Chapter 101

The hot spring resort stretched endlessly before Isabella. She had no clue where Alexander and the others might be. Descending the stairs, she didn't encounter them.

Since twilight hadn't fully settled yet, Isabella summoned two staff members to accompany her up the mountainside.

The evening breeze carried a slight chill, but her layered outfit kept her warm. She savored the crisp air while gathering apples, the rhythmic activity clearing her thoughts.

With multiple hands helping, they quickly filled several crates with ripe fruit.

Rather than heading back immediately, Isabella lingered to admire the spectacular sunset painting the sky.

Footsteps and a child's voice interrupted her reverie.

Turning, her eyes locked with Julian's.

He appeared equally surprised by their unexpected meeting, hesitation flickering across his features.

"Ms. Sinclair!" Lily's excited voice rang out from the video call.

Julian had been showing his niece the orchard through his phone, planning to bring her fresh apples tomorrow. Running into Isabella hadn't been part of his agenda.

Despite their recent encounters and Julian's past assistance, Isabella maintained emotional distance. Her expression cooled at the sight of him, though softened slightly upon hearing Lily's cheerful voice.

Julian noted her shifting demeanor.

"Lily wants to speak with you," he said, keeping his distance. "If you have time?"

That day at the nursing home had left Isabella emotionally drained. Though Lily had been the one requesting her company, the little girl's presence had actually helped Isabella breathe through the suffocating weight of her grief.

Isabella nodded.

Julian handed over his phone without approaching, maintaining a respectful three-foot gap.

Their conversation revealed Lily was traveling with her grandmother, explaining her absence from the resort. Isabella shared the sunset view with the delighted child before returning the phone after fifteen minutes.

"Thank you," Julian said as they concluded the call.

"No need."

Darkness was settling, but the illuminated path made descent easy. Without another word, Isabella turned toward the resort.

Julian followed silently at a distance.

Their wordless journey ended when they encountered Victoria at the entrance.

Victoria's lips pressed into a tight line at seeing them return together. Isabella walked past without acknowledgment.

"Julian, you two—" Victoria began.

"We happened to be in the orchard at the same time," Julian replied flatly.

Knowing Julian had gone to video call Lily among the apple trees, Victoria relaxed slightly. A coincidental meeting made sense.

"They're at the pavilion," she said. "The bonfire preparations are ready. We were about to call you."

Julian nodded.

They walked toward the gathering side by side, the unspoken tension lingering like the evening mist.