Chapter 465

The tension in the air was palpable as the dinner party came to an abrupt end.

Isabella Sinclair had spent the entire evening on pins and needles after learning about her arranged marriage to the heir of the Vanderbilt family. Her usually radiant face had turned ghostly pale, as if all warmth had drained from her body.

On the ride home, she sat beside her mother, deprived of even a moment to speak with Sebastian.

"Mom, why?" Isabella's voice trembled with unshed tears. "You know I love Nathaniel. You know he's the only one I'd ever marry. So why are we suddenly arranging a marriage with the Vanderbilts?"

Eleanor Sinclair's heart ached with silent bitterness, yet her voice remained steady. "Your father and I believe this match is more suitable for you. Nathaniel is a wonderful man, but his family... we simply can't approve. From what I understand, Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood don't think highly of us. If you married him without their blessing, your life would be constant hardship. Look at your sister - strong as she is, she suffered terribly in her marriage to the Blackwoods before they divorced."

She continued, her voice hardening. "Furthermore, Dominic has taken a public stance against our family, even representing Victoria Sterling in court after all we've done for him. I know lawyers shouldn't take sides, but Victoria has hurt your sister repeatedly."

The memory of the humiliation her daughter had endured still pained Eleanor deeply. "Dominic's actions and the Lockwoods' indulgence are unacceptable to your father and me. Our family's reputation isn't what it used to be, and I won't tie us to them."

"But Nathaniel is different!" Isabella's chest constricted, her voice choked with emotion. "Ever since graduation, he's been supporting my brother and sister. How can Dad ignore his loyalty? Dismissing everything Nathaniel has done is so unfair. It'll break his heart!"

The kind-hearted girl was more outraged for her beloved Nathaniel than for her own future. "And Arabella told me her divorce from Mr. Reginald wasn't because of pressure from the Blackwoods, but because he didn't love her. But Nathaniel has never let me down."

Eleanor pressed her lips together, her eyelashes fluttering.

"He's always been so good to me, truly good," Isabella continued, tears streaming down her cheeks as she recalled their happy moments. "Mom, I'll never find another man who treats me like he does. I don't want to lose him. I've loved him since we were children, and now when we can finally be together... Please talk to Dad. Don't let them tear us apart."

"Isabella, you're a Sinclair. Don't you think you should contribute to our family? Or do you plan to remain a sheltered child with no sense of duty?"

Eleanor, usually so gentle and soft-spoken - even when Isabella had secretly applied to film school against her father's wishes - now spoke with unexpected sternness that stunned her daughter.

"Every Sinclair child must contribute unconditionally," Eleanor continued. "Even your sister, who traveled the world freely for years, has returned to help your father with our struggling hotels and will eventually take over Sinclair Holdings. The burden she carries is unimaginable."

Isabella hung her head, her slender fingers twisting together until they turned white.

Arabella wasn't just her sister - she was her idol.

She'd never envied or tried to compete with her brilliant sister, knowing she could never match her talents.

But was this why she had to sacrifice her love?

"Mom..."

"And there's the matter of social standing," Eleanor added, shaking her head. "Nathaniel's family is beneath ours. Your sister is powerful enough, and her future husband will be CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. What good would your marriage to Nathaniel do for her? For our family? You always say you want to contribute - well, now is your time to make that sacrifice."

When Isabella returned to Windsor Estates, her eyes were swollen from crying. She lingered in the car, not wanting anyone to see her in such a state.

William Sinclair's car had arrived first, and he strode into the house with Lawrence Bennett following closely.

"Chairman William."

He paused, noticing Nathaniel standing uncertainly before him.

"Nathaniel, still here at this hour?" the magnate inquired with a faint smile.

"Chairman William." Nathaniel hesitated, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"I know - you're waiting for Isabella, aren't you?"

Nathaniel felt the sting of being seen through, awkward yet helpless. After a moment's silence, he spoke with guilty sincerity. "Chairman William, I'm truly sorry about my brother's actions. But please believe me - no matter what the Lockwoods decide, I'll always stand by you and Miss Isabella. My loyalty is unwavering."

William's lips curled slightly. "This is your family matter. No need to explain to me. I imagine you have much to say to Isabella. Go ahead - I won't intrude."

The words sent an inexplicable chill down Nathaniel's spine.

By the time he collected himself, William had already walked away.

After what felt like an eternity, Isabella emerged, her face pale as porcelain, her gaze distant as she walked through the gates.

"Isabella!"

