this out, Natalie. I’m not pushing you, but you’re obviously just stalling. If you’re not planning to return everything, don’t expect me to keep playing nice. Three days. I’ll be back for the rest.”

“Jordan!” Jackson stepped in, his voice stern. “Isabella doesn’t owe us anything. Don’t say things like that. Think about it—how old were you when Cynthia brought Isabella into this family? I was always working, barely home. Cynthia was the one who raised you. She did more for you than any real mother ever could.”

Jackson’s message was clear. If Jordan wanted to talk about debts, Isabella could just as easily turn it around and ask him to repay Cynthia for raising him. Jackson turned to Isabella, his tone gentle. “Isabella, you don’t owe us anything. Ignore whatever Jordan says.”

He went on, “So, half the gifts are still missing, right? I’ll make sure Jordan and Natalie get everything back to you in three days. This shouldn’t have happened, and I take responsibility for not managing things better. We’re family—let’s not make this uglier than it already is. We’ll still be family in the future, after all.” He looked at Cynthia beside him. “Isn’t that right, Cynthia?”

Cynthia nodded, her voice steady and warm. “Jackson’s right, Isabella. You don’t owe the Lane family a thing. Don’t listen to what anyone else says.”