Chapter 156

Isabella had explicitly stated in the divorce papers that she wouldn't claim a single penny.

With no property disputes or custody battles over Sophia involved, she assumed Alexander would expedite the process without hesitation.

Yet three months had passed since she'd handed him the documents and left the country. Still, no response came.

Frowning, Isabella lifted her gaze, about to question Alexander directly.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Henry's voice carried through the door. "Heard you weren't feeling well, Isabella. Better now?"

Alexander answered before she could. "Come in."

The door had been left slightly ajar from earlier comings and goings.

Henry stepped inside at Alexander's invitation. "Hey Alex."

"Henry."

His concerned eyes landed on Isabella. They weren't particularly close, and his awkwardness showed. She broke the silence first. "Much improved, thank you."

Henry scratched his neck. "Good. That's... good."

"Been a while since your last visit, hasn't it?" Isabella offered a polite smile.

"Yeah. Missed home cooking, so I flew back. Grandma mentioned your fever right after I landed."

Eleanor appeared moments later, visibly relieved at Isabella's improved color. "The broth's ready. Gregory says you can have some now. Would you prefer dining downstairs or shall I have Alexander bring it up?"

Isabella's appetite hadn't returned, but the room felt stifling. "I'll come down."

Descending the staircase, Henry noticed Sophia's absence. "Where's Soph?"

"Prior engagement. She'll have hers later."

Isabella settled at the dining table. Accepting the bowl from Richard, she blew gently across the steaming surface before taking slow sips.

Alexander took the adjacent seat. When his phone buzzed, he angled himself away subtly, fingers flying across the screen - clearly guarding his conversation.

Isabella observed silently over the rim of her bowl.

Eleanor's patience snapped. "Must you do that during meals?"

"Just a minute," Alexander muttered.

Isabella finished her broth swiftly.

"More?" Eleanor offered.

She declined with a headshake and stood. "No thank you."

Though Alexander shifted position, she'd already glimpsed Victoria's name on his screen. Project consultation, apparently.

Noticing her attention, he edged further away.

Isabella had already looked elsewhere. She retreated to the parlor, picking up the morning paper.

Henry reappeared shortly with a bowl of freshly washed berries. "Want some?"

She glanced up. "No, you enjoy them."

Alexander chose that moment to ascend the stairs, phone still glued to his hand.

She turned the page pointedly.

Henry settled beside her, stealing furtive glances until Isabella sighed. "What is it?"

"Look, I'm no genius like you and Alex. Got stuck on some physics problems." He rushed on before she could respond, "Asked my brother but he's busy. Told me to come to you instead."