Chapter 272

The fireworks display ended with a spectacular finale.

Isabella Sinclair and William Sinclair said their goodbyes to the family elders and stepped out into the night.

Their destination was the Salzburg Sky Tower—the perfect vantage point to admire the city's dazzling Ember Festival lights.

On the eve of the holiday, the tower hosted a breathtaking light show along with other festive performances.

By the time they arrived, the plaza was already packed with excited spectators.

Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the crisp night air.

The main event hadn't begun yet.

Edward Sinclair and his university friends had planned to celebrate the festival here together.

Spotting his group near the fountain, Edward excused himself to join them.

When they noticed Isabella and William, Edward's friends greeted them politely—though their gazes kept drifting toward Isabella with poorly concealed admiration.

"Your cousin is stunning," one of them whispered to Edward.

Edward smirked. "Obviously."

The group immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere, snapping photos and recording videos of the pre-show entertainment.

Isabella and William hung back, content to let the younger crowd enjoy themselves.

Then Isabella's phone buzzed.

A text from Julian Montgomery: Are you watching the light show at the Sky Tower tonight?

Frowning slightly, she typed back: Already here. Why?

Julian responded instantly: Lily and I are on our way too.

Isabella stared at the screen. What a coincidence.

Julian didn't elaborate further.

Soon, the light show began—a mesmerizing symphony of colors dancing across the cityscape.

Isabella was completely absorbed until a familiar voice called out: "Ms. Sinclair!"

Turning, she saw Julian approaching with little Lily Montgomery in his arms.

The moment Lily spotted Isabella, she squealed with delight and reached out.

Isabella took William's hand as they navigated through the crowd. When they reached Julian, she gathered the beaming child into her arms.

Lily clung to Isabella's neck, her wide eyes reflecting the kaleidoscope of lights above. "Ms. Sinclair, look! So pretty!"

Isabella chuckled. "I see it, sweetheart."

The joyous atmosphere was infectious, and Isabella found herself smiling genuinely for the first time that evening.

Julian watched them for a moment before gently retrieving Lily, concerned about Isabella's arms tiring. "Where's Edward? Didn't he come with you?"

"He's over there with his friends." Isabella gestured toward the boisterous group nearby.

As she turned back, her smile froze.

Three familiar figures stood just twenty feet away.

Reginald Kensington. Eleanor Kensington. Julian Kensington.

She couldn't hear their conversation, but the affectionate way Reginald ruffled young Julian's hair spoke volumes. They stood close together—a picture-perfect family enjoying the festival.

Isabella's expression darkened instantly.

Julian Montgomery noticed the change immediately. Following her gaze, he spotted the Kensingtons.

Before he could react, young Julian noticed them too.

"Julian!" The boy waved excitedly, drawing his parents' attention.

Reginald and Eleanor's faces lit up when they saw Julian Montgomery—until their eyes landed on Isabella. The warmth vanished, replaced by thinly veiled hostility.

Eleanor's brows furrowed the moment she saw Isabella standing beside Julian.

Since they'd been spotted, ignoring them would be rude.

Julian hesitated before turning to Isabella. "I should go say hello."

Her reply was clipped. "Of course."

After one last searching look, Julian carried Lily toward the Kensingtons.

William had noticed Isabella's sudden shift in demeanor.

She didn't know all the details of Isabella's past, but Reginald Kensington was more than just a vague memory. The way Isabella's entire body tensed at the sight of them told William everything she needed to know.

Her chest tightened. "Maybe we should leave?" she suggested softly, squeezing Isabella's hand.

Isabella shook her head. "I'm fine."

Her reaction wasn't about lingering feelings for Reginald.

It was about seeing him with Eleanor—and remembering her mother.

Especially tonight.

Why did they get to celebrate happily as a family when her mother—

No, not just the three of them. A family of four.

Victoria Kensington was probably out somewhere with Alexander Whitmore.

They'd destroyed her mother's life, yet their perfect little family continued to thrive. The injustice burned.

William squeezed her hand again but remained silent.

She understood their family wasn't like others.

For them, holidays weren't about celebration—they were about survival.

Visiting Evelyn Sinclair at the care home was painful. Not visiting was worse.

Every trip forced them to relive the past in brutal detail, leaving them emotionally drained for days.

Moving forward hurt. Staying stuck hurt more.

They'd been existing in that limbo—not thriving, not quite drowning—until Victoria Kensington reappeared and stole Alexander from Isabella. Now the entire Kensington clan had relocated to Salzburg, twisting the knife deeper.

Noticing their tense expressions, Edward broke away from his friends. "Everything okay?" he asked, approaching cautiously.

Before Isabella could respond, William nodded toward the Kensingtons. "They're talking to Julian Montgomery."

Edward's jaw tightened immediately.

Meanwhile...

Julian Montgomery had just finished exchanging pleasantries with the Kensingtons.

When he turned back, Isabella and the others were gone.