After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 Capturing Isabel
Richie truly cared for Leslie. Whatever Leslie desired, Richie would always find a way to make it happen.

He remembered one time when the three of them were playing in the park. Leslie casually mentioned that she wanted cotton candy.

Richie disappeared soon after. While the adults were growing anxious, Richie returned with a pink bunny-shaped cotton candy in hand.

Another time, Leslie wanted to climb a tree to pick peaches. Richie lifted her up, but they lost their balance and fell. Richie made sure to shield Leslie with his own body, taking the brunt of the fall so she wouldn't get hurt. In the end, Leslie was perfectly fine, while Richie ended up injured.

"All these years, I've been investigating too," Richie said, his voice somber. "But that fire came so suddenly in the dead of night. It burned everything to ashes, leaving no trace behind."

Xander was aware of Richie's efforts and determination.

However, there was one thing Richie couldn't understand.

"What happened to the emerald guardian angel pendant Leslie gave you back then?"

Richie clearly remembered Valentine's Day when Leslie handed Xander her most treasured emerald guardian angel pendant. She had even told him to marry her when they grew up.

How had it ended up with someone else?

Was it stolen? Or something else entirely?

Xander furrowed his brows. "Why are you asking about this?"

"Nothing. I was just curious."

"I've kept it in a very safe place," Xander replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.

A very safe place?

Richie recalled the emerald guardian angel pendant he had seen earlier on the woman's neck. He was certain—it was Leslie's.

"Are you sure that the safe place hasn't been compromised?" Richie pressed.

Xander's dark eyes narrowed further upon hearing that.

After a few moments of silence, he replied, "Yes, it's safe."

"Well, you might want to check anyway." With that, Richie turned to leave.

"Where are you going?" Xander called after him.

"Back," Richie replied.

"My mother misses you," Xander said, watching Richie's unmoving figure.

Richie tilted his head, gazing at the starry sky. "I have my own path to walk. I'll take revenge in my own way."

Xander heard the stubborn resolve in Richie's words. He was determined to personally avenge the Nelsons and Leslie.

"Since that's the case, I won't stop you. But if you ever have the time, the Bennetts will always welcome you."

Richie glanced at Xander in silence and strode away.

Xander stared at Richie's retreating figure and thought of his words earlier.

He couldn't shake the feeling that Richie mentioning the emerald guardian angel pendant wasn't just a coincidence.

And who was the person with him earlier?

Leo had reported that the two had entered the Nelsons' villa one after the other, seemingly strangers, and had ended up in a fierce fight.

Why had Richie protected the person and helped them escape?

The more Xander thought about the person's silhouette, the more familiar it felt.

Combining this with Richie's peculiar question, Xander pulled out his phone and called Isabel.

Meanwhile, Isabel had just jumped into her car when her phone rang.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Xander's name on the screen.

Could he have figured out that the person who just escaped was me?

"Calm down, calm down," she muttered, trying to reassure herself. "He might just be calling for no reason."

With a deep breath, Isabel answered the call.

"Hello? Why aren't you asleep at this hour?"