Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 133

Theodore sensed someone staring at him and looked up. He met Alexander's gaze as the latter watched from the staircase.

Alexander greeted him respectfully, "Uncle Theo."

Amelia looked up in displeasure when she heard his voice. She glared at him and snapped, "Did I say you could come out of your room? Don't think you can defy me just because you have Theodore to back you up. I'll let you call off the engagement because Theodore has spoken up for you, but you'll need my approval if you want to marry anyone else in the future."

Theodore said calmly, "Come to the study with me, Alexander."

Then, he headed to the study on the first floor.

Amelia shot Alexander a look to tell him to be quick on his feet, but he didn't show much of a reaction. It was hard to tell whether he even got her meaning.

It was only until the study door swung shut that Laura Bronson, a maid who had served Amelia for years, stepped forward to speak to her in a low voice. "Mrs. Sinclair, Mr. Theodore wouldn't do anything to Mr. Alexander, would he?"

"He wouldn't dare!" Amelia said icily.

Laura nodded. "That's true. This is the Sinclair residence, after all, and the two have always been on good terms. I doubt he'd take things that far."

"Good terms? In the past, maybe. Who knows whether that's still the case now? Alexander has never truly wanted anything all his life. This rebellion might actually be good for him."

Alexander was a proud man, but he had always gone along with whatever Amelia told him to do. It wasn't because he was obedient but because he didn't really want anything. Nothing mattered much to him, so he was fine going along with Amelia's wishes.

In Amelia's eyes, this was both a strength and a weakness. She was the one who'd been pushing him higher up the ladder all this while. If not for her, he would probably just be a freelance photographer now.

"It seems Isabella's presence isn't all bad," she said.

"Mrs. Sinclair, do you mean that Mr. Alexander is still…" Laura's eyes widened in shock. She glanced at the study, afraid that anyone would overhear them.

Amelia snorted, saying disdainfully, "It doesn't matter what he thinks. The point is that Isabella is now married to Theodore. If Alexander wants her back, he'll have to fight Theodore. And once he has the desire to fight, it'll only mean good things for me!"

Laura nodded.

Amelia smiled maliciously. "She's just a woman, anyway. If Alexander can take the position as head of the family, I wouldn't mind finding him a place where he can keep Isabella hidden. It's perfectly normal for a man to have a few women in his life, isn't it?"

"Uncle Theo…" Alexander forced out, his voice carrying an almost indiscernible quiver. "I can't tell you yet."

Theodore raised an eyebrow, his gaze cooling even further. "Can't tell me? Is it because you're afraid I'll object, or because you don't want me to get mad?"

He took a step forward, his presence so daunting that it made Alexander instinctively back away.

Alexander took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. However, he still didn't dare lift his head. "It's neither of those things. It's just… It's not the right time."

He didn't dare mention Isabella's name. He didn't know how Theodore felt about her, but no man would be able to understand something like this. If his feelings for Isabella were exposed, not only would he thoroughly piss Theodore off, but it might even make him lose the right to remain in the Sinclair family.

Theodore eyed Alexander for a long time, seemingly seeing through him. However, he didn't push the matter. Instead, he said calmly, "Since it's not the right time, I'll wait until you've thought things through to hear your answer.

"But remember this—as a Sinclair, you need to have the courage to own up to the things you do. Don't go around hiding your actions like a coward."

Alexander relaxed slightly at those words. At the same time, a wave of bitterness washed over him. He said, "I understand, Uncle Theo."