Chapter 509

The living room temperature plummeted as if winter had arrived early.

Nathaniel knew better than to interfere. Any intervention would only escalate tensions like pouring gasoline on flames. So he slipped away unnoticed, melting into the background.

Olivia gently guided Penelope away, creating space for the crucial conversation between father and daughter.

Alexander felt his breath hitch. His fingers twitched with the instinct to reach for Isabella's hand, but he curled them into fists instead.

-Isabella. Stay with me.

Alexander was no coward; he loved fiercely and hated passionately with equal intensity.

But his failures weren't just toward Isabella - he owed Eleanor remorse too.

Whether during their painful three-year marriage or the loss of their child, every wound stemmed from his mistakes. He'd damaged Eleanor's pride and joy, making himself unforgivable.

Even if Eleanor unleashed a torrent of insults or threw another punch, Alexander would endure it until her anger subsided.

"Eleanor, what exactly are you thinking?" Isabella scoffed, her gaze unyielding. "If I could be swayed by your words, I wouldn't have risked everything to escape that prison you called home. Save your breath. I thrived alone overseas for years without your interference. Yet now you're pulling every string to sabotage my happiness?"

Alexander stepped closer, studying Isabella's resolute profile with concern.

"Isabella!"

Eleanor's face drained of color, his breathing turning ragged with fury. "Look at yourself! Is this the heiress of the Sinclair family? Grocery shopping? Cooking for yourself? Haven't you had enough playing unpaid housewife to the Kingsleys for three years? Is this the love story you envisioned?"

His rage crescendoed with each word.

His cherished daughter, meant for pampering, not suffering!

Alexander wasn't worthy!

"Eleanor, this ordinary life is everything I've ever wanted."

Isabella fought back emotions, her voice turning sharp. "You've never understood me or even what mother truly desired. You've no right to judge my choices."

Her words struck Eleanor like searing brands, blurring his vision.

"Besides, Alexander does all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I just keep him company shopping."

Isabella's warm hand enveloped Alexander's clenched fist, their fingers intertwining firmly. "My Alexander can do everything except give birth. Now stop your unnecessary worrying."

"Tonight, you can either stay for dinner or leave. Your choice."

While Nathaniel had excused himself from the confrontation, he hadn't left entirely. Wandering down a hallway, he noticed elegant copper-framed paintings - early summer scenes, playful puppies, and numerous portraits.

He paused before a life-sized portrait.

The man depicted wore black, his tall frame broad-shouldered with a narrow waist, eyes gleaming like gemstones - that was Julian.

Nathaniel's eyes widened in admiration, his manners preventing him from touching the artwork.

"Remarkable. The likeness is stunning."

"Really?"

Startled, Nathaniel turned.

Penelope stood behind him, eyes downcast shyly, clutching a teddy bear to her chest.

Her adorable expression was irresistible.

Nathaniel's gaze softened, a warm smile forming. "Absolutely. Did you paint this?"

She nodded slightly.

"You've poured considerable thought and effort into it."

"It's nothing. Julian likes it, that's what matters."

At Julian's mention, Penelope's eyes sparkled, cheeks flushing. "Julian's so kind to me. This painting is all I can offer. His appreciation makes me happy."

Nathaniel felt an unexpected stirring in his chest.

Years immersed in law enforcement's darkness rarely exposed him to such pure innocence.

This young woman, like moonlight, unknowingly illuminated his shadowed heart.

"Officer Nathaniel?" Penelope blinked at his intense stare.

He snapped back, lips curving. "At Isabella's birthday, you called her 'sister-in-law.' No formalities needed. Just call me Nathaniel."

"Nathaniel?" She repeated obediently.

His gaze intent, Nathaniel began speaking when a cold voice interrupted.

"Mr. Sinclair, Ms. Penelope is our young master's companion. Isn't this proximity rather inappropriate?"

Margaret approached protectively, her dark eyes flashing loyalty to Julian.

Nathaniel remained unruffled, smiling lightly. "I fail to see any impropriety warranting such hostility. Is conversing with a man now forbidden? Is he that insecure?"

"You!"

Margaret's face reddened with fury at the implication.

