Chapter 3

That night, Isobel tossed and turned for a long time in bed before finally falling asleep. As for where Dominic went, she didn't care anymore. The following morning, Isobel was woken by Myles' sharp screams. She hurried into the nursery. There, she saw Myles, who had never sought anyone's comfort before, clutching the hem of Zara's clothes. He softly murmured, "M-Mommy…" Isobel felt her blood run cold. She never imagined that Myles would be calling someone else "Mommy" when he said the word for the first time! Zara picked Myles up, then turned to look at Dominic standing beside her. The three of them looked like a perfect family. Upon seeing the pale Isobel at the doorway, Dominic remained expressionless and said plainly, "Zara's picking a gown for the banquet tonight. You'll go with her. She needs someone to take care of her at events like this." Isobel felt a sharp pang in her heart. All these years, he had never taken her to any important events. When she had asked why, he brushed it off, saying she wasn't meant for such occasions. That had been the end of it. Isobel's hands balled into fists. "Okay," she replied. She lowered her gaze, concealing her emotions. With only two weeks remaining until the end of the month, she had to hold back until she could leave for good. She planned to wait until everything was settled abroad before mentioning divorce. As for her son… Isobel shut her eyes in anguish. Fleeing with an autistic son was impossible. For now, she could only escape alone and figure out something later. On the way to the luxury store, Zara linked arms with Isobel warmly. "Isabel, you're now my assistant. Let's get along well! I really appreciate this. Dominic and I remember how outstanding you were back in college." She flashed Isobel a sweet smile. "Don't worry. I promise I'll help him win the wager agreement. I won't let him down!" Isobel glanced at Zara, who didn't even get her name right. She wasn't bothered at all by it. None of it mattered anymore, not even the wager agreement. In the store, all the staff hovered around Zara. Isobel stood to the side in her simple clothes, her expression calm and unreadable. As Zara tried on the third gown, a commotion erupted at the door. "Zara Clarke! Your father went to jail without paying us for the construction project, and here you are flaunting your wealth! Pay up, you brat!" A bunch of middle-aged men dressed in construction uniforms pushed past the security guards and barged in. Zara's face went pale. Without hesitation, she snatched Isobel's cap and mask. "Turn right here to reach the back exit!" She then turned and bolted in the opposite direction. The security guards failed to hold back the angry men, who spilled into the store. With escape seeming impossible, Zara suddenly pushed Isobel forward. "She's the real Zara Clarke! I'm just a stand-in!" Time seemed to freeze. Before Isobel could react, the angry crowd closed around her. Rotten eggs, spoiled vegetables, and even trash rained down on her. As she fell to the ground, someone viciously stomped on her arm. Through Isobel's blurred vision, she saw Dominic rushing over. Looking anxious, he shrugged off his suit jacket and wrapped it around the trembling Zara. He didn't forget to shield her as they hurried away. He never even spared Isobel a glance. Isobel had no idea how she made it home. Her entire body was covered in filth, leaving unpleasant streaks on the ground every time she took a step. "Stinky! Ugh!" Myles retreated in fear upon seeing her, his small hands clutching the edge of Zara's clothes tightly. "M-Mommy, hold me." When she heard that, Isobel felt something inside her snap completely. Dominic approached with a flicker of disgust in his eyes. He then turned around so Myles couldn't see her. "Go wash up, Isobel. You smell horrible." Isobel wanted to ask if he really didn't see her at the store earlier. But Dominic immediately turned away, refusing to look at her. He took Myles from Zara's arms and said gently, "I've just settled the payment for the construction project. You don't have to be afraid anymore." The joyful smile that bloomed on Zara's face made Isobel nauseous. After washing up, she received a call from her senior, Conrad Wise. "Everything's set. You can leave at the end of this month. I've also handled your mom's hospital transfer. But are you sure you're not taking your son with you?" As she looked at her disheveled reflection in the mirror, Isobel recalled how Myles had clung to Zara. Her voice was eerily calm as she said, "I'm not taking him." She paused, then said slowly, "As for Dominic, I'll send him the divorce papers."