Chapter 115

The marriage between Isabella and Alexander had officially ended after three years.

If her memory served right, Mr. Kingsley's birthday celebration would be next, followed by Alexander's wedding to Arabella.

Arabella had finally gotten what she wanted, flaunting her new status to the world.

Thinking about it, Isabella felt no regret—only relief.

Because only Arabella was worthy of Alexander. Only she could make their love last.

That evening, Isabella returned to Skyridge Manor, accompanied by Sebastian, Nathaniel, and Preston.

"Isabella!"

The moment she stepped through the gates of Silvercrest Harbor, a sweet voice called out to her from a distance.

Isabella's eyes brightened with joy. "Seraphina! How have you been?"

Emeric's youngest daughter, Seraphina, was the first to rush down the long corridor, chirping like a songbird eager to reach her.

"I'm wonderful! I've missed you so much!"

Seraphina threw her arms around Isabella, her lively eyes brimming with tears, her nose turning pink.

"Hey now, no tears! Aren't you happy I'm back?"

Isabella wrapped her arms around Seraphina's waist and pressed a kiss to her smooth forehead.

"You're not leaving again, are you?"

Seraphina's delicate face, like a budding rose, was streaked with worry.

"Not this time. I'm here to help Emeric manage the Sinclair Group, to be with all of you. I won't leave again."

Seeing Seraphina's anxious expression, Isabella felt a pang of guilt.

She had been too reckless in the past, chasing freedom, chasing what she thought was love, neglecting the precious bonds she had at home.

But now, she was back.

Her heart melted every time Seraphina called her name.

"That's—that's wonderful! Everyone's been waiting for you!"

After chatting for a while, Seraphina politely greeted Sebastian and Nathaniel.

"Sebastian. Nathaniel."

"We've told you a thousand times, no need for formalities. Just treat us like you do Isabella."

Nathaniel sighed, affection softening his tone. "You're like a sister to us, just like her."

Seraphina nodded shyly, though she knew she wasn't the same as Isabella.

"You look thinner. Have you been working too hard?" Sebastian asked gently, studying her.

"I've been preparing for my graduation performance, so I'm a little tired. But I love it!"

Seraphina's eyes sparkled, though her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Will you all come to my performance? It's okay if you're busy—I just thought I'd ask."

Sebastian answered first. "We'll be there."

Nathaniel echoed, "Absolutely."

"Of course we're going! Why even ask?" Isabella slung an arm around Seraphina's shoulders. "Just tell me the date, and I'll clear my schedule for you."

"I'll let you know! Thank you for coming!" Seraphina's voice quivered with excitement.

Isabella gently stroked her hair.

Seraphina was sweet and considerate, never causing trouble for the family. But her kindness only made Isabella feel she deserved more.

As the youngest daughter of the Sinclair family and Eleanor's only child, Seraphina should have been the family's darling. Yet Isabella, as Emeric's eldest, had always overshadowed her.

Still, Seraphina never resented her. Under Eleanor's guidance, she had learned to respect her elders and care for her siblings.

She never took a cent from the family, earning scholarships and working part-time. Her classmates had no idea she came from wealth.

But Isabella knew—Seraphina always felt like an outsider, too humble around everyone.

"Any extra tickets? Can I come too?" Preston suddenly asked.

Seraphina looked up, her cheeks flushing under Preston's warm gaze.

"Yes, there are!"

"Great. Then I'll join everyone." His smile was as bright as sunlight.

He had watched Isabella and Seraphina grow up, remembering how Seraphina used to trail after Isabella, munching on candy at six or seven.

Isabella didn't suspect a thing—Seraphina's shy nature made her blush easily.

But what she didn't know was that Seraphina had been secretly in love with Preston for seven years.

"Let's go. I'm starving. It's been too long since I've had Eleanor's cooking!" Isabella took Seraphina's hand and headed inside.

"Mom's still preparing dinner. You're early—it's not ready yet." Seraphina swung Isabella's arm like she used to as a child.

"Ah? But I'm famished!" Isabella's stomach growled.

"How about a snack first?" Preston pulled a chocolate bar from his pocket.

Isabella turned and took a bite without hesitation.

Watching their easy intimacy, Seraphina pressed her lips together, a sour ache rising in her chest.

She had always known Preston loved Isabella. She'd noticed it as a child.

Preston could have followed his father's footsteps—become a top lawyer or a charismatic prosecutor like Nathaniel. But all he wanted was to stay by Isabella's side, even if it meant being her secretary with no chance of promotion.

To Preston, Isabella was his entire world.

The house buzzed with energy that night, not just because Isabella had finally divorced and cut ties with the Kingsleys, but because Seraphina was home from Elmsworth, bringing life back to the manor.

It had been so long since the staff had seen the sisters together. Their faces glowed with happiness.

Daryl had married into the Helgen family, and with her husband deep in a presidential campaign, she couldn't visit. How perfect it would be if all three sisters could reunite.

Eleanor and the maids brought out dish after dish, the aromas making mouths water.

Isabella was desperate to eat—but she had to wait.

Because Emeric had called everyone into the living room for a meeting.

Sebastian, Nathaniel, Seraphina, Sophia, Vivienne, and Eleanor all gathered as Emeric sat at the center of the couch, his expression stern, every inch the formidable tycoon.

"Can we eat first and talk later? We're starving," Isabella said.

"After the mess you've made, you still have an appetite?" Emeric scoffed.

"I'm divorced. Isn't that worth celebrating?" Isabella laughed.

Seraphina was the only one who didn't know. She gasped in shock.

She never imagined Isabella had been married—let alone divorced!

Isabella was always so smart—she wouldn't marry without reason.

It certainly wasn't for love. Isabella wasn't the type to lose her head over a man.

"You left for three years to marry that man, and now you're cast aside while he moves on to another wedding! How dare they treat you like this? You should ruin them. Bankrupt them!" Emeric's fury was palpable.

"Emeric, I can't do that," Isabella said. "The Kingsley Group was built from nothing by Mr. Kingsley. How could I destroy it? Am I that heartless?"

"I wish you were! I want you to fight back. I'll handle the fallout—I won't let you suffer anymore! Three years of humiliation!" Emeric's voice cracked, his eyes reddening.

The room fell silent.

Sebastian bowed his head, eyes closed. Nathaniel watched Isabella, concern darkening his gaze.

Isabella's lashes trembled, sorrow pooling in her eyes.

She knew how much Emeric loved her. It was that very love—so deep it scared her—that had kept her from telling him about her marriage to Alexander.

But things hadn't gone as she'd hoped.

"Sophia, you saw Isabella at the Kingsleys before. Did you know about her marriage to Alexander?" Emeric's sharp gaze pinned her.

"Yes. I've known for a while." Sophia lowered her eyes, her voice calm.