Chapter 279

Isabella's fingertips trembled slightly.

She had deliberately changed into a nurse's uniform identical to the hospital staff. The mask and cap concealed her face completely, leaving only her eyes visible. The disguise should have been flawless in the hospital corridor.

But she hadn't counted on running into Alexander.

"Alex..." Her voice wavered, a cold sweat breaking out down her back. From the corner of her eye, she saw Evelyn's clenched fist and instinctively took half a step back. "It really wasn't me."

"The surveillance footage says otherwise." Evelyn thrust her phone forward, the screen displaying crystal-clear video evidence. She grabbed Isabella by the collar, shoving the phone in her face. "Do you know what this medication does? It could have killed someone!"

Isabella's pupils constricted.

The footage showed her sneaking around, the exact moment she switched the medication bottles. Worse still, the birthmark on her wrist was clearly visible.

"I've overlooked your petty schemes before," Evelyn hissed, each word dripping with ice. "But this? This is attempted murder."

The accusation hit Isabella like a sledgehammer. Her legs nearly gave out. Desperate, she turned to Alexander—only to meet his utterly disappointed gaze.

"Alex..." She clutched at his sleeve, tears welling up. "I know I was wrong. Please don't tell Mom and Dad—"

Evelyn suddenly released her, stepping back as if touching something filthy. With one last glance at Alexander, she turned on her heel and walked away.

The sharp click of her heels against the tile echoed through the hallway.

"Alex!" Panic set in fully now. Tears streamed down Isabella's face. "I swear it won't happen again, please—"

Her nails dug into his sleeve, turning her knuckles white.

A beam of light from the window at the end of the corridor illuminated Alexander's conflicted profile.