Chapter 414

"It's nothing." Victoria smiled, then glanced casually at her wristwatch. "We should get going now."

Alexander nodded. "Alright."

After exchanging brief pleasantries with the executives in the boardroom, he followed Victoria out.

Meanwhile, Isabella remained immersed in discussions with the engineering team.

Her thoughts kept drifting to Evelyn's deteriorating condition. Since the diagnosis, she'd been staying at the Sinclair estate every night.

That evening, after wrapping up at Whitmore Corporation, Isabella returned to the Sinclair mansion for dinner.

Just as she finished her meal, her phone screen illuminated with a notification.

A text from Sebastian: "Reporting back to headquarters tomorrow."

Isabella read the message but didn't respond.

Perhaps anticipating her silence, another message followed shortly after. "See you in thirty days."

His way of signaling that once her divorce was finalized, he'd begin courting her properly.

Isabella understood the implication but still didn't reply.

As she set down her phone and reached for the book on the coffee table, it rang again.

Eleanor Whitmore's name flashed on the screen.

"Darling," the elderly woman's voice carried concern through the receiver. "I've heard about Evelyn's situation. How could you and Margaret keep something this serious from me?"

Isabella hesitated, searching for words.

Eleanor pressed urgently, "Margaret mentioned her condition has worsened. How is she now?"

"Her spirits have improved these past couple days," Isabella replied carefully.

A relieved sigh came through the line. "Thank goodness." Then with sudden determination: "Don't worry, my dear. I'll mobilize my connections for Evelyn. The finest specialists will see to her care."

"Thank you, Grandmother," Isabella said. "Though I've already arranged for a leading specialist to evaluate Mother tomorrow."

"Oh?" Eleanor sounded pleasantly surprised. "We'll await their assessment then."

"Yes."

A weighted pause followed before Eleanor murmured, "Your mother truly has..." Her voice trailed off.

Endured so much.

Isabella understood the unspoken words.

Before she could respond, Eleanor quickly added, "Margaret said with proper treatment, there's still hope. Try not to dwell on the worst, darling."

"I won't."

They spoke a while longer before ending the call.

After hanging up, Eleanor's heart ached for her granddaughter. Compelled by emotion, she dialed Alexander.

He answered promptly. "Grandmother?"

"You!" Her voice trembled with restrained emotion.

Alexander detected her agitation. Having done nothing recently to warrant her displeasure, he inquired, "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing," she deflected. "Just needed to vent my frustrations."

One dark eyebrow arched. "Oh?"

Despite her initial anger, words failed her now. With a soft huff, she disconnected.

As he set down his phone, Sophia looked up from her dessert. "Was that Nana? Is everything alright?"

"Apparently she just needed someone to shout at," Alexander mused.

Victoria, seated nearby, chuckled softly. "She probably misses you."

"Doubtful," he countered. "She usually finds my presence irritating."

The next morning when Isabella and Margaret arrived at the hospital, Eleanor was already waiting.

The medical team arrived precisely on schedule.

Leading them was a silver-haired woman who appeared even more senior than both Eleanor and Margaret.

"Is that... Dr. Whitmore?"

Eleanor Whitmore stood among the foremost global authorities on organ failure treatment.

Having retired years prior, her services were virtually unobtainable.

Even those with considerable influence and resources found her inaccessible.

Most leading specialists in the field had trained under her at some point.

When Isabella mentioned arranging for specialists, Eleanor never imagined she meant herself.

The sight of her renowned grandmother in a white coat again left Eleanor momentarily speechless.