Chapter 71 I thank you, but...

"I spent a lot of time trying to talk to his family and it was impossible..." Diego continued, thoughtfully. "At the same time that I worked hard, until I got a good job, one that allowed me to get close to high social circles and get the necessary information about you, the leader of the Sinclair family... I thought Isabella was the right person to help, although I must admit that I was very surprised to find you confined to that hospital... I assumed that, like the rest of the Sinclair’s, he would not receive me, so I decided to change my strategy and snuck into the hospital staff, but... When I found out about her condition, how they kept her sedated and apart despite being in good health, I decided to get her out of there... When I saw you in church, at Isabella's wedding, I knew that you didn't recognize me and I assumed that it was normal, that you didn't remember me, because when I took you out of the hospital, you were still somewhat sedated...

"I didn't remember you, although you did seem familiar..." Margaret murmured.

"I left her at one of her family's foreign properties, but there was only the service staff, and I had to leave immediately. I had run away from a work commitment and couldn't risk losing my job. Diego explained.

"Yes, I woke up there, I didn't remember much about how I got there..." Margaret nodded.

"Then I found out that he spent some time on that property, recovering before returning to our country..." Diego continued.

"I took a couple of months before coming back..." Margaret confirmed.

"I left you a message, a request to help Isabella Sinclair. I thought I was coming back for that..." Diego frowned.

"What?" Margaret looked at him confused.

"I thought Isabella would be well and safe with you while I continued to work, to get a good position and come back for her as promised. But sometime later I received the news of Patricia Soler's death, and when I returned, I discovered that Isabella lived on the street, that the bank had taken everything from her... You hadn't done anything to help her. Diego took a deep breath; the memory of that moment still filled him with rage.

"I never received the message you're talking about..." Margaret replied, somewhat irritated at feeling that Diego blamed her.

"How?"

"That's right, I never heard from you or anyone who wanted to help Isabella." I decided to go back because I had to prepare..." Margaret said confidently.

"Prepare?" For what? To condemn his granddaughter to an arranged marriage? You should have looked to Isabella to help you, not use her to create bonds between families. Diego refuted, frowning.

"I didn't know what she was going through, just like you. I found out very late; Patricia had recently passed away..." Margaret growled, crossing her arms. "And you, what about you?" You blame me for the marriage, but if you really loved Isabella, with what little you had, you should have stayed by her side to help her.

"With what?" With moral support? Diego asked sarcastically.

"At least she wouldn't have been alone. Margaret replied firmly. Diego clenched his fists at her words.

"Everything I've done, every step I've taken, has been for her, for Isabella, because I love her. Diego murmured, looking down sadly.

"Sure?" I don't think all this is just for love. I don't know why, Diego, but I feel like you're hiding something else. Margaret said, examining Diego's expression for clues.

"I've told you the whole truth, do you understand?" I don't hide anything. Diego extended his arms in an opening sign, as if he were unarmed. "Isabella already trusts me. Why can't you do it too?

"What do you mean?" Margaret asked, confused.

"Isabella has told me the truth about her spouse..." Diego explained, as Margaret's eyes widened. - She told me what Máximo intends to do to her and why she came to study abroad. I warned you, Mrs. Sinclair, that marriage was always a mistake. I am the man who is destined to be with his granddaughter. Diego said, leaving Margaret thoughtful. "Now that you know the whole truth, will you still distrust me?" He asked with a lopsided smile full of smugness.

Everything agreed, what Diego told her made sense, he had saved her, Margaret had no reason to distrust, on the contrary, she owed him gratitude.

However, a premonition from the depths of her heart told her that something was not right with Diego, that much more was missing.

- I thank you for what you did for me, Diego, but I will be very clear: that does not mean that I trust you... Not when I see in your expression the clear intention of taking advantage of this and making Isabella fall in love. Margaret replied, somewhat irritated by Diego's smile.

"Is there anything wrong with it?" I really love Isabella, and I want the best for her, not like Maximo. Isn't that enough? Do I have to be a tycoon or a descendant of a prominent family to be accepted?

