Chapter 83
In the hospital room, Isabel leaned against the headboard, her face pale but her beauty undiminished. When she saw Lyman walk in, a glimmer of delight flashed in her eyes, but just as quickly, it was replaced by a look of wounded vulnerability. “Lyman, you came…” Her voice was soft and fragile, barely more than a whisper.
Lyman approached the bed, glancing at her coolly. “What happened? How did you get hurt?”
Isabel lowered her head, her tone tinged with helplessness. “The fans were too enthusiastic. I got caught in the crowd and fell. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, so I asked Carole to call you.”
Isabel was a dancer-she’d just returned from advanced training, set to become the principal of her company. With her striking looks, impeccable image, and influential backing, she’d achieved a level of fame that outshone most celebrities. To broaden her name recognition, she’d entered show business, landing commercials, film roles, endorsements, even appearing on several hit reality shows.
Her elegance and exceptional talent on stage had quickly won her a massive following, making her a star both in the arts and in entertainment.
Lyman’s brow furrowed slightly, his voice still calm. “You need to be more careful. Things like this—you should let the security team handle them.”
Isabel looked up at him, her gaze full of hope. “Lyman, you know how much my legs mean to me. If this injury ruins my career… I honestly don’t know what I’d do.”
But Lyman remained composed, his tone steady. “The doctor said it’s only a mild sprain-you’ll be fine after a few days of rest. Don’t worry.”
The disappointment in Isabel’s eyes was unmistakable.
Why was he so distant? Had Lyman really fallen for that other woman?
Just then, Lyman’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and, as he saw the caller’s name, a faint smile appeared on his face. In an instant, the chill in his demeanor melted away he seemed almost radiant.
He answered without hesitation and walked over to the window. Isabel couldn’t hear the other side, but she saw him nod, his voice low and magnetic. “Alright, I understand.”
Watching him, Isabel’s fingers curled tightly around the sheets, her knuckles turning white as a wave of bitterness washed over her.
A woman’s intuition told her exactly who was on the other end of that call. And it wasn’t business-this was personal.
Was this the woman Vinson Elliott had mentioned?
When Lyman hung up and turned back, the warmth had vanished. He was his usual, stoic self.
Isabel’s eyes were rimmed red. She forced herself upright, meeting his gaze. “Thank you for coming today, Lyman. You probably have work to take care of-go ahead. I’ll be fine on my own…”
“If you need anything, call Luther. You’re still under contract with the company,” Lyman replied coolly.
Isabel nodded faintly, her head bowed so he couldn’t see her expression.
After Lyman left, Isabel grabbed the pillow and hurled it to the floor in a fury. Carole rushed over, trying to calm her. “Oh, Isabel, what’s gotten into you? Mr. Etheridge came right away as soon as I told him you were hurt!”
Isabel bit her lip, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. She wiped them away with the back of her hand, her voice thick with emotion. “So what if he came? His heart isn’t here! Didn’t you see him? The second that call came, he changed completely… He’s in love with that woman. How could he?”
Carole sighed and sat beside her, gently patting her shoulder. “Isabel, you’re overthinking it. Mr. Etheridge is who he is—of course there are women around him. Why let it get to you? Right now, you need to focus on getting better. You can’t afford to miss any more work.”