After a taxing day spent with Anna, Isla receives an unexpected message from her father requesting to see her immediately. Despite the looming Wyndham Wardrobe launch just two days away, she honors his request and drives to her parents’ home, feeling exhausted. Her mother, Diana, notices Isla’s worn-out appearance and expresses concern, but Isla reassures her she will rest after the launch. Isla then proceeds to her father’s study, where he warmly welcomes her and reveals his worry about her relationship with Gabriel.
Her father admits that Anna had contacted him, sharing troubling information that has made him concerned for Isla’s well-being. Though he had previously kept his reservations about Gabriel to himself, he now openly asks Isla how her relationship is going and offers his full support regardless of her decisions. He urges her to keep this conversation secret from her mother and emphasizes his desire for her to be careful.
As Isla leaves her father’s house, still processing the weight of their conversation, she receives a mysterious message with a video attachment from an unknown number. The message’s chilling question, “Tell me, after watching this video, who owns Gabby?” sends a fresh wave of pain through her. Isla immediately suspects Delphine is behind this disturbing act, deepening the conflict and emotional turmoil she faces.
After that emotionally draining day with Anna, Isla received an unexpected message from her father. He wanted to see her immediately. The timing felt abrupt—after all, it was Friday, and the grand launch of Wyndham Wardrobe was just two days away, scheduled for Sunday.
Every element for the launch had been meticulously planned, and everything was falling perfectly into place. The entire team had executed their tasks flawlessly, their dedication leaving a deep impression on Isla.
In the few weeks she had spent working alongside them, Isla had grown to admire their passion, their clear vision, and their unwavering commitment to excellence. These were the kind of people who reignited her hope and reminded her why she loved her work so much. Quietly, she made a promise to herself: when she finally built her own company, she would shape it with the same spirit—surrounding herself with dreamers as ambitious as those at Wyndham Wardrobe.
After a long and exhausting day, Isla drove herself to her parents’ home. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, yet she honored her father’s request without hesitation.
“Welcome, sweetheart. You look completely worn out,” Diana said softly as she opened the door and pulled Isla inside.
“Thanks, Mama,” Isla replied quietly, stepping into the warm, familiar space.
Diana’s eyes lingered on her daughter, taking in how much thinner she had become, how pale her complexion looked. A flicker of worry crossed her face.
“Have you been eating properly?” she asked gently as they moved further into the house.
“Mama, it’s nothing,” Isla said quickly, brushing off the concern. “Once the launch is over, I’ll take a few days off. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of myself.” She paused and gave a small, tired smile. “Where’s Father?”
“He’s in his study,” Diana answered. “I think he’s been waiting for you. Go on in; we’ll talk later.”
“Okay, Mama,” Isla said softly.
Diana headed toward the kitchen, while Isla made her way down the quiet hallway. When she reached the heavy wooden door of her father’s study, she knocked gently before stepping inside.
Her father sat comfortably in his large swivel chair, a warm smile spreading across his face when he saw her.
“Papa,” Isla greeted him warmly as she entered.
“Welcome, my dear,” he said calmly. “I’m sorry for summoning you on such short notice. But this is important—I hope you understand.”
Isla bent down to hug him before settling into the chair opposite his desk. “Papa, you can call me anytime. You know I’ll always come. So, what can I do for you?” She forced a smile, though her father could see the sadness lurking behind her eyes.
He sighed quietly. Deep down, he believed his daughter deserved someone far better than Gabriel. He had kept his thoughts to himself all this time, but now he could no longer hold back.
“How is your relationship with Gabriel?” he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Isla froze. Her father had never spoken to her like this before. Usually, matters of her marriage were left to her mother. He hadn’t supported her marrying Gabriel from the start, but when her mother had agreed to the proposal, he had stepped aside.
“Well… my relationship with him is fine, Father. We’re good,” Isla lied smoothly, her lips curling into another practiced smile.
“Tell me, after watching this video, who owns Gabby?”
Her heart pounded wildly. She didn’t need to guess. Deep inside, she knew. Only Delphine would stoop to something like this.
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Isla’s inner turmoil as she navigates the complex web of her personal and professional life. Despite the exhaustion and emotional strain, she remains resilient, drawing strength from the unwavering support of her father and the inspiring dedication of her team. The quiet moments with her parents reveal a deeper layer of concern and protection, highlighting the delicate balance she must maintain between openness and guardedness.
Yet, the chilling message and video serve as a stark reminder of the challenges lurking beneath the surface, threatening to unravel the fragile peace Isla has fought so hard to build. The chapter leaves us with a sense of suspense and emotional vulnerability, underscoring themes of loyalty, trust, and the courage required to face the shadows cast by those who seek to control and manipulate. Isla’s journey is far from over, but her determination shines through, promising growth and resilience in the chapters to come.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of emotions and secrets that surround Isla’s life. With her father’s unexpected concern and the mysterious message hinting at Delphine’s manipulations, Isla’s world is poised to become even more complicated. The tension between loyalty, love, and betrayal will intensify, forcing Isla to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to her.
As the launch of Wyndham Wardrobe approaches, Isla’s professional triumph may be overshadowed by the personal storms brewing beneath the surface. The choices she makes in the coming days could redefine her relationships and test her resilience. Readers will find themselves on edge, eager to see how Isla navigates the fragile balance between hope and heartbreak, and whether she can protect what truly matters before it slips away.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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