64 Chapter 64 – Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
64 Chapter 64 – Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
The sleek black luxury vehicle glided through Havenwood’s streets, the evening lights dancing across its polished exterior. Inside the car, I sat beside Isabelle, still processing the events at the gala.
“You look deep in thought,” Isabelle said, breaking the comfortable silence between us.
I turned to her, admiring how the passing streetlights illuminated her perfect features in rhythmic intervals. “Just reflecting on how you handled Leopold Shepherd. You make these power plays look effortless.”
She smiled, a genuine expression that softened her usually composed demeanor. “Years of practice. Leopold will be an excellent connection for you. His influence extends beyond just Havenwood’s banking sector.”
“And you think I can actually help his wife?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t believe in your abilities, Liam.” She reached over and placed her hand on mine. The simple touch sent warmth spreading up my arm. “Your medical knowledge is extraordinary. If anyone can help Eleanor Shepherd, it’s
you.”
The weight of her confidence in me was both exhilarating and terrifying. Before I could respond, Isabelle’s expression shifted, becoming more guarded.
“Liam, there’s something I need to discuss with you,” she said, her tone suddenly
serious.
I felt my body tense. “What is it?”
“I may need to return to Veridia City soon.”
The air seemed to leave my lungs all at once. Veridia City–the sprawling metropolis that dwarfed Havenwood in both size and significance. The place where Isabelle truly belonged.
“I see,” I managed to say, fighting to keep my expression neutral. “Business matters?” “Family obligations, primarily. I’ve been away longer than I initially planned.” She
64 Chapter 64 – Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
studied my face carefully. “Would you be alright if I left? You’re establishing yourself
If here now, building connections…”
The question felt like a test, though of what exactly, I wasn’t certain. I looked into her eyes, suddenly feeling as though nothing else in this moment mattered except absolute honesty.
“No,” I said simply. “I wouldn’t be alright.”
Her eyebrow arched slightly. “No?”
“If you go to Veridia City, I’ll follow you there.” The words came out with surprising confidence. “I’ll find a way to establish myself there too. And when I’ve built something worthy of you, I’ll ask you to marry me.”
For a brief moment, Isabelle’s carefully maintained composure cracked. Genuine surprise flashed across her face, followed by something deeper that made her eyes shine in the dim light.
“That’s quite a declaration, Liam Knight,” she said softly.
“I meant every word.” I held her gaze steadily.
A smile slowly spread across her lips. “Good. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.”
The car pulled up to my apartment building, but neither of us moved to end the moment.
“Would you really come to Veridia City for me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Without hesitation,” I replied. “Though I should warn you–I’m not exactly qualified for high society yet.”
n the quiet car. “You underestimate yourself, as She laughed, the sound like music in the quiet car. “You underestimate yourself, as usual. Besides, Veridia City needs more men who care about healing rather than power games.”
“When will you go?”
“Not immediately. There are still matters I need to attend to here.” She squeezed my hand. “But when I do, I’ll make sure you’re prepared.”
64 Chapter 64–Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
I nodded, reluctantly opening the car door. “Goodnight, Isabelle.”
“Goodnight, Liam.” Her smile followed me out into the night.
The following morning, I woke carly to review some medical texts before my appointment with Eleanor Shepherd. I was deep in research when my phone buzzed
with a news alert.
“Ashworth Heiress Cancels Appearance at Havenwood Charity Event”
My heart skipped a beat. I quickly opened the article, scanning for details. The piece was vague, mentioning only that Isabelle had canceled her scheduled appearance at a major charity function this morning due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
I dialed her number immediately, concern mounting when she didn’t answer. I was about to call again when a text message came through:
“I’m fine. Will explain later. Focus on your appointment with the Shepherds.”
The brevity of her message did little to ease my worry, but I tried to concentrate on
my preparing for afternoon consultation.
Across town, Isabelle Ashworth’s day was taking an unexpected turn.
Her driver had just pulled onto Laurel Avenue, heading toward the Havenwood Community Center where she was scheduled to give the opening address at the annual charity gala. Suddenly, a sleek red sports car swerved directly into their path, forcing them to brake sharply.
“What the hell?” her driver muttered, as two figures emerged from the vehicle.
Isabelle recognized one of them immediately–Nora Donovan, her face still bearing faint traces of redness from last night’s slaps. The man with her was unfamiliar: tall, with an athletic build and the arrogant stance of someone accustomed to intimidating others.
“Stay in the car, Miss Ashworth,” her driver cautioned.