"No, that's not what it's about..." Margaret looked at him seriously, recognizing that Diego knew how to handle words with cunning.

"So?" What's wrong? Enlighten me...

"Isabella loves Maximo and we are still not sure of her intentions..." Margaret clarified with conviction.

“Are you serious? Diego raised an eyebrow. “I accept it from Isabella; She has always been somewhat innocent. But you? An experienced woman, who knows the world of money and the people around it... Shouldn't she be more critical?

The sound of a rattle interrupted them, Diego took out his phone, it was Maximo.

"Say?" Margaret answered, still surprised.

“What clinic are you in? Maximo asked from the other end of the line.

"Are you there yet?" “Diego showed his surprise.

"I'll be here in a short time, Diego, don't make me repeat the question." Maximus growled impatiently.

“We are in the center's clinic. Diego replied in a reserved tone.

“Good. “Máximo hung up.

"I think it's time to go back, Mrs. Sinclair. Isabella must be waiting for me, and her spouse is coming. Diego turned around.

"What?" Is Máximo coming here? Margaret was surprised.

“I told him of the fainting; I didn't know Isabella wanted to part with him, it was my job to report. Diego explained as he opened the door. "By the way, who told you?"

"The bodyguards, of course..." Margaret passed by Diego, heading quickly towards Isabella.

“Isabella is pregnant. Diego said before Margaret left the room.

"What?" Margaret was stunned, her mouth open.

"And besides, she doesn't want Máximo to find out..." Diego was serious. "I think we should get her out of this clinic soon, before Máximo arrives or finds out.

"Pregnant?... Take her out?" Margaret stammered, still in shock.

"Your granddaughter asked me for help, Mrs. Sinclair, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Diego took a couple of steps towards the hallway. "Come on, they should have finished with Isabella's exams by now. Here they think I'm her spouse, so that should be enough for me to be allowed to take her.

Margaret followed, still processing the news. The idea that her granddaughter was pregnant filled her with a contradictory mixture of fear and joy.

Upon arriving at Isabella's room, Margaret saw that the exams were over, and that Isabella was waiting for her.

"Is everything okay, doctor?" Diego asked with apparent interest. “What happened to the fainting?

“Yes, everything is fine. We are just waiting for some additional results that will be ready in a few minutes. However, from what we have received so far, I can deduce that the fainting was caused by pregnancy; Isabella is in very good health. - The doctor explained.

“What do you recommend? Diego asked, acting as if he were the worried spouse.

“The young woman can lead a normal life, but I recommend that she not push herself too hard and that she reduces her stress levels. I can provide you with a more detailed list of recommendations. The doctor continued. “Once the missing results come in, we can come to the office to explain it in more detail.

"Thank you very much, doctor. Diego extended his hand to shake the doctor's. "But if you don't mind, could you send us an appointment at this address?" “Diego handed him a card. “Now I have an important commitment, and I would like to take Isabella with me so that she can rest.

"Is something wrong, Diego?" Isabella asked, noticing the anxiety on Diego's face.

"No, don't worry, we've just been here for several hours, and you must be tired." Diego looked at her seriously, while waiting for the doctor to accept his request.

“If you'll excuse me, I don't like having to wear these masks and caps. If everything is fine, I'd rather go home..." Margaret added, clearly uncomfortable.

"Oh, well, doctor, can I go?" Isabella asked, looking towards the doctor, while Diego and his grandmother prepared to leave.

“Of course, of course. We will send you all the information, including the results of the missing tests and the appointment. Isabella, will you be able to come in a few days? - The doctor replied.

“Yes. Isabella nodded with a smile.

- Perfect, see you next week.

With the doctor's authorization, everyone prepared to leave. Diego seemed relieved, at least for a moment, as they avoided Maximo. Although he knew that he would have to face a reprimand later, he was willing to endure it if it meant protecting Isabella.

However, when they crossed the wide exit door, which opened automatically, they found the imposing figure of Maximus.