Chapter 232

Sophia leaned closer to the window. Spotting Alexander's car, she gasped. "Mom! It's Dad! Let him in!"

Isabella barely glanced up. "Hmm."

The Sinclair family exchanged surprised looks at this unexpected visit. Though curious, they remained silent out of respect for Sophia's presence.

Moments later, Alexander arrived at the door.

Isabella met him outside. "Here to take Grandma Margaret for her hospital check-up?"

"Yes."

She nodded curtly. "Wait here."

Alexander remained in his car without protest.

Nearly fifteen minutes passed before Margaret finally emerged.

Seeing her, Alexander immediately stepped out and opened the passenger door.

Sophia grabbed her schoolbag, calling out, "Bye, Dad!"

"Have a good day at school."

After exchanging polite nods with Isabella and the Sinclairs, Alexander drove off.

Isabella took Sophia to school in her own car.

At 11:30 AM, while buried in work documents, Isabella received a call from Margaret. "The procedure went perfectly."

Relief washed over Isabella. She'd barely set down her phone when Alexander called. She let it ring out.

Seconds later, a text appeared: "Taking Grandma for lunch. Join us?"

Isabella left it unanswered. Alexander always understood her silences.

True to form, no follow-up messages came.

But at noon, Emily called. "Bella! I just saw your almost-ex-husband helping your grandmother into La Belle Époque!"

Before Isabella could explain, Emily gasped. "Don't tell me you're getting back together?"

"Hardly."

Flipping through a contract, Isabella briefly explained Eleanor Whitmore's fall and hospitalization. "He's just repaying the kindness."

That explained this morning's personal chauffeur service.

Emily sounded disappointed. "So... just obligation?"

"Exactly."

His very politeness proved it. Every considerate act was another brick in the wall between them.

Only a fool would mistake this for reconciliation.

Isabella worked late. By the time she reached the hospital, dusk had fallen.

As she stepped from her car, she spotted Victoria Kensington leaning against a silver Mercedes.

Their eyes met. Victoria's lips curled in that familiar smirk as she raked Isabella with a disdainful glance.

Isabella slammed her car door without acknowledgment, cradling the bouquet of white lilies.

The VIP ward hummed with quiet efficiency.

Pushing open the door, she found Alexander, Julian, and Oliver inside. Victoria's presence downstairs suddenly made sense.

Had she already visited Eleanor? Isabella couldn't be sure.

Oliver smirked at her entrance.

Julian stood abruptly.

Alexander approached. "You made it."

Isabella ignored him, her gaze finding Eleanor. Only then did her face soften. "Grandmother."