Chapter 266

Given the circumstances, Sophia would most likely be celebrating the Ember Festival at Whitmore Manor this year.

Margaret felt a pang of sadness at the thought of being separated from Sophia, and her heart ached for Isabella. But Isabella remained composed, gently reassuring her grandmother, "Don't worry about me, Grandma. Sophia's happiness is all that matters."

Margaret suspected Isabella was merely putting on a brave face to avoid causing concern. With a quiet sigh, she let the matter drop.

After breakfast, Isabella and Caroline headed out to complete their festival shopping.

The streets were alive with vibrant decorations. Traditional holiday melodies filled the air, creating an infectious celebratory atmosphere.

Truth be told, Caroline and the others had already done most of their shopping.

The essentials were all prepared at home. Today's outing was simply to pick up any remaining items they might have overlooked.

Groups of children dressed in festive attire skipped down the sidewalks, waving glowing wands that sparkled in the sunlight.

Isabella froze when she spotted a little girl bouncing past in a red velvet dress.

Every year before Sophia left with Alexander, Isabella would buy her several sets of these special holiday outfits.

Sophia had adored them. The light wands had been her particular favorite.

During previous festivals, those glowing toys had kept her entertained for hours. She'd spend evenings carefully placing candles inside, then dancing around the garden with her illuminated treasure.

But that was two years ago.

The first year after Sophia left, she'd celebrated abroad with Alexander.

Last year when she returned, she'd suddenly declared these traditions childish and refused to participate.

Isabella never forced the issue.

She tried selecting alternative gifts, but Sophia rejected those too.

At first, Isabella blamed herself for losing touch with her daughter's tastes. Eventually, she realized Sophia simply didn't want anything from her.

Shaking off the memory, Isabella hurried to catch up with Margaret and Caroline.

Meanwhile, Edward and William secretly texted Isabella, begging her to buy extra fireworks for a garden display that evening.

Isabella smiled at their message and typed a quick reply: "Consider it done."

In all her years married to Alexander, he'd rarely been in Salzburg for holidays. Even during festival seasons, he was usually jetting off somewhere for business.

Yet despite his absence, Isabella had always brought Sophia back to Whitmore Manor for the Ember Festival celebrations.

Come to think of it, seven years had passed since she'd last celebrated with the Sinclair family. Tucking her phone away, she was about to head to the fireworks stall when her device buzzed again.

Nathaniel was calling.

He informed her he'd purchased an extravagant amount of premium fireworks and wanted to send some over.

Isabella didn't hesitate. "Thank you, Nathaniel."

From his tone, it sounded like a substantial shipment. Probably enough that she wouldn't need to buy any herself.

No sooner had she ended that call than her phone rang again.

Julian Montgomery this time.

Isabella hesitated briefly before answering. "Mr. Montgomery."

"I ordered a selection of fireworks earlier. Lily insisted I send some to you. Just give me your address, and I'll arrange delivery."

Isabella blinked in surprise. "That's very kind, but—"

"Then perhaps you should tell Lily that yourself?"

A brief pause. Then quietly: "Please thank Lily for me."