After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen

Chapter 254 Xander and Richard Confront Each Other Over Isabel "Xander, let me explain."

Isabel knew this time Xander's jealousy had been pushed to the limit, and she could understand why. If the roles were reversed and she were in his place, seeing her husband hiding under another person's table, she would have lost her composure long before having a

calm conversation.

The fact that Xander was managing to hold it together this much showed incredible restraint on his part!

"There's no need to listen to her explanation!" Ivana finally lost her patience. She stepped forward, her voice trembling with fury as she shouted at Isabel.

"You homewrecking hussy! The moment you stepped foot in this house, I knew you were trouble! First, you sink your claws into my son, and now you're not satisfied until you've got Richard too? You-you-you've got no shame!"

Ivana's face flushed crimson, then deepened to a furious purple. Xander was her son, and Richard a young man she'd mentored and cared for like her own. Yet this vixen, Isabel, had somehow managed to wrap them both around her little finger. And now, because of Isabel, Xander and Richard looked like they were about to come to blows.

A woman like her was nothing but poison-rotten to the core! She was a ticking time bomb in their family, one the family could never tolerate!

Isabel frowned and glanced at Richard beside her. She didn't care how much Ivana insulted her, but if Richard got caught up in this because of her, it would leave a bad taste in her mouth.

"Say what you want about me," Isabel said. "I know you don't like me, and you've always wanted Rachel to be your daughter-in-law. But Richard and I are just friends."

The way Isabel spoke made it clear to anyone with ears-she was trying to shield Richard from the brunt of the blame.

Xander, who was already furious beyond words, only grew more enraged seeing Isabel stand up for Richard like this. His emotions churned inside him like a violent storm.

He grabbed Isabel's wrist roughly and locked his grip tight, pulling her away without a word.

Isabel didn't react immediately and stumbled as Xander dragged her along.

Richard frowned, concern etched on his face. He quickly followed them, saying, "You've got it all wrong. There's nothing between us. She came here to help me with my illness. You'll hurt her if you keep this up."

Xander's anger momentarily cooled at Richard's explanation, but the last sentence reignited his fury. In those words, he heard something that sounded like affection.

"This is between me and my wife. It has nothing to do with you," Xander said coldly.

toward the car. "Hey! Xander, you're hurting me!" Isabel exclaimed, her face pale with discomfort. "Can

expression, Richard instinctively rushed forward and grabbed her

feeling well! Can't you see that?!" Richard's voice

was as if seeing

cold as ice. His thin lips pressed into a harsh, unyielding line, exuding an aura of pure

Richard didn't let go of Isabel's hand. He feared that the moment he released her, Xander

said, his tone commanding

and wife. But the misunderstanding

right. This is all just a misunderstanding. Please, let's talk it out first." The word "we" hit Xander

degrees. A suffocating chill enveloped the room,

Ivana suddenly stormed forward, raising her hand to slap Isabel

realized what was happening, Ivana's

still grazed her skin, leaving a long, bloody

her slap hadn't fully landed, Ivana raised her hand to strike

Xander and Richard each stepped forward simultaneously, pulling Isabel behind them. They stood side by side, shielding her

she thought. To end up with such a

"Move aside!"

"Mom, this is none of

to Richard,

noticed Xander's cold stare and finally let go of Isabel's hand with some

him. It felt as though he had just let go of the most precious thing in his life, leaving a hollow ache

en novelxo

scratch on her cheek was vivid against her pale

as if to touch her face, but halfway, he stopped and let it drop

spoke, his

still firm. Isabel glanced back at Richard, an apologetic look in

still looking

he look that good to

tightened again, and he

entire ride back was silent. Neither Isabel nor Xander said a single word. The tension in the car was so