Chapter 156

Isabella remembered Eleanor's words from yesterday.

She recalled the loneliness in Eleanor's eyes.

It made her pause and reconsider.

She turned back to face Isabella directly.

"Would you like to stay for lunch today?"

Stay for lunch...

This was the first gentle invitation since Africa.

Isabella considered her own plans.

She nodded. "I'd like that."

Eleanor called out immediately.

"Aunt Judy, prepare lunch for us."

Aunt Judy hurried off to the kitchen.

The entire household staff suddenly became active.

It was Isabella's first meal here in five years.

But not everyone seemed pleased.

People like Frederick remained distant.

Tiffany's mistake didn't erase their suspicions.

To them, Isabella was still the outsider.

The one who took twenty-five percent of the family shares.

They dispersed without acknowledging her.

Isabella didn't seem to care either.

She spent time talking with Theodore.

They spoke for quite a while before he left for business.

Then Isabella headed toward the prayer hall.

She wouldn't miss seeing Victoria's punishment.

As she walked down the hallway, a figure appeared.

It was Alexander.

Dressed in his usual black suit.

The successful, handsome businessman.

Isabella frowned.

Why was he here at the manor?

Surprise flickered in Alexander's eyes.

He thought her reputation was ruined.

But she had proven her innocence.

The netizens were now apologizing and praising her.

Her fame had only grown stronger.

This woman was nothing like the one he knew five years ago.

She was stunning.

Captivating.

Isabella didn't even look at him.

She turned to leave.

Alexander moved quickly to block her path.

"Why are you avoiding me, Isabella? You weren't like this before!"

Isabella laughed coldly.

"You weren't like this either five years ago. Need a reminder?"

She kicked a pebble at her feet.

It flew through the air.

Bam!

The pebble shattered a plant vase perfectly.

Alexander's face darkened.

"I was doing what was best for you! That child was from a rapist! Did you really want to keep it?"

"Think about it. No one knows what happened. You're not as pure as Victoria, but having a child would ruin you completely."

"Wow. Should I thank you for that?" Isabella's laugh was sharp.

"You don't need to thank me. But consider getting back with me. Nathaniel is just playing with you."

"You act like you care, but you only want my assets," she sneered. "Besides, being with a man like Nathaniel is fine. What do you have to compete with him?"

She flipped her hair and walked away.

Furious, Alexander grabbed her wrist.

"You're testing my patience, Isabella!"