Chapter 478

Isabella had been fighting a cold these past few days.

That Saturday morning, after visiting her mother Evelyn, she drove to the hospital to see Eleanor.

When she arrived, both Alexander and Sophia were already there.

Eleanor looked much better than when she had first woken up.

A warm smile immediately lit up her face when she saw Isabella.

While Isabella chatted with Eleanor, Alexander remained quiet in the background.

He poured Isabella a fresh glass of water before settling into a nearby chair.

His hands moved deftly as he peeled apples for both Sophia and Isabella.

Once the apples were peeled and neatly sliced, he arranged them on a small ceramic plate.

He offered it to Isabella with a quiet gesture.

She had no choice but to accept it gracefully.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"You're welcome," he replied calmly.

Seeing them interact so peacefully made Eleanor sigh inwardly.

Isabella had already spent considerable time with Evelyn earlier that day.

After about forty minutes with Eleanor, it was time for the older woman's meal.

Eleanor looked toward Alexander and suggested, "The staff here will take care of my lunch."

"Isabella has been visiting me daily during my hospital stay."

"Alexander, why don't you take her out for a meal?"

Isabella opened her mouth to decline, but Eleanor gently patted her hand.

"I don't mean anything by it," she assured, glancing meaningfully at Alexander.

Her expression made it clear she wasn't attempting matchmaking.

Like Oliver, Eleanor had come to realize that since the decision to divorce, they actually got along better.

She found this development quite pleasing.

With Sophia between them, even if they wouldn't remain husband and wife, maintaining a good relationship would benefit everyone involved.

Alexander turned to Isabella.

"Any preferences?"

"Perhaps something local?"

When Sophia heard they might go out to eat with Isabella, she immediately brightened.

She rushed over to clutch Isabella's hand.

"Yes! Mommy, what would you like to eat?"

Isabella hesitated for a moment before responding, "Local cuisine would be fine."

Alexander stepped away to take an incoming phone call.

While his back was turned, Eleanor lowered her voice and confided to Isabella, "I truly don't have any hidden agenda."

"It's just... since you've already let him go, and Alexander has softened his stance recently..."

"If you two can maintain a good relationship, it will be better for Sophia's future."

Given how much Alexander clearly favored Victoria, did they really believe some lingering sentiment could complicate matters between him and Victoria?

As for Sophia...

Isabella remained silent.

After exchanging a few more words with Eleanor, she left the hospital room.

Later, in the private dining room, they had just settled when Isabella's phone rang.

She excused herself to take the call outside.

While speaking on the phone, she noticed Diana and Genevieve approaching.

Alexander maintained his own permanent private room at this establishment.

Usually when the Kensington women visited, they dined and charged everything to Alexander's account.

When Diana and Genevieve arrived at the restaurant and learned Alexander was also present, they initially thought nothing of it.

They assumed he was conducting business and simply requested a different private room.

However, when they spotted Isabella standing directly outside Alexander's exclusive private room, they immediately halted.

Genevieve's expression darkened considerably.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Isabella, still engaged in her phone conversation, neither answered nor acknowledged them.

The restaurant manager knew Isabella had arrived with Alexander.

Moreover, he had witnessed Sophia clinging tightly to Isabella's hand earlier.

They appeared to have an excellent relationship.

Unaware of the full situation, the manager wiped his brow nervously and awkwardly explained, "This lady came with Mr. Whitmore..."

Genevieve immediately pressed, "Just the two of them?"

Alexander had previously instructed that the Kensingtons should be treated with utmost courtesy.

Since that standing order hadn't been revoked, the manager could only continue telling the truth.

"No, Mr. Whitmore's daughter is also with them."