Chapter 512

"Really?"

Isabella let out a cold laugh, gesturing to the ropes tightly binding her. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "You tie me up like some kind of toy for your amusement. Is this what you call love?"

"Or are you gonna tell me this kidnapping wasn't your idea, and I came here on my own?"

Every word Isabella spoke was laced with mockery.

She truly couldn't fathom what was going on in Nolan's mind.

He clearly wanted to use her to gain the Wilson Family's power and support, yet he couldn't admit it. Instead, he cloaked his actions under the guise of love.

This suffocating love was something she couldn't bear.

Moreover, she knew Nolan's so-called love stemmed from jealousy and resentment because she chose Michael over him. He was desperate to prove he was no less than Michael.

Having never experienced love, Nolan had no idea what it truly was.

He was both pitiful and detestable, and Isabella had no desire to speak with him any further.

"Nolan, I'll give you one chance. Let me go now, and I'll pretend none of this ever happened."

"You said you'd leave Evergreen City tomorrow and never return. It's not worth pissing off the entire Wilson Family over this kidnapping. Besides, if Atticus and the others find out, they won't rest until they hunt you down."

"Let me go, and I won't mention today to anyone."

Isabella seized the moment to present her terms, offering him a chance to escape.

As long as he let her go and left the country, she could pretend she never knew him.

Time would eventually help her forget him and everything about him.

This wouldn't affect Nolan much.

But Isabella didn't expect him to be so stubborn.

"Leave?"

Nolan let out a cold laugh. "I've spent three years getting control of the Brown Group here. You really think I'd just walk away now?"

Isabella was stunned, realizing that everything had been a lie.

"You."

"Isabella, you're still the same as before. You believe whatever I say, especially when it comes from a man. You're still too naive."

A smug expression appeared on his face.

Clearly, all those years of companionship weren't entirely in vain. At least Isabella still had a tendency to believe his words.

"Nolan, you're shameless. You'd even lie about something like this to deceive me?"

Isabella's face turned pale with anger.

"So what? If I didn't say that, would you have obediently drunk that glass of wine?"

Nolan finally dropped his gentle facade, removing his glasses to reveal the sinister gleam in his eyes.

"Isn't it normal for a guy to use some tactics and tricks to win over the person he loves? I've put so much effort into you. Shouldn't you feel proud and flattered? A person only does these things when they care and love someone."

"This just proves how sincere my feelings for you are, Isabella. You should be happy."

He stroked her head, his tone a mix of coaxing and brainwashing.

Isabella was left speechless, not wanting to engage with him.

But Nolan thought she was listening, using her relationship with Michael as an example to validate his words.

"Didn't you notice? Michael never put any effort into you. He didn't even bother to comfort you. If he truly liked you, how could he stand by and watch you suffer without doing anything?"

"A woman who loves someone who doesn't love her is doomed to a bad ending. Look at you and Michael. You were married for three years, and yet you still ended up divorced."

"But we're different. I love you. I'm willing to give up everything for you. I don't expect you to do anything for me. As long as you stay by my side, I'll be content."

The more Isabella listened to his manipulative words, the more her head ached.

But she couldn't find a way to refute him at the moment.

Fortunately, she was clear-headed.

She wouldn't be swayed by Nolan's words.

Michael didn't love her, but he would never hurt the person he liked in the name of love, nor would he force her to do anything against her will.

Right now, she needed to buy time. She had to go along with Nolan's thoughts to lower his guard, giving her a chance to escape.

"I admit there's some truth to what you're saying."

Isabella put on a pitiful expression. "I chased after Michael for so long, but what did I get in return? I finally got pregnant, only to lose the baby. My grandfather passed away, and my mindset changed because of him."

"He made me realize that being with someone who doesn't love me only brings me pain. I've become someone I don't recognize."

"Now that I hear you, maybe being with someone who loves me is the right choice. Nolan, it's not too late for me to realize this, is it?"

Isabella admired her own ability to lie without batting an eye.

In front of someone she didn't want to deal with, she could still lie with a straight face.

Indeed, in the face of survival, she could overcome any difficulty.

Seeing Isabella willing to listen to him, Nolan smiled in satisfaction, gripping her hand. "Isabella, I'm really glad you understand this."

Nolan knew how strong-willed Isabella was. If she wasn't willing, things would be difficult for him.

But if she willingly came to him, the sense of accomplishment was unparalleled.

"Isabella, I forgot to tell you, this is my private residence. I just want us to spend some time together without interruptions. We need a quiet place to nurture our relationship, don't we?"

From the moment he made that call in the afternoon, Nolan had decided to hide Isabella here.

He wouldn't let her out until she was pregnant with his child.

But things were progressing even better than he had hoped.

"Nolan, don't you think we know each other well enough after all these years? Do we really need to nurture our relationship?"

Isabella said lightly.

But she feared Nolan might suspect her sudden change in attitude.

So she added, "I was angry because I thought you were using me as a tool to access the Wilson Family's resources. Now I understand you truly love me. So why not give it a try? Why do you still have me tied up like this? Aren't you afraid I'll get really mad and never speak to you again?"