Klaus continued, his eyes shining with pride.
"It all started with Axel. You remember, right? The good Samaritan always ready to help? I manipulated him. I told him Ray was lying to you, that he was planning your departure, that he was betraying you behind your back. He believed it. He helped me set up this little theater."
Isabella gritted her teeth.
"You... you set up a trap?"
"Exactly. I staged the whole thing. Ray never did anything. But you only saw what we let you see. And you left, didn't you? You ran away, convinced he'd betrayed you. And Ray? He was waiting for you. He still loves you, you know?"
Isabella felt her heart breaking.
"You're a monster…"
But Klaus continued, implacable:
"And Diana? She also served me. I knew she still had feelings for me. So I spoke, willingly, in front of her. I slipped in words about this supposed betrayal, about the breakup between you and Ray. I knew she'd run to tell you."
Isabella froze.
"You manipulated her too…"
"And you came to confront me, exactly as I hoped. You see? Every piece fell into place. Because I want you, Isabella. And I won't back down."
"You're crazy…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
He knelt before her, lowering himself to her level.
"Crazy for you, Isabella…"
And he kissed her forcefully.