Chapter 9 The youthful face before her overlapped perfectly with the sharp , commanding visage of the man who stood at the apex of power , ruthless and fearsome . The young boy lay sprawled on the bridge , bloodied , his piercingly beautiful yet rebellious eyes darting around as if searching for a lifeline like an abandoned wolf pup desperate for survival . Tears welled up in Isabellas eyes as she knelt down before him . Do you want to come with me ? she asked softly . Despite his tattered , dirty clothes , the boy exuded an air of elegance and nobility . Turning his head arrogantly , he asked , Whats your name ? Isabella hesitated briefly . Thea , she said , concealing her true identity . The boys gaze darkened slightly . What characters are those ? Nian , as in to remember , and Sheng , as in prosperity , she explained gently . The boy suddenly clutched her hand with surprising fervor . His 0.00 元 Chapter 4 voice carried a maturity beyond his years . Those are good characters , he said approvingly . My name is Theodore , he added , introducing himself . Isabella smiled faintly . Well , isnt that a coincidence ? Both of our names have the character Sheng . That must mean were fated to meet , Theodore replied with a mischievous smile . In that case , why dont you consider me your elder Sis ? What do you think ? Isabellas warm smile momentarily stunned Theodore . Elder Sis ? He scrutinized her skeptically . Youre so skinny and short clearly younger than me . How old are you , then ? Isabella teased . Im 23 this year , he said with a straight face . Isabella chuckled at his obvious lie . So , will you come home with me or not ? Theodore nodded . Isabella hoisted him onto her back . Though malnourished , he Chapter 9 1288 Vouchers was tall and not exactly light . Her slender frame struggled under his weight , and she panted heavily after only a few steps . Let me down , Sis , Theodore suggested , but Isabella stubbornly shook her head . No , I wont give up halfway , she replied firmly . His expression froze momentarily . Sis , since you saved me , Ill be good to you for the rest of my life , he vowed . Her heart skipped a beat , but she knew better than to put stock in promises from someone destined to become a figure of untouchable prestige . I helped you not for repayment . Just take care of yourself that will be enough for me . It was an arduous journey , but Isabella eventually carried Theodore back to her modest rented room . After settling him on the bed , she hurried out to buy medical supplies , food , and other necessities . By the time she returned , the once sparse apartment had been transformed into a warm and inviting space . Sitting by Theodores side , she carefully tended to his wounds . When she removed his shirt , the horrific sight of his injuries . brought tears to her eyes . How could anyone hurt you like this ? Youre just a boy , she whispered , her voice trembling . Far from despondent , Theodore smirked defiantly . They 12:09 Chapter ! wanted me dead hit me with all they had . Too bad for them I survived . Theyll regret not finishing me off when I rise to power . Though his stunning features exuded a natural nobility , the shadow in his eyes radiated a chilling darkness that made her shudder . Isabella couldnt help but wonder if saving him was a blessing or a curse . Surviving such a calamity means youre destined for great fortune , she said softly . He looked at her with a rare vulnerability . Sis , I have no place to go . Can I stay here for now ? Isabellas gentle smile didnt waver . If you stay here , youll have to listen to me . Go east when I tell you , never west . Head south even if you hit a wall . Can you do that ? Theodore nodded earnestly . She handed him some iodine . Ive dressed your upper body wounds . Youll need to handle the rest yourself . His eyes softened like those of a pleading puppy . Sis , I cant move . Please help me . After a moments hesitation , Isabella grabbed a nearby scarf and draped it over his face before delicately removing his pants . 12.07 The sight of the wound on his thigh made her gasp in horror . You were so close to losing everything , she murmured , her voice breaking . How could they do this to you ? For the first time , she began to understand why the future Theodore was so emotionally detached and solitary . A child who had never known love could hardly be expected to give it . Sis , dont cry . It doesnt hurt , he said softly . Sniffling , Isabella forced her tears back . Until your wings are strong enough , dont provoke them anymore , she urged . I promise . Ill listen to you , he replied . When your wounds heal , Ill help you get into school . Youll attend a top university , the very best . Okay , he agreed . After finishing her ministrations , Isabella didnt redress his lower half but simply pulled a blanket over him . Removing the scarf from his face , she said , Rest now . Ill make you some porridge . Thank you , Sis , he murmured . As Isabella left , his gaze followed her slender figure , a shadow 1200 Chapte of complex emotions clouding his brilliant eyes . Three months passed in the blink of an eye . In the imperial capital , Nathan accompanied Victoria to the hospital for her routine check up . While Victoria rested in the waiting area , he busied himself with registering her information , paying fees , and managing appointments dutifully performing the role of a perfect boyfriend . When he helped Victoria to the blood collection area , his considerate actions drew admiration from nearby women . One of them chided her own partner , Look at that man he treats his wife like a queen ! And you ? Im carrying your child , and you cant even get off your phone to help me . Her partner didnt look up from his phone as he retorted cynically , How do you know thats his wife ? What if shes his mistress ? Men always act like saints around their mistresses . If you let me have a fling or two , Id treat them just as well . Nathans face turned an ugly shade of red . The woman , now suspicious , began scrutinizing Nathan and Victoria . Are you two married ? she asked . Nathans expression darkened further . Victoria quickly 12 09 Chapter 9 intervened , Youre mistaken . Im seriously ill , and my brother in- law is just helping me with my check up . The womans parting remark , however , was a barb . Your Sis must be * so * generous . Victorias face tightened . After the blood test , the pair retreated awkwardly . Away from prying eyes , Victoria tried to soothe Nathans wounded pride . Nathan , dont take their words to heart . We have nothing to hide . 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