After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240 Kidnapping Isabel to Threaten Reggie
"Think about it! If her intentions weren't calculated, how could she have secretly recorded this video beforehand? She had the option to release it earlier or later, but she chose to wait until her father had released his statement. Doesn't that show she's really scheming?" Rachel remarked, her face filled with unease.

Ivana raised an eyebrow, and in her view, Rachel's reasoning didn't seem that significant.

"I must admit, I believe this might also be a way for her to protect herself."

Ivana had looked into Isabel's background and the situation with the Zimmermans, so she was aware of their family dynamics.

Colin favored his non-biological daughter but treated his biological daughter harshly. Eventually, he even sets Isabel up with a man in his fifties for a blind date.

This was the main reason for the complete breakdown in their father-daughter relationship.

Hearing Ivana speak in defense of Isabel made Rachel feel both uneasy and frustrated.

"Ivana, you're just too soft-hearted. Didn't I break it down earlier? I understand she's trying to protect herself, but she could've used the video to pressure Colin into apologizing, and that would've been enough. Why wait for Colin to twist the story online before revealing the footage? It's clear she planned this deliberately!"

After finishing her point, Rachel shifted the topic back to Xander.

"From this, it's obvious that the 'run-in' outside city hall was likely staged by Isabel. I spoke with a maid who was working at Xan's house at the time, and she said that when Isabel first arrived at the villa, she acted composed and wasn't surprised by Xan's status. What does that suggest? It means Isabel already knew who he was beforehand!"

Ivana's expression grew darker. The situation between Isabel and Colin didn't concern her deeply, but when it came to her son, her emotions became harder to control.

"This Isabel is clearly no ordinary person!"

Hearing her comment and noticing the concern on her face, Rachel smirked maliciously.

"Let me tell you one more thing, Ivana. The last time Isabel visited you, she suddenly lashed out at me, then acted like she had a stomachache and started bleeding. Later, the more I thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. So, I looked into it, and guess what? She just happened to be on her period that day. Ivana, you didn't believe me then, and you misunderstood me ... "

As Rachel spoke, tears began to fill her eyes.

Ivana watched Rachel's sorrowful expression, crying as if her heart was breaking, and she couldn't bring herself to doubt anything Rachel had just said. After all, the truth could easily be verified, leaving Rachel with no reason to make up lies.

"Rachel, my sweet girl, don't cry anymore. Your eyes will get puffy if you keep crying. This is my fault. I shouldn't have questioned you. I've seen you grow up and know better than anyone what kind of person you are. I promise, if something like this happens again, I'll never doubt you. I'll always be on your side."

"Thank you, Ivana!" Rachel sobbed like a little child, wrapping her arms around Ivana's waist and occasionally acting playfully affectionate in her embrace.

Ivana gently ran her hand through Rachel's hair. She thought of young Leslie, both shared this endearing habit of being sweet and playful with her, winning her over with their charm.

Sigh ...

Sadly, she had failed to protect little Leslie, and now she was no longer in this world. No matter what happened, she was determined to safeguard Rachel.

Meanwhile, at the Zimmerman Residence.

Colin was utterly stunned. His original plan had been to use public opinion to teach the siblings a harsh lesson, showing them the consequences of defying their father.

If they refused to hand over the company, he intended to ruin it entirely.