Chapter 344 Already started
"Because I understand your feelings very well. Your whole family hates you, so you have no status in your own home. No one even called you to go home for Christmas, you were practically expelled. That's why you can only rely on Alexander. Marrying him is your only way out and your retaliation against the Harrington family!" The man laid bare every facet of Isabella's life, leaving nothing concealed.
"Who exactly are you?" Isabella demanded, her teeth gritted, each word punctuated with a palpable tension.
The man's laughter echoed in the room, "I am your father's illegitimate child, so I am your brother."
Isabella was shocked as if struck by a bolt of lightning. "What did you say?"
"I said I am just like you, unloved and forgotten. Our father sowed his wild oats and discarded me upon my birth. We are both offspring of the Harrington lineage, yet why was I left to wander and suffer? So, we share the same goal. I will help you find a heart, and when the time comes that I need your help, you must also help me. Both our interests will be served."
Isabella was still reeling from his revelations.
"Don't appear so surprised," the man advised, "wealthy old men often sire a few illegitimate children. Besides, my existence does not threaten your status, as you never held a position within the Harrington family to begin with. Now that I am here, we can work together."
Isabella remained silent, her gaze still fixed on him, shock etched in her eyes.
She thought, 'This man is actually my father's illegitimate child. And now he has sought me out and proposes a collaboration.'
This was his objective, whereas Isabella had initially assumed he was an adversary of Alexander's.
Turned out, his actual target was the Harrington family.
"Why should I trust you?" she questioned.
"Why should you not?" he retorted.
"I... " Isabella seemed at a loss for reasons to distrust him.
"I have already located a suitable heart, you just need to wait for the surgery."
Isabella was very surprised. "Really? When can I have the surgery?"
"Don't worry. You won't die for the time being."
"You were the one who initiated this interaction, yet now you're telling me not to worry. What do you mean by that?" Isabella asked.
"What I mean is that the donor is still alive and healthy, so I need some time to figure things out," he said simply.
Isabella understood. "Then you better work hard."
"I will, but once I have saved you, it will be your turn to work hard."
"Let's talk about it after my surgery." Isabella harbored a sliver of doubt, wondering, 'Can this illegitimate brother of mine really find a heart for me?'
"By the way, what's your name?" Isabella asked.
During their last encounter, Isabella had been too flustered to ask his name.
"Just call me Eason Harrington," he said.
"Eason Harrington?"
Isabella was still grappling with the man's revelations, finding her sudden brother enigmatic.
Eason turned around and sat on the edge of the hospital bed.
Isabella shifted her body to the side, her demeanor wary. "What do you want?"
"I want nothing. I just saw your romantic rival at the hospital," Eason said.
"My romantic rival?" Isabella immediately thought of Ava. "Did you see her? What was she doing at the hospital? Was she there with Alexander?"
Observing Isabella's anxiety, Eason sneered. "Are you so concerned that Alexander will reconcile with his ex-wife?"
Isabella's anger was palpable. "Stop trying to provoke me. Who was she with?"
Eason enunciated each word deliberately, "William."
Isabella seemed to recognize the name.
Ah, Ava had caused a ruckus with William at the resort previously.
Noticing Isabella's expression, Eason queried, "Are you acquainted with William?"
"Yes," Isabella admitted. "He's a staff member at the resort."
Isabella's disdain was evident. "Ava is nothing after leaving Alexander. She no longer holds the status of an upper-class lady. Now, she's only suitable for a service staff member."
"Oh, is that so?" Eason's eyes narrowed, a hint of mockery in his tone. "So William was once a service staff member."
How oblivious could Isabella be?
"Yes. By the way, how did you ascertain that man's name is William?" Isabella questioned.
Eason responded nonchalantly, "I am privy to all information."
He rose from the bedside and extended his hand. "I am your brother now. I anticipate a fruitful collaboration."
Isabella was reluctant to shake hands with Eason, but given her reliance on him to secure a heart, she suppressed her discomfort and reciprocated the gesture.
However, internally, she thought, 'I do not desire you as my brother.'
After they withdrew their hands, Eason advised, "Rest well. I will resolve the heart issue shortly."
"I hope so," Isabella's hand clenched within the blanket. "You're not deceiving me, are you?"
"My dear sister, whether you believe it or not, the wheels are already in motion. I must take my leave now, goodbye."
Eason turned and left the hospital room.
