Episode 16

While driving back to the hotel, Jed made a couple of phone calls – to his lawyer, to the custodians who were following Stefano, and to his friend Leo who would need additional security. He also called an investigator who wanted to know everything about Isabella, even the silliest neighborhood gossip. Jed intended to take Isabella to court.

Sitting under the shower, Isabella tried to rationalize what was happening. She felt a tightness in her chest and an overwhelming urge to cry. But now she was a mother. She couldn't break down. The future and happiness of Stefano depended on her. She finished showering and determined to take control of the situation, she made a couple of phone calls, printed some photos, and got in her car.

Jed finished taking a cold shower. He couldn't believe how everything had spiraled out of control. As a businessman, he was the best, but when it came to women and feelings, he was a disaster. He had decided to handle the situation calmly, not wanting to scare Isabella. However, the arrival of Julian O'Brien ruined everything. He didn't know what annoyed him more – the fact that Julian took the child or the trust and intimacy he shared with the mother of his child. He chose to dismiss the latter thought from his mind.

There was a knock on his hotel room door. To his surprise, it was Isabella, the mother of his child. Isabella entered the room, scanning it with her eyes.

"You're right, we need to talk! Get dressed," she said. Jed was naked, wearing only a towel around his waist.

Isabella's idea was to catch Jed off guard, but she didn't expect to find him naked.

"Before, it didn't bother you to talk to me while being naked," Jed murmured playfully.

So, the damn conceited man wanted to play, fine, she would hit where it hurt. "Stefano is a child loved by everyone who knows him. He is my son. I took care of him and decided to have him. You didn't want a child. I spent seven months in bed and wheelchair to keep him, and I won't let an emotionally damaged jerk like you ruin his life. Find your secure Italian, she'll give you multiple children, but you won't have my son!"

Jed couldn't believe what he had just heard. "He's my son too, Isabella! If we hadn't crossed paths by chance and if you hadn't looked at me with fear, I would never have known. How do you think that makes me feel? What did I do for you to deny my child?"

"One doesn't expect their lover to get pregnant! Don't worry, Roberto is an excellent doctor and will take care of everything. You wanted me to have an abortion! And let's not forget the series of insults and threats you made over the phone. I almost lost my child because of that. And what were you doing in the meantime? So, don't act offended because I don't believe you."

For the first time in his life, Jed didn't know how to respond.

"You're right, you are the father of my child. And I won't allow you to conduct a DNA test. Don't even think about going to court because I have the means to destroy you. I'm sure the magazines would be interested in the kind of vermin Jed Salvatore is. And don't come near my house because I'll request a restraining order for harassment. Take this!" she said, throwing some papers at his face. She turned around and said, "You know what's best for you, Jed Salvatore!"

Isabella walked without looking back until she entered the elevator. Once inside, she took a deep breath. She was very scared, and the fact that Jed was naked didn't help much. That damn man was too good looking. She couldn't help but smile, thinking about how tortured he must be that she didn't react to his nakedness.