The Invisible Wife Turned Savage novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171 A Man’s True Face

94

Finished

Estella had been half–asleep, half–awake, replaying the fire and Jonathan’s rescue in her head. He’d called in favors, owed debts, risked everything – all for her. The thought left her both touched and heavy–hearted. How much will he have to pay later, just because of me…

When she drifted awake again, she expected to see Lana still at her side. Instead, Nathaniel sat by her bed, an IV stand trailing behind him. He’d snuck in while the others were gone.

He leaned forward, feigning deep concern. “Estella, I heard what happened. Who hurt you?”

Her eyes hardened instantly. She remembered the kidnapper’s call, the way he’d demanded Nathaniel pay up — and Nathaniel’s refusal.

“Don’t play the savior,” she said icily. “The man called you while I was trapped. You wouldn’t save me. So why show up pretending you care now?”

The words sliced him open. He froze, then his expression darkened.

“It was Corden… that bastard really dared lay a hand on you!” His jaw clenched. “Don’t worry, Estella. I’ll make him pay.”

Her laugh was bitter. “You ruined him. He came for revenge, and I got dragged down with you. I’ll seek justice my way – through the law. And you, Nathaniel, you should be the one paying for what you’ve done.”

—

Her eyes, clear and cutting, pinned him.

“You used to just be a lousy lover. Now I see you’re rotten all the way through. Did you think you could keep destroying people and never face the consequences?”

Her voice was calm, but her disgust was palpable. It burned worse than any wound. Nathaniel faltered, lowering his gaze.

“I’ll change,” he muttered. “Whatever you hate, I’ll stop. I’ll be better. Just… believe me.”

“I don’t,” she said flatly. “Get out. I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Every hardship in her life seemed to lead back to this man. Just the sight of him made her regret ever letting him in.

Nathaniel left, shoulders stiff, a storm swirling in his

eyes.

Silence fell over the room again. Estella lay back, staring at the ceiling, but her mind turned toward Jonathan – his injuries, the bandages on his arm, the way he had pulled her out of fire

with his own hands.

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14:33 Fri, Oct 24

Chapter 171 A Man’s True Face

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(94)

Finished

Footsteps returned. Irritation flared. “Didn’t I tell you to leave?”

But when she lifted her gaze, the eyes that met hers were not cold, but warm and steady.

“Jonathan…” Her eyes misted, falling to the fresh white gauze on his arm. Tears spilled freely.

He hurried to her side. “Are you still hurting? Should I call the doctor?”

Instead, she grabbed his wrist, staring at the wound. “Does it hurt?”

He brushed away her tears, smiling gently. “This? Hardly counts.”

Her laugh broke with a sob. “You really are—”

Before she could finish, he teased, “I saw the dashcam footage. That scarf chokehold of yours wasn’t bad at all.”

She blinked, then let out a watery laugh. “See? I’m not that fragile.”

Nathaniel’s shadow had left her wary and defensive; she’d trained her body so she wouldn’t be helpless again.

Jonathan ruffled her hair softly. “I know. I’m proud you fought back. But don’t risk yourself like that again. If the car had rolled, if something had gone wrong…” His voice tightened, but he forced calm. “You’re not alone anymore. Even if you’d been taken, I’d have found you.”

She nodded faintly. “You sound even more naggy than my dad.”

He chuckled, letting her settle back.

When Jonathan stepped out into the hall, Nathaniel was waiting.

Their eyes locked. The air itself crackled.

Jonathan strode forward and, without a word, drove his fist into Nathaniel’s face. His injured arm split its stitches, blood seeping through fresh bandages, but he didn’t flinch.

Nathaniel took the hit square on, staggering back. He wiped the blood from his mouth and gave Jonathan a cold, dangerous look.

“You saved her,” he rasped. “So this time, I’ll let it go.”

Jonathan’s lip curled. “You’re no man at all, Nathaniel.”

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