Chapter 266

Isabella froze.

Isabella stared blankly at Sebastian, struggling to say something. But just as she opened her mouth, Sebastian turned away.

His action seemed like he was avoiding her, or perhaps he had run out of patience and was at a loss for words.

Isabella choked up, her mind went blank, and she couldn't remember what she wanted to say before.

Sebastian put down his clothes, his voice turning cold. "You should wash up and go to bed. I have things to handle, so I won't be with you."

Then, he walked out of the room.

Isabella soaked herself in warm water for a long time.

That night, Sebastian stayed in the study all night.

And Isabella, hugging the quilt, curled up on the bed and stayed awake until dawn.

The next morning, Isabella heard footsteps outside and immediately sat up, running barefoot to open the door.

She hesitated for a second as her fingers touched the doorknob. Just as she was about to open the door, the footsteps outside faded away.

Isabella's heart sank, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Mr. Landon." Jack stood at the door and was taken aback when he saw Sebastian.

Sebastian's face was full of fatigue, his eyes bloodshot, and dark circles under them. His hair was messy, and he was still wearing the same clothes from last night.

Sebastian had always been meticulous about his appearance. There was only one time when, after Isabella's "death," he'd been in a state of disarray.

Now, the exhaustion radiated from him more than ever before, both inside and out.

"Mr. Landon!" Jack almost reached out to help Sebastian.

Sebastian asked, "How did things go?"

"Charles was home last night. Apart from a brief hospital visit, he didn't leave the house. Siena's testimony only confirms that Charles picked her up from the hospital and then took her home. She was drugged upon entering her house and then taken to the construction site. Charles has an alibi and has cleared all suspicion. The so-called 'fake sorcerer' was deemed mentally ill and has been sent to a psychiatric hospital."

As Sebastian listened, his expression darkened.

Jack hesitated before adding, "I asked Kelsey about last night. She followed me out of concern for me, not out of malice towards you. It wasn't Isabella's intention to track you."

"What difference does that make?" Sebastian interrupted, his tone icy.

Jack looked taken aback. "You two had a fight?"

A flicker of conflict passed through Sebastian's eyes, but he didn't answer. Instead, he told Jack, "Keep a close watch on Charles. Last night was just a smokescreen. I suspect he's already moved my mother's remains."

Jack nodded. "I've got it covered."

After a moment of hesitation, Jack voiced his concern, "Charles knows you too well. He's got leverage over you."

In plain terms, Charles could always manipulate Sebastian through Anna, while Sebastian was powerless against Charles. If things continued this way, Sebastian's downfall was only a matter of time.

Jack was genuinely worried.

Footsteps approached softly from behind. Sebastian furrowed his brow and said to Jack, "Take good care of Siena."

The remark seemed to carry an unspoken weight.

"Understood." Jack nodded and then left.

Sebastian turned around to see Isabella standing there.

Jack tried to soften the mood as he walked over and stood in front of Isabella. Their eyes met, and Isabella's were slightly red-rimmed.

As the sound of a car engine starting outside filled the air, Isabella asked, "Aren't you going to the office today?"

"No. I have other matters to attend to," Sebastian replied, "I'm sorry for what I said to you last night."

Before Sebastian could finish, Isabella shook her head. "You spoke the truth. It's my fault for not being strong enough and for not clarifying things with you sooner."

Sebastian took her hand and pulled her into an embrace. "I haven't been great at this either. I've made mistakes too."

Tears spilled from Isabella's eyes as she clung tightly to Sebastian's waist. "Sebastian, let's not argue anymore, okay?"

"Okay." Sebastian bent down and kissed the top of her head.

They held each other in the living room for half an hour, their legs growing numb, unwilling to let go.

It wasn't until the doorbell rang that Sebastian finally released her. He helped Isabella to the sofa before heading to open the door.

Nina and Richard stood outside.

"Sebastian, what are you doing answering the door?" Nina, unaware of Sebastian's eye condition, reached out to help him.

Before she could, Richard pulled her back. "You haven't congratulated Mr. Landon on his restored eyesight yet."

Nina blinked, and only then did she notice that Sebastian's eyes were no longer clouded.

"Your eyes are better! When did this happen? Does Bella know? That's wonderful!" Nina's excitement was palpable.

Richard gently patted Nina's back. "Let's talk inside."

The wind outside was chilly, and Nina was dressed lightly. Richard was concerned she might catch a cold.

Once inside, Isabella had already risen to greet them. "Nina, Richard."

Nina's sharp eyes immediately noticed Isabella's reddened eyes and cast a questioning look at Sebastian. "What's going on here?"

Sebastian lowered his gaze. "It's my fault."

Isabella quickly intervened. "It's nothing. Please, come in and sit down. I'll make some coffee."

As she headed for the kitchen, Sebastian stopped her. "I'll do it."

Isabella hesitated, but Sebastian had already let go and gone to make the coffee.

"I brought breakfast for you all. Eat while it's still warm." Nina opened the food box and handed the dishes to Isabella.

"Thank you, Nina." Isabella's eyes welled up again, and she nearly started crying.

As she kept her head down, eating, Nina watched her and said, "I heard about last night. It was so dangerous-why didn't you think to call me?"

Isabella shook her head and reassured her, "It wasn't that dangerous."

Nina understood that Isabella was trying to comfort her, so she didn't push further. Instead, she said with concern, "Next time, make sure to call me. I might not be able to do much, but I can talk to Zaire and Richard. They'll help."

Isabella nodded, though she didn't want to burden Nina. Nina had endured so much hardship in her childhood and had devoted herself to helping Isabella over the years. Later, because of Charlie, Nina's marriage faltered, so Isabella had hoped for some peace. She didn't want to add to Nina's worries.

Isabella also wished she could shield Nina from all this, but her own situation wasn't any better. Sweetie was still missing, Charles was lurking, and everything seemed to be falling apart. She felt helpless, unable to do anything.

Thinking about this made Isabella's chest tighten, and she couldn't eat another bite.

At that moment, Richard spoke up, "I've found a lead on Sweetie."