Chapter 55

The car ride was suffocating.

Isabella sat rigidly beside Alexander, her eyes glued to the passing scenery outside the window, refusing to acknowledge his presence.

He could feel the icy wall between them, her silent rejection cutting deeper than any words.

Alexander stole glances at her profile, his lips parting several times before closing again. The right words never came.

The Kingsley estate in Elmsworth was nestled among rolling hills, a secluded paradise of tranquility.

"Grandfather, I'm here!"

The moment Isabella stepped inside, her entire demeanor transformed. Her smile bloomed like sunshine, her voice as sweet as morning birdsong.

But beneath that radiant facade, her stomach twisted with guilt. The diamond bracelet weighed heavily on her wrist. She had to steel herself before facing him.

"My dear girl! I've missed you terribly!"

Elder Kingsley, seated in his wheelchair, was wheeled out by his butler, Mr. Langley.

His face lit up at the sight of Isabella, wrinkles deepening with joy.

"Where have you been hiding, my dear? Forgotten this old man already? Don't you love me anymore?"

He clasped her hands, firing questions rapid-fire.

Alexander suppressed an eye roll.

His grandfather was a character—age hadn't dulled his playful spirit. If he were younger, he'd probably be running wild with the social elite. Even Alexander's cousin would call him legendary.

"Grandfather, I've been swamped with work and traveling. My apologies. Scold me all you want," Isabella cooed, kneeling gracefully beside him.

"Scold you? Never! Just seeing you brightens my day," Elder Kingsley chuckled, then shot Alexander a pointed look. "If not for a certain troublesome grandson, I could see my dear girl every day without all this fuss!"

Isabella giggled awkwardly.

Alexander clenched his jaw. He should've known better than to come tonight.

"Isabella, I've acquired a new painting—haven't shown anyone yet. Saved it just for you!"

Elder Kingsley eagerly tugged her toward his study.

"Let me guess—you want my expert opinion?" She teased, eyes twinkling.

"Caught me red-handed!"

Alexander watched her, mesmerized.

Three years of marriage, yet he never knew she had so many hidden talents. Racing, calligraphy, tailoring, and now art authentication?

It was hard to believe one person could excel at so much. He needed to see this for himself.

In the study, Mr. Langley had already laid out the painting with gloved hands.

"Isabella, this is my latest acquisition. What do you think?"

"Let's see."

She leaned over the artwork, magnifying glass in hand, posture poised yet relaxed.

Alexander observed her concentration, his usual cold expression softening at the edges.

Outwardly delicate, inwardly a sage—she was fascinating.

Elder Kingsley noticed the bracelet on her wrist. His eyes gleamed knowingly, but his smile remained warm.

"This is undoubtedly the work of a master," Isabella declared confidently.

"Spot on," Elder Kingsley confirmed.

Alexander edged closer, drawn to both the painting and her.

"The brushwork here is distinctive—no records exist to verify authenticity, but the twisted trees are this artist's signature. The strokes are meticulous, the energy vibrant, the colors fresh."

Her analysis was flawless, her expertise undeniable.

Alexander was captivated, his gaze lingering on her profile, intensity burning in his eyes.

"However, Grandfather, I regret to inform you—this is a replica. A skilled imitation, but not the original."

Because the real one hung in her uncle's private collection.

"Oh no! Wrong again!" Elder Kingsley sighed dramatically, pouting like a scolded child.

Isabella glanced up, accidentally meeting Alexander's smoldering stare.

She flinched, quickly lowering her lashes. Her hair curtained half her face, but the faint blush betrayed her.

Alexander's pulse spiked, his breath turning ragged.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

Stepping into the hallway, he answered.

"Alexander, are you still angry with me?"

Victoria's tearful voice crackled through before he could speak.

"I'm not angry," he replied flatly, though she knew better.

"Then come see me? I've missed you so much I can't sleep," she pleaded, saccharine sweet.

"Not tonight. I'm staying with Grandfather."

"You're at the estate? I'll come over! Didn't you say you wanted me to visit more? I made your favorite dessert—the one we used to sneak in that alley as kids. I made some for Grandfather too."

"Victoria, tonight isn't good."

Her mention of their childhood softened him slightly. "Isabella's here. You know how Grandfather adores her. It'd be awkward."

"You're with her right now?" Her voice trembled.

"Yes. Grandfather insisted on seeing her."

"So it's really just for him? Not because you wanted to?" Her tone dripped venom.

"Don't overthink it."

"That woman has no shame! Divorced yet still meddling! She's poisoning Grandfather against me! Using him to control you—how despicable!"

Alexander massaged his temples, exhaling sharply.

Back in the study, Isabella replayed Alexander's heated gaze, her heart fluttering wildly.

Why was she reacting like this? Get a grip!

His eyes were just naturally hypnotic. Probably made everyone feel special!

"Isabella?"

She snapped back to reality. "Yes, Grandfather?"

"You really cherish that bracelet, don't you? Always wearing it."

Her throat tightened.

"Grandfather..."

"Keep it safe. It's precious." He patted her hand. "I had Mr. Langley sort through your grandmother's jewels yesterday. Found pieces perfect for you. Take them home."

His smile turned wistful. "At my age, who knows what tomorrow brings? I once thought Alexander would care for you forever, but..." He sighed. "These will ensure your future comfort."

Isabella's vision blurred.

Elder Kingsley froze—her shoulders shook violently, tears spilling like shattered pearls.

"Grandfather, I'm so sorry."

Guilt crushed her. All those years deceiving him, failing to protect his gift—

She broke down completely.

"Goodness, don't cry!" He fumbled for a handkerchief.

Alexander, lingering outside, heard her sobs.

His ex-wife, usually so composed, wept like a heartbroken child.

Something in his chest fractured. His phone nearly slipped from his grasp.