Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 142

The sudden question caught Isabella off guard. Theodore didn't beat around the bush and cut straight through the unspoken tension between them.

She let out a long breath and said, "We're long over. Whatever Alexander is thinking now has nothing to do with me. I'm his aunt-in-law, even if it's just in name. He needs to accept that."

"Good," Theodore said. "I'll make that clear to him."

…

Alexander had been hospitalized twice in a row, and whispers were already circulating in the company about whether he was seriously ill.

After fielding a few veiled inquiries, Isabella deliberately avoided the lunch-hour rush to grab a meal. But as the elevator descended one floor, someone stepped in. It was a young, handsome guy. He was likely a new employee.

Isabella would've remembered someone this good-looking otherwise. She couldn't help stealing a couple of glances. To her surprise, the guy stared at her too. His face lit up with growing excitement, as if he had spotted an old friend.

"Isabella Moore?" he exclaimed.

She was taken aback. "You are…"

"I'm Kenneth Rowle. We went to the same university. I was your junior! Remember?"

"Kenneth? Oh, it's you! What are you doing here?" Isabella asked.

She'd been so busy with part-time jobs in university that she hadn't had much time for socializing, but Kenneth stood out in her memory.

"I just started working here. I had no idea you were here too, Isabella! What department are you in? I'm in marketing!" Kenneth said.

Isabella smiled. "I'm in the CEO's office."

"Wow, that's amazing! You were always so impressive back in university, and now, you're killing it at work too. You're beautiful and talented. I've got a lot to learn from you!" Kenneth's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Isabella felt a little embarrassed. To change the subject, she said, "You're heading to lunch, right? Want to join me? It's my treat. Consider it a welcome for the new guy!"

"Sure! Thanks, Isabella!" Kenneth grinned, looking just like the adorable, younger guy he was.

Greg was out of town and scoffed when he saw the message. "Can't you just stay in the hospital and rest? Stop obsessing over work. You've been in and out of the hospital several times this month alone. Talk about fragile!"

Alexander replied curtly. "This is a personal matter."

Greg snorted. "Personal, huh? Let me guess—this has to do with Isabella. Who's this guy? Another one of her admirers?"

Alexander didn't respond, but his silence was answer enough. Greg tutted and texted, "You're pathetic! Think about how you keep tripping over the same woman! Hang on. I'll check him out for you."

Despite being out of town, he acted quickly. Within ten minutes, he sent Alexander a full dossier on Kenneth.

Alexander's expression was icy as he opened the file, and the look on his face only grew uglier with every line of text that he read. Finally, he closed the file and called the HR department.

As soon as they picked up, he barked, "There's a new guy in marketing called Kenneth Rowle. Fire him immediately."

The HR employee hesitated. "Mr. Sinclair, he was hired on your mother's recommendation, so we can't just fire him… Do you want to check with your mother on this first?"