Chapter 637

Isabella's sudden blindness was far too convenient.

Vanessa's first instinct was that this had to be another one of her schemes.

After all, Isabella had faked injuries before with that ridiculous blood packet. What wouldn't she do for attention?

But then again—those stairs were steep. A real fall could have caused serious damage.

Evelyn drew a slow breath, forcing herself to think rationally.

Rather than making this difficult for Alexander, she said quietly, "You should go check on her at the hospital."

Alexander's brows furrowed. "Evelyn, why are you pushing me toward another woman?"

But if she didn't suggest it, wouldn't he go anyway?

Alexander took loyalty seriously. As long as Andrew's memory lingered between them, he'd never fully cut Isabella out. Better to let him go now than have him distracted all night.

"She's causing a scene there, and Simon looks exhausted. She won't calm down until you arrive," Evelyn said before retreating to their bedroom.

The house was so quiet she could hear Alexander cleaning up in the kitchen—the clink of silverware, the running tap.

Then the front door clicked shut.

He'd left, just as she'd told him to.

Even though it had been her suggestion, an ache spread through her chest, heavy as stone.

Evelyn pulled the blankets tighter, biting her lip until she forced her eyes closed.

Alexander arrived at the hospital past 3 AM. He could hear the commotion from down the hall.

Isabella was thrashing on the hospital bed, hurling anything within reach. "Why can't I see? Where's Alexander? I need him here now!"

A nurse tried reasoning with her. "Ms. Morgan, it's the middle of the night. Other patients are complaining. If this continues, we'll have to sedate you."

The doctors had examined her but found no clear cause. Further tests would have to wait until morning.

Simon spotted Alexander and rushed over, dark circles under his eyes. "Mr. Whitmore."

At the sound of his voice, Isabella stilled.

Her hands groped blindly through the air. "Alexander? Is that you? I'm terrified—everything's black. I've gone blind!"

Isabella was baffled. She'd been fine after the ER visit. How could sleeping have stolen her sight?

This entire plan had been Vanessa's idea.

Vanessa had pointed out that with Evelyn hospitalized, Alexander was staying there instead of coming home.

Her suggestion? Have Isabella move into their house. Sleep in their bed.

What better way to humiliate Evelyn when she returned?

Isabella had hesitated, worried about Alexander's reaction.

But Vanessa had waved her off. "Worst case? He yells at you. So what?"

Isabella had figured she was right. A scolding wouldn't kill her.

Vanessa had given her the door code—suggesting Evelyn's birthday, since they shared the same date. Shockingly, it worked.

To sell the act, Isabella had brought another blood packet.

As she tumbled down the stairs, she'd spilled it strategically, leaving dramatic streaks.

She'd expected minor bruises at worst. Nothing a little rest wouldn't fix.

Never had she imagined going blind.

Blindness meant her career was over. Her life was over.

Now she was trapped in endless darkness, helpless.

Isabella had never felt such terror.

"How can I play cello like this?" she thought desperately. "Will I just waste away, waiting to die?"

Regret consumed her.

She never should have listened to Vanessa. Vanessa had risked nothing, while Isabella had lost everything.

When she heard Alexander approach, her hands flailed wildly. "Alexander? Is that you? I'm so scared. It's so dark—I can't see anything!"

Alexander stepped closer, waving a hand before her eyes.

No reaction.

Isabella seized his wrist like a lifeline. "I'm useless now. What's the point of living?"

Alexander studied her for a long moment before speaking. "The doctor said this could be temporary. Your sight might return any day."

Isabella's voice broke. "When? They don't know, do they? They're just saying that!"

Tears streamed down her face. She couldn't see Alexander's expression—couldn't read him at all.

She clung to him, trying to press against his chest. "It was Evelyn! She pushed me! You have to make this right!"

Alexander stiffened, pulling back—but Isabella's grip was iron.

At the accusation, his voice turned icy. "I haven't asked yet. Why were you in our house?"

After the orchestra incident, he'd arranged an apartment for her—thirty minutes from his home.

Isabella froze. She hadn't expected interrogation now.

Alexander's tone was relentless. "Tell me the truth. Did Evelyn push you, or is this another act?"

Isabella's pulse spiked, but she took comfort in one fact: no security cameras.

She doubled down, tears flowing freely. "Why would I jump to frame her? Look at me! I'm blind!"

Her weeping wasn't entirely fake. She was genuinely shattered.

Alexander held out tissues—but Isabella, oblivious, didn't take them.

Exhaustion weighed on him. He massaged his temples.

The night was too long for this.

Finally, he spoke softly. "Isabella, I'm sending you abroad. The best doctors will treat your eyes."