Chapter 421

Since Evelyn's illness was still in its early stages with no severe organ damage yet, Eleanor and her medical team could make multiple adjustments based on her overall health status.

After careful consideration, they finally devised a treatment plan capable of stabilizing her condition.

When the news arrived, the suffocating tension gripping Isabella and Margaret finally dissipated. The oppressive gloom that had shrouded the Sinclair family for two weeks finally lifted.

That evening, overwhelmed with relief, Margaret personally prepared a celebratory dinner for everyone.

As Isabella settled on the living room sofa with Margaret after the meal, her phone suddenly rang - it was Sophia calling.

Mother and daughter hadn't spoken in nearly six weeks.

Truthfully, Isabella should have answered when Sophia first called. But at that time, she'd just learned about Evelyn's organ failure. Devastated, she couldn't bring herself to pick up.

Now...

Seeing the caller ID, Margaret gently urged, "Answer it."

Though unspoken, she deeply valued the bond between Sophia and Victoria.

She'd noticed Isabella hadn't allowed Sophia to visit recently and guessed the reason - Isabella feared seeing Sophia might further destabilize her already fragile emotional state.

While she'd never truly resented Sophia's closeness with Victoria, seeing her during those dark days likely would have stirred bitterness.

Now that Evelyn's condition showed hope, Margaret naturally wanted Isabella and Sophia to reconcile.

Isabella stared at the name flashing on her screen. After a brief hesitation, she finally answered.

Sophia had planned to call again days after Isabella missed her first attempt. But Alexander, who usually encouraged her to call whenever she missed her mother, advised against disturbing Isabella during her busy period.

So Sophia restrained herself.

This time though, she couldn't hold back any longer. It had been too long since she'd seen or even spoken to her mother.

When the call connected and she actually heard Isabella's voice, Sophia immediately brightened. "Mom!"

But before Isabella could respond, Sophia's pent-up emotions overflowed. Her voice turned plaintive, "Mom, you finally answered! You have no idea how much I've missed you lately..."

Hearing her tearful, aggrieved tone, Isabella lowered her gaze, masking her emotions before replying calmly, "Have you eaten dinner?"

"Yes!" Sophia instantly perked up at her mother's voice. Then eagerly asked, "Mom, when are you free? I can come tomorrow - no, I can come right now!"

Isabella said, "I have work tomorrow. But if you want to—"

After a pause, she added, "Check with your father first. If he agrees—"

"He will!" Sophia interrupted excitedly before she could finish. "I'm packing right now! Mom, wait for me!"

She immediately hung up, turned to the man reading beside her, and announced, "Mom said I can visit!"

Alexander turned a page before looking up. "Understood. Need a ride?"

"Nope!" Sophia grabbed Margaret's hand and dashed upstairs to pack.

Minutes later, she bounded downstairs with her backpack, breezing past Alexander still reading in the living room without a glance.

Waving as she sprinted out, she called, "Dad, I'm leaving now!"

Alexander turned slightly, watching her small figure disappear through the doorway. "Alright. Be safe. Good night."

"Good night!" came the distant reply.