Were Nathaniel not Isabella's brother, she'd have unleashed her temper.

"Margaret, wait." Penelope tugged her sleeve.

Though often tongue-tied, Penelope understood social nuances.

Officer Nathaniel only engaged her because of his sister-in-law. Causing discord would embarrass Isabella.

Nathaniel's gaze swept Penelope's anxious face. Smirking, he breezed past Margaret. "If she's truly his, no guarding is needed. We Sinclairs are all well-bred."

To everyone's astonishment -

After their heated argument, Eleanor chose to stay for dinner.

One moment red-faced with rage, the next seated at their table - only a Sinclair could execute such whiplash-inducing emotional shifts.

Poor Alexander was terrified.

Cooking for his potential father-in-law felt more daunting than appearing before royalty. His heart lodged in his throat!

Eleanor sat regally in the living room, his presence weighing on Alexander like an imperial audience.

"Isabella, I only know a few simple dishes poorly prepared." Alexander stood stiffly in the kitchen. "What if your father can't stomach my cooking?"

Isabella laughed, draping an apron around his neck. "Oh come on, it's not that bad. Though I'll warn you - Dad's palate has been spoiled by Arabella's cooking for years. He's quite the gourmet."

Alexander swallowed hard.

"Don't worry, I'll guide you step-by-step. Just follow my lead."

His eyes brimming with warmth, Alexander embraced his petite commander, kissing her forehead.

"At your service, Commander."

"Wait! Meat goes in first - wrong order!"

"Too much vinegar!"

"The pan's burning - flip it now!"

Their kitchen became a battlefield of chaos.

Eleanor, initially resting with closed eyes, opened them at the commotion, gazing toward the open-concept kitchen.

He saw Alexander bustling about while Isabella directed playfully - bumping him with her hip or flicking his head.

Far from irritation, the young man grinned like a lovestruck fool.

Exactly what Isabella adored about him.

Though Eleanor's expression remained stormy, his gaze softened watching the couple, unable to look away.

A phrase surfaced: "the warmth of ordinary life."

This relaxed atmosphere, this simple joy - wasn't this what he'd always sought?

"Chairman Sinclair, see how happy Miss Isabella is. It's been ages since you've seen her smile like this, hasn't it?" Richard observed affectionately.

"Hmph! After a lifetime of wisdom, how did I raise such a hopeless romantic! She'll regret this!" Eleanor grumbled.

Richard persisted, "Then let her be romantic. Our Miss has beauty and brains with limitless wealth. If she wants love, why not indulge her? Who'd dare offend the Sinclairs? And Mr. Alexander - given time, you'll see his qualities: handsome, good family, strong work ethic. Most importantly, his integrity and kindness set him apart."

Eleanor frowned skeptically. "Since when did you become his advocate? Did he adopt you as godfather?"

Richard shook his head. "I merely speak truth as I see it."

Eleanor turned away brooding.

"Chairman, you stayed tonight because you miss your daughter, don't you?"

Richard noted the loneliness in Eleanor's eyes. "Miss Isabella's been elusive, weighing on you. This rare chance to see her - you couldn't bear leaving hastily."

Thus the formidable man swallowed his pride to stay.

"Sir, you're hard as diamond, but if only you'd express love more directly, what problem couldn't be solved?"

Eleanor pursed his lips silently.

After a moment, he asked suddenly, "Richard, am I truly so terrible? Arranging Isabella with the Montgomery's son - she's too young to understand marriage. Compatibility outweighs fleeting affection. Adrian could make her happier than Alexander. She doesn't realize now, but marriage is long-term. When passion fades and reality emerges, will she cope? Have no regrets?"

"I just wanted her to consider options. What's wrong with that?"

Richard pondered before responding thoughtfully. "Parental love runs deep, and your intentions are sound. But I disagree on one point - you prioritize compatibility over affection, whereas I believe character outweighs both."

"I don't know Mr. Adrian well, but his informing you of Isabella and Alexander's whereabouts speaks volumes. If he truly fancied Miss Isabella, he should compete fairly. Using your influence against Mr. Alexander seems rather underhanded."

Richard's pointed critique left Eleanor deep in thought.