Chapter 242

Isabella murmured a response.

Sophia paused, realizing Isabella might not recognize Lily, and quickly explained, "Lily is my friend. She calls Mr. Montgomery her uncle."

Isabella smiled softly, noticing the girl's eagerness to share. "What did you two do together?"

"We went through this amazing hedge maze!"

While Isabella listened with neutral interest, Margaret's expression darkened.

When Alexander had brought Sophia back earlier, she'd assumed he would be personally looking after his daughter.

Only now did she realize Alexander was too preoccupied with dating Victoria to care for his own child - he'd rather leave Sophia with strangers than let Isabella be involved.

Margaret's lips pressed into a thin line.

Sophia remained blissfully unaware of her grandmother's thoughts.

"Mr. Montgomery invited me for dinner," the girl continued cheerfully, "but I wanted to come home, so I called you."

Isabella nodded. "Did you thank him properly?"

"Of course I did!" Sophia beamed.

Isabella didn't press further.

With her homework completed, Sophia stayed in the living room with Isabella and Margaret after finishing her meal.

Margaret patted the space beside her. "Sophie, would you like to stay with Grandma for a while longer?"

Before Isabella could respond, Sophia immediately chirped, "Yes please!"

"No take-backs now," Margaret teased, squeezing the girl's hand. "You have to stay at least a week."

"Awesome!"

Isabella, however, frowned slightly.

Delighted, Margaret continued stroking Sophia's hair affectionately.

As Sophia became engrossed in a mobile game, Margaret murmured to Isabella, "You see? The bond between a mother and child is irreplaceable. She's still so attached to you."

Isabella merely offered a faint smile in response.

Sophia suddenly scooted closer, tugging at Isabella's sleeve. "Play with me?"

Isabella studied her daughter's face. "Are you absolutely certain you want to stay here?"

She suspected Sophia's current enthusiasm might wane after a few days, when she'd inevitably miss Alexander and Victoria.

The implication flew over Sophia's head at first.

After a brief pause, she declared, "Of course! I promised Grandma!"

Isabella fell silent.

Sophia's eyes suddenly widened. "Oh! I forgot to tell Daddy!" She scrambled for her phone.

Alexander answered on the first ring.

After hearing Sophia's request, he simply said, "Understood. Call if you need anything delivered."

"Okay!"

Sophia hung up seconds later.

Margaret had been holding her breath, half-expecting Alexander to refuse.

For a moment she'd considered stopping the call, but knew she couldn't.

Seeing Sophia's bright expression, she ventured, "He agreed?"

"Yep!" Sophia grinned before tilting her head curiously. "Why wouldn't he?"

Turning to Margaret, she added, "Daddy always says yes to whatever I want."

Margaret found herself speechless.

Isabella remained quiet throughout their exchange.

When bedtime approached, she quietly led Sophia upstairs for her bath.