Chapter 119
Oh, it's Mr. Whitmore.
Seeing Gregory approach, Reginald and Beatrice politely shook hands with him and exchanged greetings. Mr. Whitmore, are you here discussing business with Mr. Graves?
Yes, Mr. Graves' company has several projects that interest me greatly. I came to negotiate the details.
Reginald paused when he noticed Nathaniel and Isabella remained standing in place without approaching, but dismissed it as unimportant.
Gregory, unaware of the tension, found Nathaniel's behavior peculiar. As businessmen, even if Nathaniel didn't know the Kensington family personally, basic courtesy dictated he should greet them and potentially make valuable connections.
While Beatrice and Reginald conversed with Gregory, Eleanor briefly acknowledged him before walking toward Isabella and Nathaniel, accompanied by Victoria.
Nathaniel glanced at Isabella.
Yet Isabella watched their approach without moving.
Eleanor spoke gently, "Bella, it's been too long."
Isabella remained silent.
Seeing her stubborn expression, Eleanor sighed. "Bella, you—"
Victoria interrupted coldly before she could finish. "Bella, whatever misunderstandings or grievances you hold against me concern only myself, you, and your mother."
"They have nothing to do with Reginald or Beatrice. Don't push away those who genuinely care for you."
Victoria Kensington.
Isabella remembered how, before divorcing her mother, Reginald had once described Victoria with admiration. He'd claimed Victoria embodied her name—regal and composed, dignified yet graceful.
She'd been his unattainable ideal; his eternal infatuation.
He'd insisted only after meeting Victoria did he understand true love. That their feelings had been mutual.
He'd told her that despite Victoria's aloof demeanor, she possessed remarkable qualities. He'd urged her not to emulate her mother's troublesome behavior and to recognize Victoria's excellence.
Unlike typical stepmothers, Victoria had always treated her decently. But her manner remained frosty and detached, as if inherently superior.
Years later, Victoria remained as stunningly unapproachable as in Isabella's memories.
So when Victoria spoke these words—not with a stepmother's placating tone, but with her characteristic detachment—they carried unsettling sincerity. Her pride made the words more persuasive. A woman of her standing wouldn't demean herself by harassing a stepdaughter.
Any conflict must stem from the stepdaughter's unreasonableness.
Victoria implied the past issues between herself, Evelyn, and Reginald shouldn't affect Beatrice and Reginald's affection for Isabella.
Yet Isabella craved her father's love and familial bonds. That longing intensified after her parents' divorce.
Back then, Isabella had been barely nine. She'd loved both parents equally, unable to choose between them.
But secretly, she'd sided with Evelyn. She'd pitied her.
So during the custody battle, even with Evelyn's mental breakdown, Isabella refused to stay with Reginald and Beatrice. She'd insisted on following Evelyn.
Even after choosing Evelyn, she'd clung to affection for Reginald and Beatrice. But to spare Evelyn's feelings, she'd hidden it.
A year post-divorce, Beatrice visited Salzburg for business and secretly arranged to meet her.
Having missed her grandmother terribly, Isabella sneaked out, hiding it from Charles and the others.
Unbeknownst to her, Beatrice had brought Victoria along.
Beatrice insisted they were sisters who should get along.
Isabella resisted.
But seeing Beatrice's disapproving gaze, hearing she resembled Evelyn too much—too stubborn, too unforgiving—Isabella grew upset and began doubting herself.
Was she truly just an ungrateful child?