Chapter 229

Isabella wasn't startled to find Sophia waiting at the hospital entrance. She reached out, ruffling the child's hair. "Came straight from school?"

"Mm-hmm!" Sophia beamed up at her before turning to greet Eleanor. "Grandma!"

Just as Eleanor responded, Alexander emerged from the hospital room.

His gaze swept over them before giving a curt nod in acknowledgment.

Margaret remained impassive, offering no verbal greeting.

Isabella barely glanced his way before focusing on Sophia again. The girl was practically vibrating with unspoken words.

"Grandma and I will visit your grandmother first," Isabella said gently.

Sophia's shoulders slumped slightly but she nodded.

Small fingers curled around Isabella's as they entered the hospital suite together.

Alexander silently collected the floral arrangement and fruit basket they'd brought, following behind.

Eleanor's face lit up when she saw them. "What a lovely surprise!"

As she tried sitting up despite obvious discomfort, Margaret intervened. "Nonsense. You should have told us immediately about something this serious."

Eleanor's smile dimmed. She glanced at Alexander, who was pouring tea for the visitors. "I couldn't face you..."

Isabella and Margaret accepted the cups he offered.

"This is between them," Margaret said firmly. "Why would we blame you?"

Eleanor hesitated, noticing Sophia listening intently. She changed tack. "I just..."

Margaret patted her hand. "We understand."

After exchanging pleasantries, attention shifted to Isabella.

Sophia hadn't seen her since the school parent-child event weeks ago. Now the child clung like ivy, even attempting to climb into Isabella's lap.

With a sigh, Isabella set down her tea and lifted the girl up.

Margaret raised an eyebrow at the display.

"Grandmother," Isabella murmured.

Margaret's stern expression softened instantly.

Conversation remained light with Sophia present, focusing mainly on Eleanor's upcoming procedure.

When Margaret learned the surgery was scheduled for morning, she declared, "I'll be here with you."

Eleanor squeezed her hand gratefully. "That would mean everything."

The promise of company clearly eased some tension.

Mid-conversation, Eleanor suddenly remembered. "You haven't eaten, have you? Alexander, arrange—"

"No need," Margaret cut in. "We dined before coming."

She turned coolly to Alexander. "If you and Sophia need supper, don't let us delay you."

Sophia hadn't shared a meal with Isabella in weeks. She wrapped arms around Isabella's neck pleadingly. "Mommy, please come? I've missed you so much."

Memories of last night's revelations flashed behind Isabella's eyes. Her smile didn't reach them as she gently detached small hands.

"I'm exhausted from work today, sweetheart. You two go ahead."

Sophia's lower lip trembled but she didn't argue. Snuggling closer, she inhaled Isabella's familiar perfume, unwilling to let go just yet.