Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 104

Isabella's smile faded, but she refused to back down. Her fingers curled around the hem of her blouse as she said, "Sorry, I can't. Ms. Klein, perhaps you don't know me very well. I've never been the reasonable type."

Her voice was calm yet unyielding.

Meanwhile, Alexander sat propped against the hospital bed, watching the two women square off. He swallowed hard, and in the end, he took Isabella's side, saying, "Queen, don't cause a scene."

"I'm making a scene?" Queenie shot to her feet, her shoulders quivering. Even her flawless makeup couldn't mask the hurt and defiance burning in her eyes.

She continued, "Alexander, I've stood by Theodore for years. You have no idea what he and I have been through! What right does Isabella have? She only came along later, so why does she get to be Mrs. Sinclair?"

Isabella lifted her gaze to meet Queenie's reddened eyes. Her voice remained steady as she said, "Ms. Klein, that question should be directed to Theodore. Or better yet, ask him why he never chose to marry you."

Queenie let out a bitter laugh, the sound laced with sorrow.

Why hadn't Theodore chosen her? She wanted to know the answer to that too. They had been through so much together, even life-and-death moments. So, why had Theodore never once opened his heart for her?

No matter how close they got, Queenie still felt there was a part of his heart she could never reach.

But she refused to believe it. Since he had never let her in, why would he open himself to Isabella?

She had already looked into it. The truth was, Isabella had only known Theodore for a short while. What real bond could they possibly share?

Queenie was certain Isabella had seduced him with her tricks.

Suddenly, she stepped forward, hand raised to strike Isabella.

"Isabella Moore, I'll show you today who truly belongs to him!" Queenie yelled.

Alexander scrambled upright in alarm, crying out, "Isabella!"

But as he pushed himself up from the bed, a sharp pain ripped through his wound, and he let out a muffled groan.

Isabella instinctively dodged Queenie's hand. Then, she caught sight of Alexander's pained expression and rushed to steady him. "Alexander!"

Seeing how naturally they gravitated toward one another, Queenie's gaze turned colder. Still, she didn't move closer. She only bit her lip and said with a sneer, "Do you think you've won, Isabella? You don't even know who Theodore truly cares about. Back then, he—"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Queenie as he added, "This is a hospital. Alexander needs to rest. If you've come here to make a scene, you can leave now."

The unyielding look on Theodore's face told Queenie there was no point in saying another word. She shot Isabella a vicious glare, wiped at her tears, and bolted from the ward.

Silence fell over the room at once.

Alexander felt a tangle of emotions as he watched Theodore protect Isabella. Still, he forced a smile. "Uncle Theo, you're here."

Theodore nodded, then turned back to Isabella. "Since Alexander's fine, let's head back. It's too noisy here for him to rest well."

Isabella glanced at Alexander. When he nodded to show that he was fine, she answered softly, "Okay."

After saying goodbye to Alexander, they stepped into the softly lit hallway. Without hesitation, Theodore took Isabella's hand, his warm touch reassuring.

Isabella tilted her face up to him and asked quietly, "Why are you here?"

"I was afraid you'd run off." Theodore looked down at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "And I didn't want anyone mistreating you, so I came to stand up for you."