The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

Isabella

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The younger woman of the Mendez mother-and-daughter duo eyed me with evident disgust, her gaze sweeping over my outfit. I raised an eyebrow, keeping my face neutral despite the familiar sting of judgment. My life was already filled with schemers and manipulators in Hollywood-I didn't need to add another to the list.

I nodded at Grandma Blake. "I should let you spend time with your visitors. Take care, Grandma Blake."

"Be careful, dear!"

I gave the mother and daughter one last glance before leaving.

As I headed for the door, I caught the younger Mendez's stage whisper.

"Grandma, isn't that Isabella Prescott, the actress? What could she possibly be doing here?"

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"No doubt trying to get closer to Grayson." Mrs. Mendez's voice dripped with disapproval, "Madam Blake, there are women who'll do anything to get his attention. I'm sure you won't let someone like her, full of scandals, fool you, right?"

I chose to ignore them. There was no point in defending myself to Grayson's grandmother-not now, anyway.

My phone buzzed with a message from Charlotte, its bright screen standing out against the hospital's soft afternoon light.

I almost laughed at how much attention she was showering on me.

Charlotte: "Did you tell the reporter about your relationship with Gabriel? Sis, you might not know this yet, but I'm why things are going well between you two. I instructed him to start a relationship with you."

I was truly annoyed. I might have been hurt if I hadn't heard the recording from Sabrina. But instead, it only strengthened my resolve to completely cut ties with whatever feelings I still had for Gabriel.

"Isabella?"

The familiar voice sliced through my thoughts. I looked up to find Leo standing there, his expression dark.

Without warning, he grabbed my elbow and guided me out of sight into a nearby secluded corner.

"What are you doing here? I knew it! You couldn't resist coming to see Gabriel, could you? If you're looking for his ward, he's on the next floor. But let me clarify- your names are everywhere right now. The last thing Gabriel needs is you to show up and make things worse while the whole situation still burns hot."

I kept my face impassive as I met Leo's gaze. It was clear now how much control he had over Gabriel's life-how he managed Gabriel's image and every move.-

"Leo, I'm not here for Gabriel if that's what you're worried about. I didn't even know he was admitted to this hospital."

Disbelief flickered across his features. Of course, he didn't believe me-not after he'd witnessed my foolish devotion to

Gabriel firsthand.

"Then who could you possibly be visiting-some sick fan?" he mocked?noveldrama

"That's none of your business. I'm here for my own reasons, not because of Gabriel," I replied coolly, even though the urge to strangle Gabriel for the mess he'd caused was almost overwhelming.

"You've been controlling Gabriel's public image, even receiving my calls with he's on set. You know everything that's happening with me, yet you've kept him completely in the dark. And I know you're related to Sabrina. What would Gabriel` think if he knew you've been manipulating him this whole time?"

22:53 Fri, 11 Apr

The color drained from Leo's face.,

Without waiting for his response, I turned away, pulling my mask up to cover my mouth. It was a silent warning

I no longer cared what Gabriel thought or felt.

I spotted Cassie by the side of the airport road, sitting on top of her five pristine pieces that probably cost more than most cars. She looked casually stylish in sneakers, jeans, and a white top as if a queen had drewed down for the day while sitting on her throne of luxury bags.

Her expression cycled between boredom and checking her phone when I pulled up in the gleaming Wue Rolls-Royce

Rolling down the window, I called out, "Baby!"

Waving at her, her face lit up briefly before quickly shifting into a glare as if she'd remembered her annoyance with me. A grin tugged at my lips as I stepped out of the car.

"Oh, stop with that look," I teased. "If you don't hug me, I'm heading back to Gabriel's apartment to finish our interrupted wedding!”

She stood up and wrapped her arms around me. We bounced around like teenagers, laughing and squealing, completely forgetting about maintaining dignity.

Her tall, handsome bodyguard helped us load the luggage into the car.

"Since when do you drive a Rolls-Royce?" Cassie asked, eyeing the vehicle suspiciously.

The truth was, Mrs. Yao stopped me when she found out I had booked a taxi to Grayson's villa. She insisted that Grayson wanted me to use his car if I had any outings. I had no choice but to go along with it.

"Would I let you ride in something cheap?"

Cassie's jaw dropped as realization dawned on her face.

"Oh my god, don't tell me you found yourself a sugar daddy! It all makes sense now-the termination fee at Golden Stage, handling that lawsuit, and now this Rolls-Royce! I'm calling Evan-you need help!"

This friend of mine! I don't know what drama series she binge-watched lately, but she was way too dramatic!

Remembering Evan, I asked, "Anyway, where's your brother?"