Twisted Ties of Love novel Chapter 537

The twilight was deepening. Izabella stood at the second-floor French window, her gaze tracing the long path leading up to the grand entrance.

Casey, what was he up to now? She had slipped knockout drops into his drink; he might still be lost in dreams at this hour. Or perhaps he'd already discovered her absence.

Would he be furious to find her gone without saying goodbye? Had he already signed the divorce papers she left on the nightstand, or had he torn them to shreds?

A wave of feebleness overtook Izabella, and her legs gave out, sending her sliding down to the floor beside the window. Curled up like a stray pup left out in the cold, she was the picture of desolation. Despite having chosen to leave, she couldn't shake off an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

In the winter, even the southern birds took refuge, rarely venturing out. Occasionally, a mourning dove would flutter down from the branches, only to take flight again, seeking the safety of the treetops.

At five in the afternoon, Brett appeared to call Izabella down to dinner. Clad in an apron, he faced her expressionless, icy demeanor with a smile that never wavered.

"Dinner's ready."

Izabella looked up at him, finding his smile more nauseating the longer she stared.

"Now that I'm here, will you finally leave the Dempsey family alone? Return what you've taken from them? And about Casey, if you dare hurt him, I swear I'll die before you get the chance."

Brett, a man knocking on death's door, wouldn't be dissuaded by threats of retribution. To him, Izabella was worth more than his own life.

True to form, at the sound of her words, Brett's face stiffened momentarily before he let out a faint, distracted laugh.

"Don't worry. I've stepped back from the Dempsey family. They'll be back on their feet in less than a month, and I'll make up for any losses. After all, I can't take the money with me when I die."

He knew full well that none of his wealth would follow him to the grave, yet he insisted on chaining her to his side until his last breath.

Izabella scoffed, "I hope you keep your word."

Glancing at his watch, Brett urged, "Let's eat. You skipped lunch, and an empty stomach leads to stomach problems."

Izabella followed him downstairs, where she was greeted by a table laden with her favorite dishes - the aroma was tantalizing.