Chapter 123

Sophia didn't catch the subtle coldness in Isabella's voice. She exhaled in relief at Isabella's words.

Alexander handed his present to Margaret first, with Isabella following suit.

The initial gift was an embroidered landscape painting. "Grandmother had Benjamin prepare this specially for you," Isabella explained.

Margaret unfolded the delicate fabric, studying it carefully. Her lips curved into a pleased smile. "She's always been thoughtful."

Next came the emerald jewelry set. "This is from Alexander," Isabella said.

The gems sparkled with impeccable clarity under the chandelier lights.

Margaret's eyes lingered on the necklace for a heartbeat.

But remembering its origin, she snapped the velvet case shut. "Lovely pieces. Do thank him for me."

She never inquired if Alexander would attend her celebration.

The question didn't interest her enough to ask.

Isabella noted Margaret's indifference toward Alexander. There was a time she would've defended him passionately.

Not anymore. She simply presented her own gift - the one she'd personally selected.

Just as Isabella predicted, Margaret adored the antique scholar's writing set above all other presents.

Margaret couldn't stop admiring the craftsmanship. She immediately retreated to her study to test the new brushes.

Breakfast passed with warm chatter and laughter.

Margaret seemed genuinely happy throughout the meal.

Yet...

Fleeting shadows of loneliness flickered in her eyes when she thought no one was looking.

Isabella, Charles, and the others understood. Today was meant for family.

But one chair remained conspicuously empty.

Isabella looked away, blinking rapidly. No one mentioned Evelyn's absence to preserve the festive mood.

By midmorning, close associates of the Sinclair family began arriving.

The main celebration would occur at their reserved hotel banquet hall that evening.

While greeting guests, Charles' son Thomas noticed Sophia sitting apart, distracted. He gently pinched her cheek. "You're miles away, little one."

Isabella knew instantly - Sophia was thinking about Victoria.

She'd obeyed Alexander's orders, staying at the Sinclair estate without protest.

But her mind clearly wandered elsewhere.

Sophia had bombarded Victoria with messages all day. The sparse replies suggested Victoria was equally preoccupied.

Come afternoon, the family relocated to the hotel.

Guests trickled in around six.

Charles accepted gifts and ushered people to their seats. One businessman hesitated. "My apologies, Mr. Sinclair. Another engagement calls me away. I'll just stay for a quick toast."

Charles and Isabella exchanged glances but didn't press. They assumed this was an isolated case.

Within thirty minutes, however, numerous associates delivered gifts and excused themselves. Some sent assistants instead of attending personally.

The banquet hall's empty tables painted a dismal picture.

All their meticulous preparations seemed wasted. Margaret would be heartbroken when she saw.

Charles could accept personal conflicts graciously.

But his expression darkened with each departure.

Noticing the pattern, he pulled aside Arthur Langford, a close acquaintance. "Everyone keeps mentioning another event. Might I ask where you're headed?"

The mass exodus couldn't be coincidence.

"The Kensington residence," Arthur admitted. Then added, "It's Mrs. Kensington's housewarming. They've recently relocated to Baumond. Since they're new here, they're hosting tonight."

Isabella and Charles froze.

They'd thought the video scandal was their last hurdle. The Kensingtons' timing couldn't be accidental.

Margaret and Eleanor Kensington had celebrated birthdays together for decades.

Could Eleanor possibly forget today's significance?

No. This was deliberate.

The housewarming was scheduled precisely because they remembered.

Arthur remained oblivious to the Sinclair-Kensington feud.

He lowered his voice apologetically. "We can't refuse, Charles. Not with Mr. Whitmore backing them. It's business."

Skipping the Kensingtons' event would be interpreted as a slight.

And with rumors swirling about Alexander marrying Victoria soon...

Offending the Kensingtons now meant offending both Victoria and Alexander.

That was a risk no one dared take.