Chapter 405

Isabella adjusted her coat with a sigh. "I need to head to the office now. Your grandmother Evelyn hasn't been well lately and needs her rest. We'll arrange a visit when she's stronger."

Sophia's shoulders slumped. Though she'd never openly resented Victoria for cozying up to Alexander, the news of Margaret Sinclair's declining health had left her feeling hollow.

Seeing Victoria now would only remind her of how the woman had ingratiated herself with Alexander, worsening her already fragile emotional state.

"Grandmother is ill?" Sophia's eyes widened with genuine concern. "How serious is it? Mother, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Isabella hesitated briefly before responding, "I wanted to spare you unnecessary worry."

Gently disentangling Sophia's clinging hands, she added, "It's getting late. I have meetings to attend. Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Sophia resisted letting go, but recognizing her mother's packed schedule, reluctantly released her grip. The moment their hands separated, fresh tears threatened to spill.

"Mother, why are you always so busy now? Even more than Father. When will we have proper time together?"

"I wish I knew."

The unspoken truth of the impending divorce hung between them. Isabella considered broaching the subject, then reconsidered.

If Alexander planned to marry Victoria post-divorce, that revelation should come from him directly.

Sophia's gaze dropped to the polished hospital floor. "Fine. That's all you ever say lately."

Isabella recognized the weak excuse for what it was. "I really must go now."

"Alright."

As Isabella gave her daughter one last lingering look and turned to leave, Victoria emerged from the restroom area.

Sophia and Alexander stood conspicuously in the lobby - clearly awaiting someone.

That someone being Victoria.

Victoria's steps faltered upon spotting Isabella. Their eyes met briefly before Victoria offered a frosty nod.

Isabella maintained an impassive expression, deliberately looking away without acknowledgment as she strode toward the exit.

Unaware of Victoria's approach, Sophia caught her mother's hand again, her wide eyes shimmering with unspoken pleas.

Isabella felt the desperate cling of her daughter's fingers but gently extracted her hand. "Goodbye, darling."

Seeing her mother's resolve, Sophia finally released her grip, wilting like a flower deprived of sunlight. "Goodbye, Mother."

Alexander observed their exchange silently, making no move to intervene as Isabella departed.

Sophia's gaze followed her mother's retreating form until it disappeared around a corner.

Only then did Victoria approach, running manicured fingers through Sophia's hair in a patronizing gesture before addressing Alexander. "Shall we get dinner?"

Alexander nodded. "Of course."

Sophia finally turned away from where her mother had vanished. "Father, I'd rather eat at home tonight."

"Very well," Alexander agreed. "Home it is."

The trio exited the hospital together, their footsteps echoing hollowly through the sterile corridors.