Nathaniel surged forward, arms wide, pulling his beloved into an embrace so tight it could never be close enough.

"Nathaniel, ease up! I can't breathe," Isabella teased lightly, forcing a smile.

Tears brimmed in his eyes as he ignored her words, tightening his embrace instead, his lips leaving a fiery mark on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry my family has put you in this position."

Isabella took a shaky breath, fighting back tears. "Don't be silly. You're overthinking it."

They held each other for a long while before reluctantly parting.

"Nathaniel, I have a lot of planning to do for the future. I'll be very busy." Isabella's voice was soft, her eyes flickering. "And I've been away at Elmsworth University for four years, rarely home. Now that I have time, I want to stay with my parents. You've just recovered from serious injuries, and I heard my sister wants you to trial in the legal department. You'll be busy too, right?"

Nathaniel's heart clenched. "Isabella, what are you trying to say?"

"Let's stop seeing each other for a while," she said with a smile that tried to be light but carried sadness.

At that moment, Nathaniel felt his heart being torn apart. He gripped her shoulders. "Isabella, is Chairman William pressuring you? Is that why you don't want to see me?"

Her smile grew more strained, but she couldn't tell him the truth, afraid he couldn't handle it.

"No, it's just... after everything that's happened, I think we should wait until my sister and Mr. Reginald resolve your brother's situation, and until my father cools down. Then meeting might be easier. You should go rest - you haven't slept well these past few days. You look exhausted."

Isabella's fingertips trembled as they traced the redness around Nathaniel's eyes, emotions churning painfully in her chest.

Finally unable to contain herself, she rose on her toes, cradling his face as her lips met his in a kiss that conveyed all her love through tears.

"Nathaniel, I love you."

Arabella had just finished showering when she spotted Isabella, eyes swollen and red, hurrying toward her room. "Isabella! Isabella!"

But her sister kept walking, quickening her pace as if she hadn't heard.

Arabella knew better - Isabella was deliberately ignoring her. With a heavy heart, she followed.

"Isabella, what's wrong?" She reached out, grabbing her sister's arm.

Isabella turned slowly, cheeks still wet with tears. "It's nothing, Arabella."

Arabella was taken aback. "You've been crying? Why? Did you fight with Nathaniel? Or—"

"Arabella, you and Mr. Reginald must be happy."

With that cryptic remark, Isabella broke free and ran down the hallway despite Arabella's calls. Frowning, Arabella sensed trouble and dialed Nathaniel's number.

"Miss Arabella," Nathaniel's voice was heavy with sorrow, restless.

"Nathaniel, what did you say to my sister? She's crying so hard. Did you upset her?" Arabella demanded, hands on hips.

"Isabella's crying?" Pain squeezed Nathaniel's heart as he told the truth. "Miss Arabella, we didn't argue, but when she returned earlier, she was already upset. She said we won't see each other for a while. That's all she said."

Arabella grew more suspicious. She knew how inseparable Isabella and Nathaniel were - just this morning, they'd reaffirmed their commitment. Why suddenly stop seeing each other?

"Did Isabella go out alone tonight? What did she do? Did she tell you?"

After a moment's thought, Nathaniel replied quietly, "I believe she went out with Chairman William and Mrs. Eleanor."

Arabella's expression darkened at the news.

In the study, William, having taken his medication, slumped on the sofa, eyes closed, seeking momentary peace.

"Lawrence, bring me the basin. I feel sick."

"Right away! Just hold on!"

Lawrence hurried with the basin, kneeling beside William.

William clutched his chest, face contorted as he retched, but nothing came up.

"Mr. William, the medication is too strong. You should reduce the dosage. I'm worried - what if your health deteriorates further?"

"As you age, breakdown is inevitable whether you take medicine or not. Just accept it." William caught his breath, his forced vigor fading to reveal exhaustion. "Just don't let the children know, especially Arabella. I don't want to break her heart."

Moisture gathered in Lawrence's eyes. "Mr. William, stay positive. With today's medicine, there's hope."

"I know, and of course I'd like to live longer. What would happen to Arabella if I died? And my wives who've stood by me?" William rubbed his temples. "But I must plan ahead. Before Arabella takes over, I need to eliminate potential obstacles."

"Sebastian has never shown interest in the family business - his passions lie elsewhere. Yet everyone knows if his sister were in trouble, he'd abandon his dreams to stand by her."

Meanwhile, outside the study, Arabella paused mid-stride as William and Lawrence's voices filtered through the mahogany door.

She stood completely still.