"I assure you, I will make this case a win for us all.""You had better. I can't bear the thought of that Manifold guy being in Isabella life at all," Charles replied, grabbing Isabella's hand after, giving it a warm squeeze.The stylish man in front of them smiled as he took his eyes off their intertwined fingers which Isabella had relaxed into.She was already used to having Charles around, nothing seemed to be wrong anymore."As long as the case remains solid, we have no problem." Richards adjusted his suit jacket, then combed through his hair which was carefully styled with curls here and there. "Honestly, as long as Isabella cooperates and gives us the information we need with evidence, we are good to go. So, Miss Shade..."Isabella tore her eyes from the weird paintings that decorated the office. There was a particular blue one that made no sense. "Yes, Mr. Richard?""The bulk of the job falls on you. So please, do not leave out any us

As Isabella walked down the next aisle with the hope that she hadn't filled her cart with more than she could afford, her eyes caught the wine rack.Wine suddenly reminded her of Charles. He preferred whiskey on a good day, but he never turned down good wine either.As she stopped and scanned the shelf, she began to realize she might have to return some things. His favorite - well, if it still was- had just caught her eye and she knew she had to get it.As she grabbed the bottle and made for the beverage section to return the tea packs, she heard a voice from behind say, "Alberto Shade."Isabella froze."Hello Isabella," the voice greeted with no so much excitement within.She turned, sighed lightly then returned, "Mrs. Oxford."Isabella then wondered how she knew her father or rather, about her father.The classy woman in front of her wore a little scorn as her eyes scanned Isabella's hands. "Considering that you are latching

"Bella?" he called again with more concern as it seemed like she was about to cry. "What happened in there?" He swore within him to deal with Manifold no matter what if he did as much as stab Isabella with words.Isabella's eyes darted to the marbled floor below and she said nothing.As he saw Richard approach them, his eyes caught Manifold's tall figure which had a gloat in its steps as he conversed with the shorter man beside him."Richard?""He cooked up a tale and made himself look good. Now that we have contradicting statements, we can only depend so much on the witnesses we have.""What did he say in there?" Charles stole a look at Isabella who was trying to hide into his side. Definitely, whatever that bastard said made her instantly... distant.Richard who stole a look at Isabella sighed and then said, "He claimed to be a good husband to her. And he painted her to be a cheat."Charles almost laughed. More like scoffed. "A

As Isabella entered the lift, she found it hard to shake off Charles's insistent gaze. It almost seemed like it was suggesting something. "Hi," she simply said as she found her stance beside his tall figure. "Isabella," he returned, his voice a bit thicker.The entire space wore awkwardness as she had no idea what to say next. And that was funny, she was certain she had many questions in her head before she pressed the elevator's button. So, her eyes didn't wander, they stayed glued on her blurred image ahead. Charles cleared his throat, chasing the silence away. Then, instantly, his arm circled her waist and he drew her closer to his side before she could react. Startled, she looked up at him and he greeted her with a smirk that stirred something within her. As his hand dug even more into her side in a gentle manner, she asked, her voice trying to hide her slight amusemen

"Is that all?" Charles asked Richard with a low voice so as to not wake Isabella who was still sleeping deeply.  'I contacted Isabella's doctor already. His schedule is luckily not tight on the 27th, so he will be able to make it.' Charles wore a satisfactory smile. It was all coming together fine. "That's good. Did he mention anything else?" 'Well...' Richard drew a long breath before going on. 'He did say his statement would most likely be disturbing.' Charles's legs danced a bit as his face wore a frown. "Disturbing?" 'He is bound by an oath thus he can only make mention of it during the hearing.' "I see." Charles felt it was a shame he wouldn't be able to be at the hearing. 'One more thing.' "What about?" 'Gabriel. There is something about him Augustus just discovered.' It then occurred t