After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 1213

Susan sighed internally. It was painfully obvious that Isabella really had moved on. The old Isabella would have been a nervous wreck if Ethan skipped a meal.

She used to spend hours in the kitchen, cooking his favorite dishes, coaxing him to take just one more bite.

"I watched him grow up," Susan offered an awkward smile. "To me, he'll always be my boy."

"You've spoiled him," Isabella replied flatly.

Susan went silent.

When they walked into the main house, Ethan wasn't in the living room, and Stephanie was nowhere to be seen either.

"He's probably up in his study," Susan suggested. "Madam Stephanie went for her evening stroll in the gardens. I should go check on her—she needs the company. You head on up to his study."

Susan didn't even wait for a response. She practically sprinted toward the back doors, desperate to leave the two of them alone.

"Susan—" Isabella started, but the housekeeper was already gone.

Isabella shook her head. Susan was so transparent.

Instead of going straight upstairs, Isabella pulled out her phone and called him. He picked up immediately.

"Where are you?"

"In my study. Are you home?"

"I'm actually standing in your living room. Come downstairs. We need to talk."

Ethan didn't reply, but seconds later, she heard a door open. He stepped out onto the second-floor landing and looked down, his eyes locking onto hers.

Ethan nodded slowly. "The moment the ransom call came in, her family deployed everyone. With the Masons and my family backing them, those kidnappers didn't stand a chance. It's a miracle she made it out without a scratch."

"Thank God."

Isabella took a slow sip of water, then set the glass down and met his gaze. "What did Jeremy find out? You said on the phone it wasn't something we could discuss openly."

Ethan knew she hadn't come over just to chat. He didn't sugarcoat it. "Jeremy's investigation points directly to you."

"Me?"

"Not that you orchestrated it," Ethan clarified quickly. "But the kidnapping happened because of you. Their actual target was you. When they saw your security detail, they pivoted and took Barbara instead."

"That's not all. The kidnappers confessed that their employer plans to target anyone associated with the Carter family—or anyone who is close to you. They want to systematically destroy your support system."