“They tried to take you away, Mom. I wanted to save you, but I just… couldn’t. I was so scared. I thought they’d sell you, and I’d never see you again.”
It was a nightmare from her childhood, one she hadn’t had in years. Now the George family had shown up, and all those old memories came rushing back, leaving Isabella feeling as desperate and helpless as she’d once been.
Cynthia wrapped her arms around Isabella, her voice gentle and reassuring. “It’s over now. Everything’s okay. Your uncle got there in time, remember? He brought that big knife and chased them off. He got us out of that house. You don’t have to be afraid anymore, Isabella.”
Zachary and his wife exchanged a quick glance before adding their own words of comfort. Back then, Zachary’s wife hadn’t married into the family yet—she’d only heard the story later. But Zachary remembered everything. He remembered hearing the news, grabbing the machete, and running for his sister and niece. He’d seen those people trying to tear Cynthia and Isabella apart, planning to sell them. He’d lost control, rushing in with the blade, ready to risk everything.
He’d managed to protect Cynthia and Isabella that day. If Cynthia hadn’t stopped him, he might have destroyed the George family right there. She was worried he’d do something he couldn’t take back, so she held him back. In the end, he got them out of there with that machete.
For years after, Isabella had nightmares that left her crying every night. It wasn’t until Cynthia married into the Lane family, after they’d lived there for more than a year, that the nightmares finally stopped.
“Those awful people,” Zachary muttered, his voice tight with anger. “How are they still walking this earth? And now they have the nerve to come asking Isabella for money.”
Isabella pulled away from her mother, wiping the tears from her face. “I’m okay, Mom. Uncle, I’m fine. I just got scared in the dream, but now I’m awake. I know it’s over.” Her tone was steady as she went on, “If they come after me again, I’m done talking to them. I’ll just make sure they can’t get into my company at all.”
She glanced around at her family. “Mom, Uncle, Aunt, you should go get some sleep.”
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