Chapter 85

Sophia bounded up the stairs with infectious energy, her laughter echoing through the grand hallway.

Isabella had just powered down her laptop and organized her workspace when she stepped out of the master suite. Before she could react, Sophia launched herself into her mother's arms with an enthusiastic hug. "Mommy!"

Isabella gently stroked her daughter's hair but didn't return the embrace.

Too excited to notice, Sophia began chattering animatedly about her day. The sound of approaching footsteps made Isabella look up, her eyes meeting Alexander's across the hallway.

His expression remained unreadable while hers stayed composed.

Looking down at Sophia, Isabella said, "Go ask Margaret to help you with your bath. Mommy needs to speak with Daddy." Alexander paused mid-step at her words.

After two delightful days outdoors, Sophia was in high spirits. Though reluctant, she didn't argue and obediently headed to her room where Margaret waited to assist her.

Isabella turned to Alexander, who leaned casually against the wall, scrolling through his phone. "Can we talk in private?"

"Fine."

She entered the study first. As Alexander followed, she added, "Close the door."

She wanted to ensure their conversation wouldn't disturb Sophia, especially if it turned contentious.

It struck her that in all their years of marriage, they'd never had a proper argument.

Alexander had never cared enough to fight with her.

As for Isabella, every moment with him was precious - too precious to waste on quarrels.

Alexander shut the door and turned to face her. "What's this about?"

Isabella went straight to the point. "Victoria's uncle Geoffrey purchased the villa across from Uncle Charles'. They've been renovating for weeks now. I expect they'll move in soon."

Victoria's mother Eleanor bore the Kensington name.

But the tangled history between the Sinclair, Whitmore, and Kensington families didn't begin with Eleanor and Evelyn.

It stretched back to their grandmothers' generation.

Back then, Victoria's grandmother Agnes and Isabella's grandmother Margaret had been inseparable friends.

Agnes had married beneath her station and struggled financially. Margaret had frequently supported her family. Later, Eleanor and Evelyn had become close friends as well.

The Whitmore and Sinclair families were social equals.

Reginald and Evelyn had fallen in love naturally, and their relationship had been strong initially. Everything changed when Eleanor returned after university.

To elevate Eleanor's status, Agnes had coldly severed ties with Margaret.

Over the years, whenever the Kensingtons encountered Charles or Margaret, their attitude dripped with condescension - a stark contrast to their former desperation when seeking help.

Isabella didn't need to elaborate. She knew Alexander understood this history.

Surely, with this context, he would...

Alexander did understand. He also grasped what Isabella was asking.

He withdrew a cigarette, pausing before lighting it. "Do you mind?"

Isabella shook her head.

After taking a long drag, he asked, "You want me to make them leave?"

"Yes."

Alexander exhaled slowly, the smoke curling between them as he considered.

This mattered deeply to Isabella. She could overlook many things, but not this.

Her hands clenched into fists, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. "I'm begging you. If you agree, I'll—"

"Fine," he interrupted.

Isabella froze. She hadn't expected such immediate agreement.