Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Chapter 14 One of Nathan’s friends patted him on the shoulder and teased, “Nathan, you’d better bring Isabella back soon. If one day she returns pregnant and asks for a divorce, you’ll have no choice but to cry.”

“Also, if the famous Nattan gets dumped by Isabella, it’d be a real blow to your reputation.”

Grinding his teeth, Nathan muttered, “She wouldn’t dare...”

Ultimately, perhaps pressured by the impending company gala, Nathan chose to compromise.

“Noah, book me a flight to the U.S. And buy some gifts for my wife,” he instructed.

His assistant’s expression was hard to read. “Yes, sir.”

The next day.

Nathan boarded a flight to the U.S., carrying a ragdoll cat as a gift his assistant had purchased.

12 12 Chapter 14 He had finally decided to personally bring Isabella back home.

He thought to himself, *This trip will make up for the months l‘ ve ignored her. When I arrive, I’ll coax her a little, and she’ll happily follow me back.*

Nathan went to the Smiths‘ house. Six months ago, he had. tasked his assistant with finding a reliable family to help care for his unfamiliar, timid young wife.

But when Nathan eagerly knocked on the Smiths‘ door and explained his purpose, their confused expressions immediately doused his excitement.

“Isabella!” Nathan called into the house.

He thought she’d rush out joyfully to greet him as soon as she heard his voice.

However, contrary to his expectations, Mr. and Mrs. Smith met him with a firm response.

“Mr. Hill, please lower your voice. You’ll disturb the neighbors.”

“Mr. Smith, I’m Isabella’s husband. I’m here to take her home. Please let her know I’m here...”

12 120 Chapter 14 But their reply was an even colder splash of water to his face.

“Apologies, Mr. Hill. Miss Isabella never came to us.”

Nathan was stunned.

“What? She didn’t come to you?”

It was at this moment that he realized Isabella’s decision to sever ties with him six months ago wasn’t just a passing fit of anger.

She truly wanted to leave him.

Like a kite whose string had snapped, Isabella had slipped from his grasp.

Feeling lost, Nathan bid the Smiths farewell.

“Mr. Hill...” Mr. Smith called after him, offering a well–meaning suggestion.

“Six months ago, a foreign student was tragically killed during a street riot in California. Her body was never claimed and was eventually handled by the federal authorities. Maybe you should check with them?”

Nathan’s face turned even paler, and his voice softened. “Thank you. I’ll look into it.“.

Chapter 14 At the federal office, Nathan explained his situation.

A staff member scolded him harshly. “You’re too late. What were you doing six months ago?”

“The body has already been cremated, and the perpetrator has been executed. There’s no way to identify the deceased now.

However, based on the autopsy report, we can share some details: the victim was a 22–year–old female, wore a red dress, had long hair, and weighed around 90 pounds. That’s all. You can leave now.”

Nathan had no idea if Isabella had ever owned a red dress, nor could he recall her hairstyle clearly.

Furious, he slammed his fist on the desk. “Is this how you handle things? That might have been my wife! Can’t you understand my pain?”

The staff member looked at him as if he were an idiot.

“If you really cared about your wife, you wouldn’t have waited six months after her death to find out she was missing. Honestly, if she’s your wife, she probably wouldn’t want to be found by someone like you.”

It was as if Nathan had been plunged into an icy abyss.

12 12 D Chapter 13 The staff member’s words struck him like a hammer: *If your truly cared, you wouldn’t have been so negligent.*

He left the office, his legs trembling, as mocking voices echoed behind him.

“What a scumbag. No wonder his wife wouldn’t want anything to do with him.”

For the first time, Nathan felt an overwhelming sense of guilt toward Isabella.

He had failed her, deeply and completely.

“Isabella, I’m sorry...”

“Where are you?”

Meanwhile, in Milan, Isabella’s life was filled with joy and excitement.

Her teacher called her into the office to deliver thrilling news:

“Thea, I’ve entered you into the 24th Global Fashion Festival’s Newcomer Competition. Prepare well–I believe you have a 1212 great chance of achieving something remarkable.”

Isabella felt a surge of adrenaline. Although this competition wasn’t a definitive career–making event, it was a stepping stone.

Winners could apprentice under industry giants, including the legendary fashion maestro, Jasmine.

Jasmine wasn’t just a pioneer in luxury fashion design; she was also a philanthropist and one of the world’s most influential women.

Coincidentally, Isabella had met Jasmine once before.

But that memory was one she preferred to forget.

Back then, she had accompanied Nathan as his official girlfriend to a lavish event.

Because of Nathan’s neglect, she hadn’t prepared an appropriate gown, becoming the laughingstock of the elite socialites.

Behind her back, people sneered, calling her nothing more than Nathan’s obedient pet.

Feeling humiliated, she had asked him for a bit more allowance to buy a decent dress.

12.12 Chapter 14 288 cochers His response? A cold glare and a disdainful remark: “Isabella, stop being so vain.”

She had been stunned. Was wanting a decent dress truly vanity?

Yet he lavished countless jewels, designer bags, and outfits on Victoria without hesitation.

That night, she had hidden away in a lounge, sobbing in despair.

It was then that Jasmine had found her, wiping away her tears and praising her for her natural elegance and striking looks.

Jasmine had even gifted her an exquisite jewel–the legendary *Lone Moon*, a piece fit for royalty.

As she departed, Jasmine had gently advised, “Remember this, Isabella: every girl is her own queen. Learn to love yourself.”

Jasmine had been a beacon of hope for Isabella.

Sadly, it had taken her far too long to realize her own worth.

“Isabella?”

Chapter 14 288 Vouchers Her teacher’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “What are you daydreaming about? Did you hear what I said?”

Snapping back to reality, Isabella smiled. “I’ll give it my all, Teacher.”

Her teacher nodded approvingly. “If you run into any difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”

“Thank you, Teacher.”