Her Divorce, His Downfall (Sophia and Damian) novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Jeffrey was caught off guard by the immediate answer.

It seemed Michael would clean up any mess Isabelle made, no matter the cost, leaving Sophia to bear the ultimate price.

She was “murdered” by her own halfsister, and even her father would not seek justice for her.

Michael’s choice laid bare his chilling indifference.

Had he refused to save Isabelle, they would have handed the evidence straight to the police,

They would press charges, letting the law take its course–the outcome they truly wanted.

If Michael had shown any sense of fairness, refusing to shield Isabelle, they would have gladly given him the 40% stake,

After all, Zenith Corporation was built on the efforts of him and Elaine.

But he chose the illegitimate daughter over principle.

With a sympathetic glance at Sophia–still composed, unshaken -Jeffrey motioned for the lawyer in a tailored suit to step forward and present the documents.

Michael took the “Zenith Corporation Share Transfer Agreement” and skimmed its contents.

Every detail was there: parties involved, equity terms, transfer procedures, liabilities, and default clauses. They had come fully prepared.

His eyes grew teary, a bitter ache swelling behind them. The pen trembled in his grip, nearly slipping from his fingers.

Before the ink touched paper, his heart felt hollowed out, carved raw.

Signing would save Isabelle but betray Sophia.

Saving Isabelle meant driving another knife into Sophia’s memory.

She was the daughter he and Elaine had cherished, their precious gem.

How had he let her be destroyed right under his nose?

But not signing?

Could he stand by while the Moore family sent Isabelle to prison?

Isabelle had called him Dad for years.

And now, she was the only daughter he had left.

Michael couldn’t bring himself to be that cruel.

A metallic taste rose in his throat. Closing his eyes, he saw Elaine’s heartbroken gaze and Sophia’s eyes that were full of despair.

Your father is a coward.

Every extra moment weighed too heavily to bear.

Stumbling slightly, he headed toward the private parking area.

Behind him, Isabelle’s screams tore through the air.

“Dad! Dad! You loved me most… how could you do this?”

However, Michael didn’t look back or slow down.

Isabelle never imagined the father who had doted on her all her life, though forced to save her, would respond with house arrest, frozen accounts, and a rushed marriage.

Too much had happened today. Her beloved dog was killed right before her eyes. Her longhidden plot against Sophia was exposed in front of Michael. Each blow had taken its toll, body and mind.

Watching Michael walk away without a backward glance broke her completely.

The searing pain in her lungs, barely held back until now, erupted. Isabelle coughed violently, then choked–a mouthful of blood splattered the ground. Darkness swallowed her vision, and she slumped unconscious.

“Isabelle! Isabelle!” Rhea panicked, face pale, eyes wide.

She shook her, called her name again and again. Getting no response, Rhea gritted her teeth, hauled Isabelle onto her back, and stumbled toward the parking lot, every step a struggle.