Arrived 207

Isabelle reveals her conflicted feelings about Nathaniel, admitting she loves him but resents that he still loves someone else. She expresses a desire to make him suffer and contemplates using pregnancy as a form of revenge. Kevin, intrigued, asks about the woman Isabelle wants him to meet, and she shows him a photo of her fiancé’s ex-wife, a woman both difficult to win over and connected to a wealthy, money-obsessed mother. Kevin confidently accepts the challenge, eager to conquer her.

Two days later, Estella visits her mother Victoria in the hospital and encounters Kevin, who had helped Victoria earlier. Victoria introduces Kevin warmly, hinting that he is single, and Kevin quickly invites Estella to lunch. Despite Estella’s polite refusal, Victoria pushes her daughter to accept, motivated by Kevin’s apparent wealth and charm.

Kevin’s confident and predatory demeanor unsettles Estella, who senses he is sizing her up as a target. Victoria, however, seems oblivious to her daughter’s discomfort, eager to ingratiate herself with Kevin. Estella feels betrayed by her mother’s readiness to push her into Kevin’s company, leaving her anxious and wary of what lies ahead.

207 The Hunter

Isabelle’s lips curled into a bitter, mocking smile. “I love him,” she whispered, her voice heavy with contradiction. “That’s why I’d give him anything he wants.”

Kevin looked at her, perplexed. “Then why would you betray him?” he asked, genuinely confused.

A cruel sneer twisted Isabelle’s features. “Because he still loves someone else. I hate that. I want to make him suffer. I can’t leave him, but I refuse to let him be comfortable either…”

Kevin let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Women are complicated,” he muttered, taking a drag from his cigarette. Then, with a casual tone, he added, “Don’t forget your pills. I didn’t use protection just now.”

“Got it,” Isabelle replied absentmindedly, her mind swirling with darker thoughts. Perhaps carrying another man’s child would be the ultimate revenge. If Nathaniel didn’t truly love her and only saw her as a means to the Monroe family’s wealth, then she would make sure he never found peace again.

Kevin leaned forward, curiosity lighting up his eyes. “So, which woman were you planning to introduce me to?”

Isabelle pulled out her phone and showed him a photo.

Kevin’s eyes immediately brightened, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Now that’s a stunner. Elegant too.”

“She is,” Isabelle said, her voice dripping with venom. “That’s my fiancé’s ex-wife. He still pines for her. I can’t stand it.”

Kevin’s interest sharpened. “Divorced? Even better. I like women with experience.”

“She’s not easy prey,” Isabelle warned. “Even my brother couldn’t win her over. But her mother? Obsessed with money. Flash enough cash, and she’ll treat you like her own son-in-law.”

“Your brother failed?” Kevin’s grin turned predatory, a hunter’s gleam flashing in his eyes.

“Exactly. She’s cold, untouchable. But that’s what makes it fun, right? You really think you can pull it off?” Isabelle teased.

That was all it took to ignite Kevin’s pride. He scoffed confidently, “There’s no woman I can’t conquer. Just watch.”

“Then I’ll be waiting for your good news.” Isabelle pressed a mocking kiss to his cheek before striding out of the private room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

—

Two days later, Estella arrived at the hospital to visit her mother, only to find Victoria deep in animated conversation with a tall young man.

Startled, Estella asked, “Mom, who’s this?”

Victoria smiled brightly. “Estella, this is Kevin. I almost tripped outside earlier, and he caught me. Such a kind young man! He even walked me back. Isn’t that thoughtful?”

Then, with a sly wink, she silently mouthed: Single.

—

Estella’s eyes swept over the man’s expensive casual suit, the faint scent of costly cologne, the confident posture that screamed entitlement. Clearly wealthy, clearly accustomed to privilege.

She nodded politely. “Thank you for helping my mother.”

“No need for formalities,” Kevin replied with a lazy, wolfish grin. “I just happened to be passing by. Now that we’ve met, how about lunch together?”

Victoria’s eyes sparkled with delight. Handsome, rich, and apparently fond of her daughter — perfect.

But Estella caught the gleam in Kevin’s eyes — a predator sizing up his next target. She had been hunted before and hated the feeling.

Shaking her head with a faint smile, she said, “Sorry, I have things to do this afternoon. I can’t.”

“What could you possibly have to do? You came to see me,” Victoria interrupted, annoyance creeping into her voice.

Kevin didn’t seem bothered by the refusal. In fact, he leaned into it with a smirk. “Then I’ll drive. My car’s fast enough to get you anywhere.”

He jingled a key fob, and the logo of a Pagani gleamed in the light.

Victoria, worldly and sharp, recognized it immediately—a supercar worth millions. Her smile widened, greed flaring beneath her polite exterior.

“Kevin, don’t mind her. She’s just shy. Have lunch with her. Let her properly thank you for helping me.”

“I’d be honored,” Kevin said smoothly, his gaze roaming Estella’s face with undisguised hunger.

Estella’s expression stiffened. She turned to her mother, disbelief flashing in her eyes.

Victoria, however, was already brushing her off. “I’m tired from getting up so early. You young people go on ahead. I’ll rest here.”

Kevin chuckled softly. So easy. A flash of wealth, and Victoria practically shoved her daughter into his arms.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Estella.”

Estella’s stomach twisted into knots. She hadn’t expected her mother to betray her so readily — and to someone like this.

The tangled web of desire, betrayal, and manipulation continues to tighten around Isabelle, Kevin, and those caught in their orbit. Isabelle’s conflicted emotions reveal a deep pain masked by bitterness and a desperate need for control, while Kevin’s predatory confidence and calculated charm set the stage for further upheaval. The fragile trust between family members is tested, as Victoria’s greed blinds her to the danger lurking close, and Estella’s wary instincts warn her of the storm ahead.

This chapter lays bare the complexities of love twisted by jealousy and ambition, painting a vivid portrait of characters driven by both vulnerability and ruthless intent. The emotional undercurrents pulse with tension, reminding us that beneath every smile and gesture lies a struggle for power and survival, where no one is truly safe from the consequences of their choices.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of deceit and desire that binds these characters together. As Kevin sets his sights on Estella, the tension between loyalty and betrayal intensifies, leaving readers wondering how far each character will go to protect their own interests. The uneasy alliance between Isabelle and Kevin hints at darker plans brewing beneath the surface, and the emotional stakes are only set to rise.

Estella’s growing distrust and the subtle manipulations of those around her create a charged atmosphere where every interaction could spark conflict. Will she be able to see through Kevin’s charm before it’s too late? Meanwhile, Victoria’s surprising choices raise questions about her true motivations and how they might affect the fragile family dynamics. Prepare for a chapter filled with subtle power plays, shifting alliances, and the simmering tension of hearts caught in a dangerous game.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.