Chapter 49

Alexander's prolonged absence infuriated Eleanor and left Sophia visibly upset.

Isabella remained unbothered, calmly brewing tea for Eleanor. "Perhaps an emergency came up," she suggested smoothly. "These things happen."

Eleanor retired early that evening, her mood clearly soured.

Sophia tried calling Alexander repeatedly, but each attempt went unanswered.

Morning light found Isabella alone in bed - Sophia had vanished without a trace.

After freshening up, Isabella searched the retreat grounds but found no sign of her stepdaughter.

Inquiries revealed Sophia had grown bored waiting for Alexander and arranged an early morning departure to go shopping.

Meanwhile, Eleanor had caught a chill from the night air, suffering a migraine that prompted her pre-dawn return to Whitmore Manor.

Not wishing to disturb Isabella's rest, she'd left without notice.

Now only staff remained at the luxury hot springs with Isabella.

The hasty departure struck Isabella as odd - Sophia could have simply waited to ask her to accompany the shopping trip.

This silent disappearance suggested another motive entirely.

Isabella suspected Sophia had received word about Alexander's whereabouts and rushed to meet him - and Victoria.

The morning rain didn't dampen Isabella's spirits. The covered hot springs offered perfect conditions for reading while soaking.

Solitude suited her - uninterrupted time to focus on her own affairs.

Come Sunday afternoon, as Isabella prepared for dinner before her return home, Eleanor called.

"Darling, I instructed Alexander to collect you tonight. Has he contacted you?"

He hadn't.

Despite his promise, Alexander remained absent without even a courtesy call.

Sophia hadn't checked in either since her abrupt departure.

Isabella saw no benefit in sharing this with Eleanor. "Yes," she replied simply.

Eleanor sounded relieved. "Good."

After inquiring about Eleanor's health, Isabella ended the call.

Evening fell with no sign of Alexander.

By 9 PM, Isabella grew tired of waiting. The retreat's remote location meant a ninety-minute drive home.

She arranged for a staff car instead.

Drowsiness overtook her during the ride until Emily's call startled her awake.

"You won't believe this!" Emily's voice crackled with outrage. "That scheming little-"

Isabella blinked. "Emily?"

"Not you, obviously! I'm talking about someone else entirely."

"What happened?"

"I'm at the Children's Hospital gala tonight. Guess who just made an appearance? Your worthless father-in-law and Victoria!"

Emily's anger vibrated through the phone. "Some society woman just called Victoria out as a homewrecker and drenched her in cabernet! The scene was spectacular!"

The gala's celebrity performances created background chaos on the livestream Emily sent.

Though distant, the footage clearly showed the confrontation - the wine toss, the shouting match, and then...

Alexander appeared.

The camera captured everything as he swept in to rescue Victoria, escorting her away from the scandalous scene.