Chapter 3 Shameless

One maid beamed at Isla, her tone light. "Don't worry, Ms. Wright. Mr. Harris is at the hospital for a checkup, but he should be fine. His grandfather asked that you freshen up and join everyone for breakfast downstairs."

Isla tried to reply, but her voice remained stubbornly absent.

While washing up, she noticed most of her rashes had faded, except for two glaring red blotches on her neck-like fresh hickeys. She reached for her antidote, then hesitated, studying the marks in the mirror.

Was this some kind of setup?

Her lips curled in a half-smirk. The antidote went back in her pocket. A silk scarf quickly hid the evidence as she prepared herself to go down.

Passing through the hall, Isla caught the maids eyeing her with open curiosity.

At the entrance to the dining room, voices carried. Mila Harris, Theodore's aunt-in-law, was airing complaints to Brent. "She's still in bed? No respect for her elders."

Mila's words sharpened. "That girl from the Lloyd family was flawless. Sweet as pie and beautiful too-the perfect fit for bearing Theodore's kids. But this one..."

A sharp purse of her lips made her disapproval clear. "After last night's chaos, how do we know she wasn't behind some scheme to kidnap Theodore?"

Her son, Kolton, couldn't hold back either, itching all over from last night's disaster. Still smarting, he muttered, "Right! She's nothing but trouble."

A heavy silence fell as Brent slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! My decision stands. Isla is here because I chose her. Anyone who doesn't like it can leave this house."

That warning left Mila and Kolton swallowing their words, neither daring to push back further.

Just then, a trembling maid spoke up from the doorway. "Ms. Wright has arrived."

Brent's eyes brightened as soon as he saw Isla. "Come, Isla, join us for breakfast!" His smile was genuine, the warmth in his gaze growing as he took in her composed, steady manner. Isla's presence seemed to win him over more with each glance.

Across the table, Mila and Kolton exchanged secretive, scheming glances, already plotting how to stir up trouble.

Kolton leaned back, his smirk widening as he eyed Isla's scarf. "Crazy heat today, isn't it?" he said, voice dripping with fake concern. "You must be roasting under all that, Isla."

His eyes locked on a hint of red showing beneath the edge of her scarf, and a wicked grin twisted his mouth.

Head bowed, Isla kept silent, feigning shyness as she focused on her plate.

Spotting her chance, Mila shot Kolton a knowing look and reached across the table. "There's no need to cover yourself like that at home, dear. Let me help you take off that scarf."

Quick as a flash, Mila tugged the scarf away, baring the unmistakable, vivid marks for all to see.

Kolton let out a harsh, triumphant laugh. "Explain that, Isla! Theodore's been in a coma for a year. He couldn't have put those there. What's the story-did you hook up with someone else last night?"

Clutching her chest in mock outrage, Mila gasped dramatically. "Was it that man from last night? Your secret lover? I can't believe you brought someone into the house! This is shameful-get her out right now!"

Even with Mila's loud outburst, the guards remained still, waiting for Brent's command before making a move.

Outrage burned in Mila's eyes. She saw this as the perfect chance to oust Isla and slip her own choice into Theodore's place-one step closer to seizing the Harris family's fortune. The clock was ticking, and she knew today was the day to make Isla disappear.

"Brent, do you hear me?" Mila shouted, voice sharp as a knife. "Are you really just going to stand by while Theodore's name gets dragged through the mud? Isla might be shameless, but the Harris family isn't!"

Her palm cracked against the table as she insisted Isla be thrown out on the spot.

Isla looked over at Brent, her face a mask of calm curiosity, not a flicker of fear.

Cool as ever, Brent didn't even pause between bites. "If you two have finished your breakfast, take your bickering somewhere else and let the rest of us eat in peace."

Mila and Kolton sat there in shock, unable to believe Brent would stand up for Isla so openly.

Kolton finally erupted, unable to hold back his anger. "Grandpa, what hold does she have over you? Why protect her after everything she's done? She's ruined Theodore's reputation! Are you just going to ignore it?"

Carefully setting down his fork, Brent leveled his gaze at Kolton. "Did you actually see it happen, Kolton?"

Kolton nearly shouted, face flushing with frustration. "Just look at her neck!"

Everyone knew Brent played favorites-Theodore was always his chosen heir, and he'd move mountains to keep that future secure, even if it meant gambling on Isla to carry on the family line.

Kolton had spent years feeling invisible, and the sting of being passed over only grew sharper.

Kolton lunged, determined to drag Isla out by force. Meanwhile, she calmly continued with her breakfast, unfazed by his outburst. The next second, Kolton tumbled forward, landing on his knees beside her chair. His head slammed into the table, a gush of blood staining his face.

A horrified cry split the air. "Kolton!"

Mila darted to his side, frantic. Together with the maids, she hurried him out, rushing straight for the hospital.

Quietly, Isla drew her foot back under her chair, heart pounding as she caught Brent's eye. She half-expected a scolding, lowering her head in anticipation.

To her surprise, Brent offered not even a flicker of reaction, simply signaling the butler.

Stepping forward, the butler spoke in a clear tone. "Ms. Wright, we have honored our agreement. Your mother is now safe, receiving care at a hospital. You're welcome to visit whenever you wish."

Shock widened Isla's eyes. The sheer speed and reach of Brent's influence left her reeling.

She lowered her gaze, replying quietly, "Thank you, sir. I'll fulfill my promise as soon as I can."

Archie still thought his blackmail had forced Isla's choices, but he was unaware that she and Brent had already formed a secret pact-she'd treat Theodore, and Brent would guarantee Skylar's protection for life.

Why did Brent put his faith in her?

In fact, Isla lived a double life. To the world, she was Isla Wright. In secret, she was Brynn Shaw, a prodigy-brilliant, enigmatic, and the youngest brain specialist on earth.