Isabelle ignored him, opening her door and stepping out into the morning sunlight.
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64 Chapter 64 Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
Emma, her secretary, quickly followed.
“Is this how you handle rejection, Nora? Road rage?” Isabelle asked coolly, adjusting her designer sunglasses.
Nora sneered, her face contorted with anger. “You humiliated me in front of everyone!”
“You earned that humiliation all on your own,” Isabelle replied.
The man beside Nora stepped forward, his eyes traveling over Isabelle in a way that made her skin crawl.
“So this is the famous Isabelle Ashworth?” he drawled. “I’m Ace Harding. You’ve been causing my friend here a lot of distress.”
Isabelle assessed him quickly, noting the designer clothes that couldn’t quite disguise his crude demeanor. “I don’t recall asking for your name or your opinion:
Ace laughed, glancing at Nora. “You’re right–she does have a mouth on her.”
“She thinks she’s untouchable because her family has money,” Nora hissed. “I want her to apologize for what she did.”
Ace turned back to Isabelle, his smile turning predatory. “You heard the lady. A simple apology, and we can all go about our day.”
Isabelle maintained her composure, though internally she was calculating her next move. Emma had already taken a step back, phone in hand, typing furiously.
“Here’s my counter–offer,” Isabelle said evenly. “You both get back in your overpriced compensation vehicle, and I’ll forget this pathetic attempt at intimidation ever happened.”
Nora’s face flushed with renewed anger. “You bitch! You think—”
Before she could finish her tirade, Isabelle stepped forward and delivered another ringing slap across her face, even harder than the ones from the previous night.
“I told you what would happen if you continued to be disrespectful,” Isabelle said calmly.
Ace’s expression darkened, “Hey! You can’t do that!”
“I just did,” Isabelle replied, turning her cold gaze to him. “And you should get lost
LIN
64 Chapter 64 Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
before you find yourself in trouble you can’t handle.”
His laugh held no humor. “Do you have any idea who I am?”
“Someone about to make a serious mistake,” Isabelle said flatly.
Ace stepped closer, towering over her. “Listen, princess. Maybe in your little social circles, people bow and scrape to the Ashworth name. But out here in the real world-”
“Mr. Harding,” Emma interrupted, her voice surprisingly authoritative for someone with such a slight build. “I’ve just finished a very interesting call with your father, Keion Harding. He sends his regards and apologies for your behavior.”
The change in Ace’s expression was instantaneous. The color drained from his face as he stared at Emma in disbelief.
“You’re bluffing,” he said, but the confidence had vanished from his voice.
“The call lasted exactly forty–seven seconds,” Emma continued smoothly. “Your father mentioned something about your upcoming position at Harding Industries being contingent on your behavior this quarter. I believe his exact words were ‘If that idiot son of mine is harassing Isabelle Ashworth, I’ll disinherit him on the spot.”
Nora looked between them in confusion. “Ace, what is she talking about?”
Ace had gone completely pale. “You’re… you’re that Isabelle Ashworth? From Veridia City?”
“Is there another?” Isabelle asked coldly.
“I didn’t… I didn’t realize…” Ace stumbled over his words, suddenly looking terrified. “Miss Ashworth, please accept my apologies. This was a misunderstanding. I had no idea who you were.”
“That much is obvious,” Isabelle said, her voice like ice. “Now, remove yourself and your friend from my path.”
“Yes, of course.” Ace grabbed Nora’s arm. “Nora, come on. We need to go. Now.”
“But-” Nora began to protest.
“Shut up,” Ace hissed. “Do you have any idea who she is? Her family prac.cally owns half of Veridia City!”
<
64 Chapter 64 – Veridia City’s Shadow: Isabelle’s Power Unveiled
145
As they hurriedly retreated to their car, Isabelle turned to Emma. “Cancel my appearance at the charity event. I’m not in the mood for philanthropy after that display.”
“Already done, Miss Ashworth,” Emma replied efficiently. “Your regrets have been sent,
for along with a generous donation to compensate
absence.” your
They returned to their vehicle, and Isabelle instructed her driver to take them back to her residence. As they pulled away, she watched Ace frantically dialing his phone in the rearview mirror.
Just before they turned the corner, she saw him hold the phone away from his ear, his father’s voice loud enough to be heard even at a distance.
“DO YOU WANT TO FUCKING DIE? GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW!”
Isabelle allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as they drove away. There were definite advantages to being an Ashworth, even this far from Veridia City. And sometimes, it was necessary to remind people of that fact.
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