Chapter 61: Doubts Arise

Alexander left the hospital with a furrowed brow and a cold gaze that could pierce steel. The doctor’s words kept hammering in his mind: "A woman claimed Edward was her father and took them to continue treatment at another hospital."

He got into his car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. Turning on the engine, he dialed the number of one of his most trusted men.

—I want you to investigate all nearby hospitals that might have recorded Edward and Amanda's admission six years ago. Look for a woman who could have claimed to be Edward's daughter. I need names, addresses, and any connection she might have to Isabella. —His voice was firm.

—Understood, sir. I’ll start immediately —replied the man on the other end of the line.

Alexander ended the call and slammed his fist on the steering wheel in frustration. Something about this story didn’t add up, and he wouldn’t rest until he uncovered the truth. Without thinking twice, he drove toward the mansion. He needed answers, and she was the only one who could provide at least a clue.

Isabella was in the living room, flipping through a photo album of Ethan as a baby.

The door opened abruptly, and Alexander entered with determined steps. Isabella looked up, sensing the tension on his face.

—What’s wrong? —she asked with concern, setting the album aside.

Alexander approached, sitting down in front of her.

—I need you to try to remember something important. —He paused, studying her reaction—. Did you know you might have a sister?

The air seemed to freeze between them. Isabella frowned, confused by the question.

—A sister? —she repeated slowly, searching through fragments of her memory—. No… I don’t remember having one.

Alexander sighed, preparing to drop the bombshell.

—At the hospital, a doctor confessed that after the accident, a woman arrived saying Edward was her father. She presented documents and took your parents, claiming she would transfer them to another hospital.

Isabella remained silent, trying to process the information.

—What? Someone took my parents? How is that possible? —Her voice was barely a whisper, but panic began to take hold of her.

—That’s what we’re trying to understand. —Alexander leaned toward her—. Can you try to remember anything, anything at all?

Isabella closed her eyes, bringing her hands to her head. The pain was intense, as if something was trying to break through in her mind.

—I don’t know… My memory is a mess. I only know that after the accident, I woke up not knowing who I was or where I was. I spent months in hospitals, trying to remember my name, my family… but no one ever came for me.

Alexander took her hand, his grip firm.

—Isabella, you’re not alone now. We’ll find your parents, but I need to know if there’s anything else you can tell me.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

—I remember one day hearing a nurse mention the name Amanda. She said something about a worried mother, but I didn’t understand who she was talking about. Could it have been my mom?

Alexander tensed upon hearing this.

—Amanda is your mother. But if that woman claimed Edward was her father, then there’s something more we don’t know.

Isabella nodded, her mind filled with unanswered questions.

—Do you think that woman could be… my sister?

Alexander didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stood up, his expression hardened.

—I’m going to the hospital to get more answers.

—I want to go with you —Isabella said, standing up.

Alexander shook his head.

—No. This could be dangerous, and you need to rest. Trust me.

Before she could argue, Alexander had already left, his determination palpable.

\---

Alexander arrived at the hospital accompanied by two of his most trusted men. In a secluded room, a doctor waited, sweating under the pressure of having been forced to confess earlier.

—Doctor —Alexander began, his tone icy—. Let’s clarify something. Who was the woman who took Edward and Amanda?

The doctor looked nervously at the guards.

—She said her name was Samantha Reyes. She claimed Edward was her father and that she had the right to take them.

Alexander frowned.

—Why didn’t anyone verify her story?

—She had documents. They seemed legitimate, and the DNA test was conducted at this hospital. It couldn’t have been fake —the doctor stammered—. Besides, Amanda was with her.

The name resonated in Alexander’s mind.

—Amanda was conscious? Did she speak to anyone?

The doctor nodded weakly.

—She seemed calm, as if she knew the woman.

Alexander slammed his fist on the table, making the doctor flinch.

—Where did they take them?

—She said it was a private hospital, but she didn’t give us any more details.

Alexander turned to his men.

—Search every private hospital in the region and ensure they’re investigated. If these women are involved, we’ll find them.

The doctor exhaled in relief as Alexander left the room. But Alexander knew this wasn’t the end. There were too many loose ends, and every answer only brought more questions.

\---

Back at home, Isabella was alone, her mind racing with confusing thoughts. "Could it be possible that I have a sister?" she wondered over and over. She tried to remember Amanda, her mother, but her face remained a shadow in her memory.

“If Mom was with that woman, why didn’t she come for me?” she thought, anguish overtaking her. Something didn’t add up, but she was determined to uncover the truth.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Alexander returned. His face was grim, but there was a spark of determination in his eyes.

—We’ll find your parents, Isabella —he said firmly—. I promise you.

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears.

—Thank you, Alexander. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Alexander nodded, knowing the truth was closer than ever. But he also knew that the closer they got, the more dangerous it would be for both of them.