Chapter 42 – Sky High Lies 
Isabel’s POV 
As Emerson turned to leave, his words cut through the air like a knife. Move out of this house today,” he commanded in a voice as cold as ice. He tossed a set of keys onto the table between us. “If you don’t want Robert to pay a ‘big price‘ because of you.” 
I stared at the keys, my heart pounding. Emerson’s threats always carried weight, and I had no doubt he meant every word. Robert stood beside me, his face contorted with anger. He opened his mouth to retort. But I quickly reached out and touched his arm, silencing him. 
“I was planning to move out anyway,” I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. “I can’t keep burdening you, Robert. I’ll move to the apartment from the divorce settlement.” My words felt heavy, laden with a mixture of resignation and relief. I had to protect Robert. The only way to do that was to comply with Emerson’s demands. 

Robert’s anger didn’t fade. He looked at me with concern, his brows. furrowed. “Isabel, are you sure about this? You know Emerson. He’s not just going to let you go that easily. Think twice about what he’s asking. of you.” 
I forced a small, reassuring smile. Though it didn’t reach my eyes. “I’ve thought about it enough, Robert. I don’t care what Emerson wants anymore. All I care about is saving my father.” 
The truth was, I had no energy left to fight. I was too tired, too drained. If moving out would ease some of the tension, then so be it. 
I thanked Robert for everything he had done for me. His kindness had been a lifeline in the midst of the chaos my life had become. He offered. to drive me to the apartment. It felt bittersweet to leave the suburbs, the quiet refuge that had sheltered me during these turbulent times. But I knew it was time to move on. 

Chapter 42 Sky High s 

The drive to the apartment was mostly silent. Robert kept glancing over at me, his worry evident. But I remained focused on the road ahead, trying to ignore the swirling emotions inside me. 
When we arrived at the skyscraper that held my new home, Robert. insisted on helping me carry my things up. But I refused. “I only have one handbag left after the fire,” I said, trying to sound casual. “You’ve done enough. Thank you.” 
He nodded, though his eyes were still filled with concern. “If you need. anything, Isabel, don’t hesitate to call me.” 
I promised I would. And with that, I stepped out of the car and walked into the building. The elevator ride up to my new apartment felt like an eternity – it was on one of the top floors. 
When I stepped inside the apartment, I was immediately struck by its. sheer elegance. The interior was modern, stylish, and sophisticated. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Rivermont. The city’s skyline stretched out before me like a vast, glittering ocean. In the distance, I could see the rolling hills of the countryside, a serene contrast to the bustling city below. 

I walked through the apartment, taking in every detail. The furniture was sleek and luxurious, the colors muted and calming. It was a stunning. space, a stark contrast to the chaos that had been my life recently. Finally, I reached the bedroom and laid down on the plush, comfortable bed. The soft fabric enveloped me. For the first time in what felt like forever, I let out a deep, exhausted sigh. 
For a moment, I allowed myself to feel something other than anger or sadness. Despite everything, I was grateful for this gesture from Emerson. The apartment was a sanctuary. A place where I could finally be alone with my thoughts. Away from all the pain and betrayal. 
The next morning, reality set in quickly. Emerson’s driver arrived to take 
+25 BONUS 
me to the hospital for the examination Emerson had demanded. I wasn’t surprised to find Emerson already there, sitting in the waiting room with a cold, unreadable expression on his face. His presence filled the room with a tension that was almost suffocating. 

long and 
I followed the doctor’s guidance. The examination tedious. It felt routine, almost mundane. But I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in my stomach. What was Emerson up to? Why was he so insistent on this? 
The results came back sooner than I expected. Emerson was handed the report first, and I watched as his expression darkened. His eyes blazed with anger as he crumpled the paper in his fist and threw it in front of me. 
“You’re a liar,” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “How dare you deceive me like this? Was this all just a dirty trick?” 
I blinked, stunned. “What are you talking about?” I demanded, grabbing the report from the floor. My hands trembled as I unfolded the paper and scanned the diagnosis. 

Nervous headache.