After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 716

“I had Harold look into it for me,” Isabella said. “I didn’t want to bother Jesse again.”

Laura just shrugged. “The more people we have helping, the better.” Without missing a beat, she texted Jesse to ask if he could check into it too.

Jesse replied almost instantly. He already knew—Harold had filled him in. He promised he’d help and told her to let Isabella know not to worry.

Isabella’s voice softened. “Thank you, Laura. Really. If it weren’t for you guys, I don’t think I could’ve made it this far.”

Ever since she’d come back, Isabella trusted Laura even more than her own mom. Things with her mother had always been tense, but Laura was the one who helped smooth things over. Because of her, Isabella and her mom had finally grown closer. After her parents’ divorce, her mother belonged only to her. No one else was competing for that love anymore.

“We’re best friends. Don’t be so polite. Whatever you’re going through, I’m in it with you.”

Laura scooped some food onto Isabella’s plate. “Come on, eat. Don’t let those jerks ruin your appetite.”

“Alright. No matter what happens, I’ll get through it. I’m planning on living a long, long life.”

This time around, she was determined to make it.

***

Natalie changed into all black, swapping her heels for sneakers so she could move quickly and quietly.

She slipped out of The Lane Estate by herself and walked until she reached the edge of the neighborhood.

About fifteen minutes later, she caught a cab outside the gates. After giving the driver an address, she pulled a black mask from her pocket and slipped it on.

An hour later, the cab stopped at a deserted intersection. The driver glanced back at her. “We’re here.”

Natalie got out and paid the fare. The driver looked at her, a bit concerned. “Miss, this place is pretty out of the way. It’s not really safe for a woman on her own. If you don’t need to be here long, you should head back soon.”

“Get on.”

Natalie hesitated, glancing at him. “Did he send you to pick me up?”

“Get on.”

Teeth clenched, she climbed onto the back of the motorcycle.

The rider took off so fast it made her gasp. Natalie shouted, “Can you slow down? Please!” but he didn’t seem to hear her. The bike kept flying down the road, faster than she’d ever gone.

A couple times she nearly lost her balance. Instinct took over and she grabbed onto his waist, holding on for dear life.

The ride felt endless, but finally the motorcycle screeched to a stop at another intersection. A sleek black sedan was parked there, and two men and two women stepped out, waiting for her.