Chapter 433

"Vivian, don't you think the lilies in our garden are exceptionally vibrant this season? They seem larger too!" Margaret Whitmore remarked to the housekeeper beside her, who stood ready to attend to her needs.

"Hmm?" Lydia wanted to point out that the lilies bloomed the same way every year, just as they were now.

But she didn't want to dampen Margaret's spirits, so she agreed, "Yes, there are more blossoms this year, and they're quite stunning—just like last season!"

Margaret's sharp gaze flicked toward Lydia, and she huffed indignantly. "How can you compare them to last year's? They're clearly more magnificent now! Oh, and—do you know what fully bloomed lilies symbolize?"

"Uh... what do they represent?"

"They signify an enduring, blissful marriage. Since this year's flowers are flourishing so splendidly, it's a divine sign that my son and daughter-in-law are destined to reunite and stay together forever!" Margaret exclaimed joyfully. She plucked one of the blossoms and cradled it in her palm, as if she could glimpse Nathaniel and Isabella's radiant future within its petals.

"Do lilies in bloom truly symbolize that?" Lydia muttered under her breath, skepticism lacing her tone. She had never heard of such an interpretation.

"Who cares? It means what I say it means. Now, gather the finest blooms and arrange them into a bouquet. I'll need them later," Margaret instructed in a cryptic tone.

"Of course." Lydia retrieved a pair of shears and began trimming the stems, carefully placing the lilies into her basket.

As she worked, she ventured cautiously, "Madam, I've noticed you seem even happier about Miss Lockhart's return than Master Blackwood is. Do her past actions toward Miss Delacroix not trouble you at all?"

Margaret's cheerful expression dimmed. She replied flatly, "Ugh, must you be such a killjoy? Why bring up unpleasant matters now?"

"My apologies, Madam. But I can't help but notice how drastically your opinion of Miss Lockhart has shifted. I don't understand what she could have done to earn your favor so completely."

The question had gnawed at Lydia for ages, but she'd never dared voice it until now.

"Well... I can't explain it precisely. I just find her remarkably capable and devoted. When my son was nearly paralyzed years ago, she refused to leave his side, tending to him day and night. That alone changed my perception of her."

"And her cooking—absolutely divine, especially her lemon-glazed chicken feet. I've craved them for four long years, even dreaming about them. She's also quite striking—charming, sweet, elegant without being pretentious, and—"

Lydia had expected a simple answer, not this effusive praise. Margaret even pulled up a viral video of Isabella, eagerly showing off her latest exploits.

"Look at her agility! She's extraordinary! Reminds me of my younger self. How could I not adore her?" Margaret gushed.

"Most importantly, my foolish son is utterly smitten. That boy took forever to understand love and has never truly cared for anyone before. Now that someone has finally captured his heart, of course I want them to stay together."

Lydia nodded. "True. Ever since Miss Lockhart left, Master Blackwood has been miserable. I haven't seen him genuinely smile in years. Hopefully, this reconciliation will last."

"Naturally. But my son seems hesitant to make a move this time. That's why I, as his mother, must step in. I won't let those two miss their chance again!"

As Margaret and Lydia strategized how to reunite Nathaniel and Isabella, a servant announced, "Madam, Miss Delacroix is here to see you."

"Oh, her. Tell her I'm occupied and can't meet right now," Margaret replied, irritation flashing across her face.

"But... Miss Delacroix insists she has urgent news to share!"