Chapter 2

Chapter2

The voice belonged to Olivia Davenport, Isabella's closest friend and heiress to a prominent fortune. Olivia and Isabella had been inseparable since childhood, and she had always been the most vocal supporter of Nathaniel and Isabella's relationship. Now that Eleanor had taken Isabella's place as Nathaniel's wife, it was no surprise that Olivia treated her with open hostility.

Even when she noticed Eleanor standing at the doorway, Olivia showed no remorse for her harsh words.

It was Isabella who broke the silence first. "You're here, Eleanor."

Eleanor nodded. "I came to take you home. Have you packed everything?"

"Yes, I'm ready. Let's go," Isabella replied with her usual gentle smile.

Olivia couldn't resist chiming in, "Where's Mr. Carter? Isabella is being discharged today. Isn't he coming to pick her up?"

"He's at the office," Eleanor replied curtly.

"Oh, how convenient. I wonder if he's too busy or if someone is keeping him away," Olivia sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Before Eleanor could respond, Isabella interjected softly, "Olivia, please."

Olivia let out a cold laugh. "Why shouldn't I say it? Am I wrong?"

Eleanor didn't engage. Instead, she unlocked her phone, scrolled to Nathaniel's contact, and handed it to Olivia.

"What's this supposed to mean?" Olivia asked, her brow furrowing.

Eleanor's expression remained calm. "If you're so curious, why don't you call him yourself and ask?"

"You—" Olivia's temper flared, but Isabella quickly grabbed her arm, shaking her head. "Don't argue with Eleanor," she pleaded.

"You're too kind," Olivia muttered through gritted teeth. "That's why people take advantage of you."

Eleanor ignored Olivia's jab. She grabbed Isabella's suitcase and walked ahead. As soon as she got into the car, her phone rang.

It was Margaret. "Did you pick up Isabella?"

There was a noticeable tension in Margaret's voice when she spoke to Eleanor.

"Yes," Eleanor replied.

"Is she alright? The doctor said her irregular eating habits were the cause. Your father and I are still overseas. Make sure you take good care of her when you get home, okay?"

"Okay," Eleanor answered, her tone steady.

Margaret seemed to realize her tone had been harsh. After a brief pause, she added, "You're her older sister, after all."

Eleanor's grip on the steering wheel tightened. A swirl of emotions rose inside her, but she suppressed it and responded softly, "I understand. Is there anything else?"

After a moment of silence, Margaret said, "Give the phone to Isabella."

"Alright." Eleanor handed the phone to Isabella, who was sitting in the back seat.

"Hi, Mom," Isabella spoke to Margaret in a soft, sweet voice, the kind a daughter uses when speaking to her mother affectionately.

The contrast with Eleanor's cold and formal tone was stark.

Eleanor didn't turn around. She simply fastened her seatbelt and started the car, her expression composed.

"You're here, Ms. Morgan!" As soon as Eleanor's car stopped in front of the villa, Grace Harper, the housekeeper, rushed over. Her face lit up the moment she saw Isabella.

"Grace, it's been so long," Isabella greeted her with a radiant smile.

"Yes, it has! You've grown even more beautiful. I made your favorite barbecued ribs today. You must try them later." Grace had already led Isabella inside as she spoke.

Compared to Isabella, Eleanor's presence as the lady of the house seemed almost invisible.

Still, Eleanor was used to this. She simply instructed the house helper to bring Isabella's suitcase to the guest room. Then, she retreated to her own room.

She had just taken out her tablet when Isabella's voice sounded from the door, "So this is where you live." Eleanor turned her head sharply.

Isabella's gaze wandered around the room before she asked, "Eleanor, do you and Nathaniel... sleep in separate rooms?"",