Chapter 8

Rachel slammed her spoon down as she looked up at Isaac, saying sternly, "I said sit down! You're not going anywhere tonight! You and Kylie are staying here!" Helplessness filled Isaac's eyes. However, at the sight of Rachel's fury, he didn't dare provoke her further and risk triggering her illness. So, he had no choice but to sit down in compromise. Only then did Rachel's brow finally relax with satisfaction. "Continue eating." Just like that, everyone resumed their meal, but the atmosphere turned heavy and oppressive. … After dinner, Kylie accompanied Rachel for a walk around the residence to help with digestion, while Isaac and Tobias went into the study on the second floor. Isaac was on the phone. "Isaac, when are you coming? My sister is in so much pain she's crying," came a delicate female voice from the other end. Hearing that, Isaac furrowed his brows tightly, a look of concern rising on his face. "Put Ella on the phone." A few seconds later, Ella's slightly weak voice sounded. "Isaac…" "Ella, I'm sorry. I can't leave right now," he uttered hoarsely, his voice laced with guilt. Upon hearing this, Ella froze slightly. Yet, she still responded softly, "It's fine. Do what you need to do. I'm okay over here. I won't bother you then. I—Ah!" Before Ella could finish her sentence, a sharp scream suddenly burst from the other end of the line. The call was cut off abruptly. "Ella! Hello?" Isaac instantly panicked. "What's wrong, Isaac? Did something happen to Ella?" Tobias asked. Isaac didn't respond. He kept trying to call back, but neither Ella nor her sister, Emily Parker, picked up. As if something had occurred to him, Isaac narrowed his eyes slightly. He had made up his mind. … In the garden, Kylie's WhatsApp notification sounded. Supporting Rachel with one hand, she took out her phone and glanced at it. It was a message from Isaac. "I'm waiting for you in the study on the second-floor." Kylie's eyes flickered slightly. Not replying to him, she kept her phone away and continued helping Rachel with her walk. Even though she kept telling herself not to care, not to think, and not to mind, she still couldn't control herself. So, before long, she found an excuse to help Rachel back to the villa. … Then, she went upstairs to find Isaac. When she entered the study and saw him, she asked calmly, "What do you want from me?" "I have to visit Ella," Isaac replied, not beating around the bush. After a pause, he added, "I need your help." Kylie felt a sharp pain in her chest. So, it really was about Ella. Even though she had already guessed it, part of her had still held out a sliver of hope. He even said he needed her help. Did he really think she wouldn't feel hurt, that she wouldn't be upset? Kylie didn't speak. She just stared at Isaac blankly. Isaac assumed her silence meant she wanted to negotiate terms, so he uttered, "As compensation, I'll give you one million." She couldn't help but laugh, though there was a hint of sorrow. "How generous you are, Mr. Grant. Since you're so kind, how could I have the nerve to refuse? Don't worry, Mr. Grant. I'll find a way to get you out of here. I'll make sure to grant your wish. While Kylie was saying this with a smile, her heart was bleeding inside. He was so cruel. When he heard this, Isaac's brows moved slightly. After pausing for a moment, he stated, "I've already come up with a reason for you. Just say you have a family emergency, so we need to go over." Kylie felt as though her throat was stuffed with cotton and couldn't say anything. Right then and there, Isaac transferred one million into Kylie's bank account, which caused her to feel ironic. It was the first time she realized how easy and painful it could be to make money. "You're truly generous, Mr. Grant. Let's go, then." With a slight curl of her lips and a cold laugh, Kylie turned and walked out of the study. Downstairs, she walked to the couch and sat next to Rachel. "Rachel, my dad just called. Something's happened at home, and he needs me and Zac to head over right away." Rachel didn't say anything. She turned to look at Isaac, her gaze carrying a deeper meaning. In the end, she only let out a soft sigh. "Alright, go ahead. Be careful on the way." "Okay." … Kylie left in Isaac's car. On the road, Isaac drove extremely fast. As soon as they entered the city center, he pulled the car over. Not even looking at Kylie, he uttered coldly, "Get out." Kylie stiffened but said nothing as she opened the door and got out. When she turned around, all she saw was the car's rear as it drove away. She had a bitter and mocking smile. Just then, a cab happened to pass by. Kylie raised her hand, flagging it down. After getting in and giving the address, she leaned against the back of the seat. Suddenly, she felt exhausted, physically and emotionally. There was a scent in the car that made her drowsy. Before long, Kylie's eyelids started to feel heavy. A sense of foreboding immediately rose in her heart. "Sir, you can stop the car here," she said to the driver, David Brown. "But we haven't arrived at your destination yet," David replied gruffly. "I've got something nearby. Just stop here." This time, David didn't respond and sped up instead of stopping. "Stop the car!" Kylie's expression changed drastically. She couldn't believe that she had such rotten luck to have flagged an illegal cab. He kept speeding while Kylie felt her whole body weakening—she had no strength left. If this went on, she knew she wouldn't make it. Without hesitation, she shifted herself behind David's seat and raised her arm, locking it tightly around his throat. She used all her strength to choke him, demanding, "Stop the car right now!" Being choked all of a sudden, David turned blue in the face, losing his breath. A vicious look flashed across his face, and he suddenly jerked the steering wheel hard. Kylie went off balance, slamming hard into the left car door. The powerful impact forced her to let go as she paled. Assessing the situation, she didn't hesitate. She immediately reached out and yanked open the rear door.