Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 174

Theodore took the phone, and Caleb immediately reported the situation. "Richard Moore's mistress is actually a con artist. She targeted Richard back when he took the money to buy the villa.

"Her goal was always to scam them. She set a trap for Richard, causing him to rack up a huge debt. Richard then dragged Margaret down with him. The couple is being chased by debt collectors, so they turned their attention to Mrs. Sinclair."

Theodore's gaze turned frigid, terrifying Emma, who was standing nearby.

"Tie them up and hand them over to their creditors," Theodore ordered, his voice devoid of warmth.

Caleb paused on the other end of the line. He obviously had not expected Theodore to give such a ruthless order, considering they were Isabella's adoptive parents.

However, he immediately responded, "Understood. I'll do it right away."

Theodore hung up. His knuckles turned white from gripping the phone so tightly, and the chill in his eyes did not fade in the slightest. He looked up at the door of the emergency room. The red light was still on. Every second of waiting felt like torture.

Emma stood to the side, holding her breath. She knew Theodore's temperament too well. He usually appeared calm and restrained, but once someone crossed his bottom line, especially when it involved Isabella's safety, he never hesitated to solve the problem in the most ruthless way possible.

Just then, the door to the emergency room pushed open. The chief of surgery walked out, removing his mask to reveal a relaxed expression. "Mrs. Sinclair has a fracture in her left leg and a mild concussion. The drug in her system has been cleared. We'll observe her for a few days. As long as there are no complications, she'll wake up soon."

Theodore's voice carried an unconcealed urgency. "Is she stable now? Can I go in and see her?"

"She's very stable at the moment, but she still needs to be observed in the ICU for 24 hours. Family members can't visit for the time being."

The doctor handed him a list of post-operative care instructions. "But don't worry, we'll arrange for special care. We'll notify you immediately if there are any changes."

Theodore took the paper. His fingertips traced over Isabella's name on the paper, and the crushing weight on his heart finally lifted. The coldness in his gaze finally softened.

Just as the doctor said, Isabella did not remain in a coma for too long. She woke up in the afternoon. The first second she opened her eyes, she felt dizzy, and her whole body ached.

Isabella's throat tightened. She reached out with her right hand, which was not hooked up to an IV, and lightly touched the stain with her fingertips. Her voice was thick with tears. "Were you… really worried yesterday?"

He held her hand. The warmth of his palm passed through the thin gauze, causing Isabella's tense nerves to relax instantly.

He lowered his head, resting his forehead against the back of her hand. His voice was raspy. "Why did you jump? Why didn't you listen?"

He did not dare speak of the despair he had felt while watching her jump, nor did he dare mention the agony of every second spent waiting outside the emergency room.

He only said, "You're not allowed to do such a silly thing again, okay? I won't allow you to gamble with your own life."

Isabella felt a warmth spread through her chest. At that moment, the thought crossed her mind that perhaps Theodore actually loved her.

"I was drugged. I was hallucinating. I thought I saw you…" Isabella whispered.