Chapter 155

Isabella remained silent.

She sneezed violently after ending the call.

Caroline grew concerned Isabella might be coming down with something. She prepared homemade chicken broth. After drinking it, Isabella's eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted into sleep.

Upon waking, she realized she was burning up.

The fever raged high, making her head swim.

Sophia approached with worried eyes. "Mommy, are you sick?"

Isabella murmured weakly.

Eleanor fretted over her condition. She insisted on taking Isabella back to Whitmore Estate to see their physician Gregory, who could provide proper treatment.

Margaret agreed the illness had struck suddenly and urged Isabella to return with Eleanor.

Soon they arrived at Whitmore Estate. Gregory examined Isabella and administered medication. After taking the pills, Isabella retreated upstairs and fell asleep again.

When she awoke, the fog in her mind had lifted slightly.

She opened her eyes to find the bedside lamp glowing. Turning her head, she saw Alexander seated nearby, absorbed in a book.

The sight startled her.

Then she remembered - she was at Whitmore Estate, in Alexander's childhood bedroom.

Hearing movement, Alexander glanced up. "Awake?"

Her throat burned. She didn't feel like speaking, so she stayed quiet.

As she reached for her jacket to rise, Alexander handed her a glass of water.

Isabella hesitated before accepting it silently.

Alexander didn't press for thanks. He reached to check her temperature, but she dodged his hand with surprising speed despite her condition.

Withdrawing, he stood. "Gregory's downstairs. I'll fetch him."

Without waiting for response, he left.

Moments later, Gregory, Eleanor, Alexander and Sophia all entered.

Gregory assessed her. "Your fever's breaking, but continue the medication. Stress and exhaustion weakened your immune system. Proper nutrition will restore your strength."

Isabella nodded.

"Hungry, dear?" Eleanor asked.

Isabella had barely eaten at lunch before collapsing into bed.

Though evening had fallen and her stomach growled, food held little appeal.

Eleanor insisted she try. She instructed Alexander to bring up the specially prepared meal.

Alexander returned with a tray.

Eleanor and Gregory departed, leaving Alexander reading in the chair.

Isabella noticed the book in his hands - the same one she'd been reading at the mountain retreat.

She frowned. "You—"

Alexander smiled. "I found your margin notes fascinating. Gave me new perspectives, so I kept it. I revisit it sometimes."

Isabella bit her lip and looked away.

What little appetite she'd had vanished completely.

Alexander studied her. "After all these years, you still haven't learned to fight back?"

She turned her face away.

He sighed. "Fine. Eat something."