Chapter 340

Isabella felt a sharp stare hit her like a dart. She turned to see Siena, tears streaming down her face. "Isabella, can I hold Sweetie one last time?" she choked out.

Isabella stayed quiet.

Siena sobbed harder. "I know I don't deserve it, but I did take care of Sweetie. I really like her. I just want to say goodbye."

Sirens wailed outside.

Isabella looked at the crying Siena. "No need for goodbyes, Siena. Just follow your heart and live your best life. You're still young. If you get it together, things'll turn around."

That was all the comfort she could offer, but whether Siena would listen was another story.

Siena bit her lip and nodded.

The doorbell rang. Quentin said, "I'll get it."

He walked past Siena, his eyes briefly on the hand hidden in her sleeve, his brow furrowing. But he didn't stop and went to open the door.

Two cops stood outside. After checking some info, they were about to come in.

Then Quentin heard a gasp from the living room.

"Bella!" Quentin turned back to the living room, the two cops right behind him.

They rushed in and saw the scene.

Isabella stood still, holding Sweetie. Esme had her arms out, standing in front of Isabella, eyes wide with shock, staring at Siena. Tears still streaked Siena's cheeks, but her eyes were full of jealousy, not fragility.

Siena stepped forward, her whole body ready to attack. Her hands were outstretched, gripping something hard.

Esme's dress was quickly getting soaked with blood.

It all happened too fast. After pretending to say goodbye, Siena had turned to leave. No one expected her to spin back, rushing forward with a sharp fruit knife hidden in her sleeve.

The knife was aimed right at Isabella.

If Esme hadn't jumped in the way, it would be Isabella bleeding now!

"Mom!" Quentin shouted, rushing forward and yanking Siena away.

But Siena's hands clung to the knife handle. Even when Quentin pushed her, she didn't let go. The knife came out of Esme's body with a sickening sound.

Blood splattered everywhere, covering Siena's face. She blinked instinctively, and in the next moment, the cops had her hands restrained. The bloody knife clattered to the ground.

Isabella watched as Esme collapsed in front of her, the room reeking of blood.

In the end, the cops took Siena away.

Isabella had called the police just to give Siena a warning, but now it had turned into an arrest. Siena's attack would likely lead to serious charges.

Esme's wound was deep and bleeding badly. There was no time to wait for an ambulance. Quentin scooped her up and rushed her to the car, speeding to the hospital.

Isabella didn't waste a second and followed, clutching Sweetie tight.

Quentin floored it, pushing the car faster and faster.

Isabella held Esme's hand, her heart racing as she saw the towel soaked with blood. "Aunt Esme, hang in there! We're almost at the hospital!"

Esme's breaths were shallow, all her strength focused on gripping Isabella's hand. "Bella, Bella."

"I'm here, Aunt Esme. I'm right here." Isabella leaned in, tears streaming down her face. "Why did you shield me? Am I worth it?"

"Bella, don't hate me," Esme's voice trembled, her words broken and shaky. She seemed like she had so much to say.

Isabella shook her head fiercely. "Aunt Esme, how could I hate you? You saved me."

"Bella, I'm your mom. I didn't abandon you on purpose," Esme said, tears welling up.

"Mom?" Isabella's eyes widened in shock, her mind going blank.

Quentin, driving up front, tightened his lips and glanced at Isabella in the rearview mirror.

"Bella, don't hate me," Esme's eyes were filled with regret and guilt, reflecting Isabella's face.

"Can you call me mom?" Esme asked.

Isabella was stunned, unable to react, or maybe just not knowing how to.

When Isabella stayed silent for too long, Esme's eyes closed in disappointment. Her grip on Isabella's hand weakened, slipping away like a lifeless leaf in the wind.

Isabella instinctively grabbed Esme's hand, then heard Quentin shout, "We're here!"

Quentin drove straight to the emergency entrance, and medics rushed Esme in on a stretcher. Isabella got out of the car, her legs giving way, stumbling forward.

Suddenly, Quentin was there, supporting her arm. "Let me hold the baby."

Isabella stared at him, dazed.

"I'll hold her for you," Quentin said.

Isabella nodded, handing Sweetie over. Then they both walked into the emergency room.

Esme was already being rushed in for treatment, and a nurse called out, "Family members, please come handle the paperwork."

Quentin walked over, and Isabella followed.

Quentin signed the forms with one hand, while Isabella stood silently, her mind still spinning.

The nurse glanced at Isabella, then said to Quentin, "Sir, your wife looks a bit pale. Maybe she should take the child to rest over there?"

Isabella was stunned, realizing they were being mistaken for a family.

Just as she was about to explain, Quentin said, "You misunderstood. She's my sister."

The nurse awkwardly apologized.

Quentin just smiled, letting it slide.

Isabella looked at Quentin, her feelings a mix of confusion and gratitude, still thinking about his words, "She's my sister."

After finishing the paperwork, Isabella and Quentin went to wait outside the emergency room together.