Chapter 6

Chapter6

Nathaniel arrived just before dinner. Clara was all smiles when she saw her grandson. She held Nathaniel's hand and asked about his day.

"Look at you. You've lost weight again," Clara said with a frown. "How is it that you've gotten even thinner after getting married? How has your wife been taking care of you?"

Her criticism was directed at Eleanor.

Before Eleanor could respond, Isabella spoke up, "Grandma Clara, please don't scold Eleanor. She's been very busy lately. I heard she has another graphic novel that is about to be published. Didn't you notice that she's also lost a lot of weight? I felt so bad for her when I saw her yesterday."

Isabella's words seemed to be in Eleanor's defense, but something about them felt off. Only Eleanor could fully grasp the hidden jab in them.

After hearing what Isabella said, Clara's displeasure deepened. "Bah, graphic novels! Those worthless things can't even be called art. You—"

Clara was about to lecture Eleanor when Nathaniel interrupted her, "Can we eat now?"

"Nathaniel, you—" Clara began, but Victoria stepped in and cut her off, "Mom, Nathaniel is a grown man. He knows how to take care of himself."

Since she put it that way, Clara could only swallow her reproaching words. She then turned to Isabella and said, "Isabella is always the best—so sensible and caring. If only..."

Clara's voice trailed off because she realized she was about to say something inappropriate again. Victoria changed the topic swiftly, saying, "Eleanor, are your parents still abroad?"

"Yes."

"It's not very convenient for Isabella to stay at your place for such a long time. I think it would be better for her to stay here for a while. After all, didn't you just say you wanted to spend more time with my mom, Isabella?"

As soon as Victoria made that suggestion, Isabella's expression faltered. "I—"

Victoria didn't give her a chance to object. She went on, "Besides, I've found a few promising young men for you. This would be the perfect opportunity for you to get acquainted with them."

"That's not necessary," Isabella muttered, her eyes beginning to redden.

But before she could say more, Clara interjected, "Isabella is still young. Her parents aren't exactly in a rush to marry her off, either."

"That's not true. Margaret and I spoke about this before. She asked me to help introduce some good prospects to her. Recently, I've come across—"

"I don't want to!" Isabella shrieked. Her shrill voice startled everyone in the room.

Isabella realized that she had reacted too strongly. She bit her lip and added, "I... I don't want to think about marriage just yet."

Victoria didn't say another word. She merely narrowed her eyes as she studied Isabella.

Isabella couldn't bring herself to meet Victoria's gaze. So, she turned to Nathaniel instead. "Nate, I... I don't want to consider marriage right now. Help me..."

"Nate, huh?" Eleanor scoffed inwardly. She felt a sudden urge to laugh upon hearing that nickname.

But before the smile could reach her lips, she heard Nathaniel's response.

He said, "If Isabella isn't ready yet, then let's leave it for now. We'll discuss this another time, Mom."",