It still bothered Charles that Miss Kane would stupidly act the way she did. While she had the chance to always seduce him to the fullest, she did nothing but drop hints.

So, why? Why would she at that moment, take such a crazy step?


He could not help but eventually link it all to his mother. And if his suspicion was right, then, he was nothing but disappointed in the woman who gave birth to him.

The almost empty cup in his hold soon became a medium for instigating more thoughts. As the tip of his index finger played around the rim, he felt a light tap on his shoulder.

"Richard," he acknowledged the man who walked to the seat opposite him and warmed the cushioned chair with his stylish clothing.


"Why did you seem so deep in thought? Did something happen?"

Charles almost smiled. Richard never failed to read his emotions and mood right. It was one of the reasons, they were still friends. Charles had a thing for attentive people and good observers. "Well, you could say so."


Richard eyes wore a smile. "I doubt you want to talk about it."

Charles let out a gust of air and sat even straighter. "What have you got there?" he asked, his eyes trained on the small paper in Richard's hands.

"Oh. It is something you won't believe."

"And what is that?" The reply he got involved the envelope being pushed towards him. As he brought out the contents, his face wore a really huge frown. "This is my mother and..."

"Gabriel. I know. It is crazy. Augustus happened to be in the restaurant at that time and he definitely had to capture them."

Charles's eyes which still wore disbelief left the captured image in his hand. "But... why?"

"That remains a mystery."

Charles then had to wonder, what length his mother would go because she wanted Isabella away from him? But then... approaching Gabriel of all people... "Do you think she offered him money to do something terrible?"

"Your mother would go that far?" Even Richard felt it was quite absurd.

Charles's head tilted as he reasoned his eyes narrowed as well. "I guess we'll never know until something crazy follows this meeting they've had. Till then..." His eyes met Richard's. "Please contact Augustus and have him prepare security for Isabella."

His eyes traveled to a distance as he said, almost to himself, "I am afraid they want to hurt her."

~

After what seemed like an entire year of waiting, the twenty- seventh finally arrived and Isabella was as nervous as ever. With witnesses giving their testimonies that day, she knew a lot more of flashbacks and emotions she was scared of would come rushing in.

But then, she had no choice but to brace herself. Certainly, it wouldn't be terrible to think of the hearing as a battle field. As her mind formed analogies, she could not help but wonder who would be Gabriel's witness.

Definitely, if there would be, it would simply be another bout of lies being put forth.

From where she was, she could see Caleb and her doctor who sat side by side discussing something. By Mr. Richard's advice, she was not to have any form of contact with them, so she just smiled appreciatively even if they couldn't see her.

"Isabella?" Mr. Richard called her out of her thoughts. As her eyes caught the small figure of her neighbour, Mrs. Rosafield, she sighed. She hardly knew the woman, but since she was there for her, to report everything her ears have heard probably through her kitchen window, she also had to be appreciated.

"Yes?"

"It's time to go in."

Charles, whose eyes had been on her as she delved into matters in her head, gave her a short nod and she reached to hug him. That was her good luck charm.

Perhaps his touch was too.

As his fingers ran through her hair which she let down as she felt it brought out the beauty of the plain deep blue flair gown she had on, Isabella felt some kind of relief.

"It will all be fine," was all he said. Then he made her release her hold and slightly nudged her towards Mr. Richards.

"Are you ready?" her lawyer asked as they made for the assigned room. Isabella nodded , her eyes meeting Caleb's who gave her a look full of encouragement.

On getting to the room, they met Gabriel and his attorney on seat. Isabella who didn't want to even see any part of Gabriel had her eyes meeting his instantly.

"Hello Isabella," he said, wearing a different kind of pride. Ignoring him, she took her seat next to Mr. Richards. "Don't ignore me so much Isabella, you will soon be by my side once again."

Isabella swore inwardly and prayed for the hearing Judge to arrive.

And she did. But this time, with two suited men and the same lady who accompanied her the last time.

After paying their respect, they all had their seat and the Judge began.

"Good day ladies and gentlemen. I trust we have had no troubles during the wait," her eyes darted like she was trying to fish out some secrets. "I will be joined by two of my colleagues today, so like last time, let's all be civil and carry out this hearing as calmly as possible."

Isabella's eyes went to her laps.

"Well..." the woman's voice boomed. "Shall we begin? I believe each party have their witnesses on ground. So, will the plaintiff go ahead and present their first witness?"

Gabriel's attorney who Isabella would be hearing his voice for the first time got up and said, "Yes, your Honour."

Isabella's head came up as she wondered if they really had a witness.

The attorney's kind of thin voice replied her mind's question. "The name of our witness is Timothy Godfrey. And I will be calling him in now."

Isabella knew then, as her eyes met Gabriel's, she was really on a kind of battle ground.