Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 163

Isabel frowned slightly at the suggestion. "I'll go in and see what's going on. You keep watch outside."

"Alright, but are you sure you want to go in alone?" Yolande asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"She's unconscious, isn't she? I'll just check on her. You stay out here and keep an eye on things. If anyone arrives, let them in right away, understand?" Isabel instructed firmly.

"Got it," Yolande replied, bowing her head so her expression was hidden.

Without another word, Isabel slipped inside the house.

Carole, having dropped Isabel off, had already left to fetch a doctor they both knew someone discreet who could help if things got out of hand. After all, Isabel never intended for anyone to get seriously hurt.

Yolande watched Isabel disappear inside, her face unreadable. With all the running around, dusk had already settled in. Isabel had been waiting for this hour; broad daylight would draw too much attention, and Effie might have slipped away if she'd tried this earlier. Now, with darkness falling, Effie was trapped-there was no way out.

If Effie was tainted, would Lyman still want her? Isabel snorted at the thought, pushing it aside as she stepped into the abandoned

see her own hand in front of her face. The floor was damp beneath her shoes, and the air was thick with the sour stench of rot and dust. Wrinkling her nose, Isabel covered her

Yolande really was hopeless-who kidnaps someone and doesn't even think to bring a flashlight? The place

ran through Isabel. She stopped, hesitating, nerves prickling up her spine. She was about to call out

But there hadn't been so

grabbed the handle, tugging hard. It wouldn't budge; someone had locked

Are you out there? Open the door! Yolande, come on-let me

shouted until her voice was hoarse, but

was happening? Why would

Effie

voice echoed through the empty cottage, bouncing off the walls

only soul in the world. A growing sense of dread took hold, and her composure began to splinter. Was this some elaborate trap? Was someone turning the tables