Chapter 310

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of the Montgomery estate as Isabella Sinclair sipped her coffee across the chessboard from Charles Montgomery.

Sophia Whitmore kept glancing at the clock, clearly eager to return to the Whitmore residence with Isabella later. During a quiet moment, Isabella texted Alexander Whitmore, requesting he arrange for Sophia's transportation home that evening.

Alexander left the message unanswered. She assumed he hadn't seen it yet. However, right after dinner - though Alexander himself didn't appear - the car he'd sent for Sophia arrived punctually at the Montgomery mansion.

Once Sophia departed, Isabella drove away as well.

Eleanor Whitmore's birthday celebration loomed the following week. Isabella had already resolved not to attend.

After careful consideration, Margaret Sinclair agreed their absence would be best. With their decision made, Isabella and Margaret called Eleanor that evening.

Eleanor answered while still finishing dinner. Her injured leg had nearly healed, allowing normal movement again.

She glanced at Alexander before excusing herself from the dining room, warmth coloring her voice. "Isabella, have you eaten yet?"

"We have," Isabella replied, having put the call on speaker. After exchanging pleasantries with Eleanor, she broached the subject. "Grandmother, I'm sorry. Granny and I won't be able to attend your birthday celebration in person."

Eleanor had anticipated this. Though disappointed, she understood. Her soft chuckle carried through the phone. "That's quite alright, dear. Just promise me this won't create distance between us. Call me often, yes? And remember - if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. No formalities between family."

"I understand. Thank you, Grandmother," Isabella responded.

Their conversation continued briefly before ending.

With Eleanor's birthday approaching, Catherine Whitmore had returned to the Whitmore estate the previous day.

Henry Whitmore was also present.

Earlier, Catherine had inquired about Alexander and Isabella's situation, revealing to Henry that their divorce remained in process, not yet finalized.

Given Isabella's closeness to Eleanor and the pending divorce status - coupled with this being Eleanor's first major birthday celebration in years - Isabella's attendance seemed almost expected.

Watching Eleanor leave the dining room, Henry couldn't resist asking, "Alexander, is Isabella coming to Grandmother's birthday?"

Sophia had already finished eating and left the dining area.

Alexander continued eating methodically. "Ask Grandmother later," he replied.

Henry paused. Did Alexander not know? Or had Isabella just called about this? If she'd planned to attend, a special call wouldn't be necessary.

Meaning she likely never intended to come.

Henry genuinely liked Isabella. He studied Alexander, fighting the urge to ask if he was absolutely certain about the divorce.

But Eleanor, Catherine, and Richard never interfered in Alexander's affairs. Henry knew he lacked standing to question the decision either.

When Eleanor returned, Henry asked gently, "Grandmother, what did Isabella say?"

Eleanor's gaze flicked to Alexander, who continued eating with perfect composure, his expression unchanged at Isabella's name. "She apologized and said she wouldn't be attending the celebration," Eleanor replied.

Alexander showed no reaction to the unspoken implications. He silently served Eleanor some food, only for her to move her bowl away, leaving his utensils suspended mid-air.