Returning with Triple Treasures: My CEO Husband Is Obsessed novel Chapter 3

"I'm telling you now because if I'd told you sooner, the family would have never agreed to let you return," Hannah said, knowing Isabella all too well. "You wouldn't pass up any chance for Jason. But if you couldn't bring him back for this, it would have broken your heart."

Five years ago, Isabella had barely made it home alive.

What that man, Xavier, had done to their most cherished daughter... he deserved far worse than any punishment the Carters could devise. But since Isabella wanted nothing more to do with him—wanted to forget he ever existed—the family had reluctantly shelved their plans for retribution.

Isabella fell silent. She looked at Jason, sitting perfectly still beside her in the car seat, and gave his small hand a firm, reassuring squeeze.

It would be fine. She was here only for Jason's treatment. Her cursed history with Xavier was a closed book, a chapter ended long ago.

An hour later, Isabella found herself standing in a slow-moving line at the school administration office, Jason's hand securely in hers.

Suddenly, Jason tugged gently on her coat sleeve. He pressed his lips, his large, expressive eyes locked onto the box of apple juice a boy ahead of them was drinking.

"Are you thirsty, sweetie?" Isabella understood immediately, but glanced back at the long line snaking behind them. "It's a bit tricky right now. Can you wait a little while?"

At her words, Jason's little head drooped. He didn't make a sound, but the wave of disappointment that washed over his face was unmistakable.

Isabella's heart softened. She spotted a vending machine in an alcove directly across the wide hallway. Bending down to his level, she said softly, "You stand right here and don't move, okay? Mommy will run and get it. I'll be back before you know it."

Jason's eyes brightened instantly, and he nodded vigorously.

Seeing that hopeful look, she gave his hand one more squeeze and hurried off toward the vending machine.

At that precise moment, a sleek black Maybach glided to a halt at the school's main entrance.

Jacob exited the front passenger seat swiftly and opened the rear door. A man of imposing height and an aura of sharp, contained coldness stepped out, instantly accompanied by a small, efficient retinue. His presence alone seemed to draw and then silence the ambient noise of the busy drop-off zone.

"Whoa... look at him," a parent whispered.

"Hush, don't stare—look at the car. That's from Moore Group..."

The murmurs faded into an uneasy quiet. The aides flanking the man began discreetly scanning the area, smartphones in hand, as if searching for a specific signal or face.

Xavier stood slightly apart, his gaze sweeping over the crowded foyer. His eyes landed on the lengthy queue at the admin office, and a flicker of impatience crossed his features. He shot a cool glance at Jacob.

Jacob immediately stepped closer. "My apologies, Mr. Moore. It's the first day of school. It's always chaotic. I'll have the principal clear the area."

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