Chapter 166 The Stirring of Trouble
Tears streamed down Isabella's face as she cried out in desperation, "Alex, you must believe me, I never uttered those words to Ava."
In defense of Isabella, Alexander stepped forward, "Isabella has clarified her stance. She did not utter those words. It's plausible that Ava misinterpreted or misconstrued what she heard."
"Misinterpretations?" Sophia scoffed, a mirthless laugh escaping her lips. "What sort of misinterpretation could lead her to believe I intended harm? The words allegedly came from Isabella herself, and now she denies them? You may think Ava misheard, but I am more inclined to believe that Isabella has conveniently altered her narrative."
"I did not utter those words. How can I confess to a deed I did not commit? I did not deceive you, I..."
"Isabella," Sophia interjected, her tone icy, "Whether you explicitly accused me or merely insinuated, both are calculated attempts to create discord. Allow me to set the record straight today—I did not interfere with your surgery. Even if it was a mere conjecture, it was not made with good intentions. You're attempting to tarnish my relationship with Alex, and that is nothing short of malicious."
"I didn't, I swear I didn't," Isabella pleaded, her grip on Alexander's hand tightening in desperation. "Alex, trust me, I truly didn't. I didn't."
"Ava, why are you instigating this discord, souring the atmosphere? What do you stand to gain from this chaos?" Isabella, now on the defensive, pointed an accusatory finger at Ava.
Her tear-streaked face was a pitiful sight, one that could wrench anyone's heart. Regardless of whether the others believed her or not, it would suffice as long as Alex did.
Ava abruptly rose to her feet, her voice as cold as ice. "Isabella, you explicitly told me that it was our grandmother who halted your surgery. You never mentioned it was mere speculation. I swear, if I'm lying or twisting the truth, may I be hit by a car the moment I step outside. Do you dare to swear that if you're lying, you'll never marry Alexander? Do you have the courage?"
"Ava, aren't you being overly harsh? What have I done to warrant such treatment?" Isabella sobbed, throwing herself into Alexander's arms.
"Enough!" Alexander's gaze, sharp and piercing, landed on Ava. "If oaths truly held power, the world would be an honest place. Both you and Isabella stick to your own versions of the story, and the truth remains elusive. As far as I'm concerned, this matter should be laid to rest!"
"You're really downplaying this, aren't you?" Ava sneered. "Alexander, do you genuinely believe our grandmother is guilty, or are you merely swallowing Isabella's words?"
"I don't owe you an explanation," Alexander retorted coldly.
"Do I not deserve an explanation?" Sophia's voice wavered with suppressed rage. "I am your grandmother. Since you've misunderstood me, shouldn't you clear the air?""Grandma, whether it was you or not is irrelevant now."
"It is relevant to me," Sophia shot back, her voice laced with anger. "Alexander, you've been raised with the finest values, yet you're blinded by a woman, casting everything aside! Ever since Isabella entered your life, your judgement has been clouded. She’s brought you nothing but trouble, yet you fail to see it? She's even attempting to create discord, playing the victim and lashing out when caught in a lie. And you still insist on defending her?"
"The one creating discord here isn't Isabella," Alexander retorted, his eyes flashing with anger. "If it weren't for Ava suddenly bringing up this issue, how would you have even known? It seems to me that she’s the real instigator!"
