Chapter 56

The phone trembled in my hand as Isabella's sobs echoed through the line.

"She knows how strained my relationship with Grandpa is, and she's exploiting it! How heartless can she be?!"

Nathaniel's stunned expression told me everything—he had no idea what I was talking about.

The woman before him was a mess, her face streaked with tears. It wasn't a graceful sight, but the raw pain in her cries hit like a punch to the chest. Every tear felt like a blade twisting deeper.

"Isabella, what the hell is going on? You're scaring Grandpa!" Despite his years of weathering storms, Harrison's voice shook at the sight of her distress.

Isabella's sobs came in ragged bursts. "Grandpa, I—I broke the bracelet. I tried fixing it for days, but it's beyond repair. I thought... maybe I could make a copy so you wouldn't be upset. I lied to you. I'm so sorry."

Her entire body trembled, hands slick with tears.

It was heartbreaking.

Nathaniel stiffened as her broken words registered.

Now he understood—why her fingers had been raw, why she'd been locked away for days. She'd been trying to restore the one thing Grandpa had given her.

The glint of her tears burned him, bitterness spreading through his veins.

"Oh, sweetheart, is that all?"

Harrison squeezed her hand, torn between laughter and tears. "The moment you walked in, I knew you weren't wearing it. I figured something happened. Why else wouldn't you? But I wasn't angry. Your grandmother had boxes of jewelry! I only spun that story so you'd accept it. She used to joke they were a nuisance—said she didn't want them cluttering her afterlife!"

Isabella's tense shoulders eased slightly, but her eyes remained swollen, nose red.

"Nathaniel! Where the hell are you?!"

Harrison smacked the armrest of his wheelchair. "Get over here and comfort your wife!"

Isabella's voice cracked through the phone. "Nate, don't you dare go to her—"

"Later."

The line went dead with a decisive click.

On the other end, Isabella stared at the darkened screen, chest heaving, face twisting in fury.

"Isabella, you conniving witch! You'll pay for this!"

Her fingers flew across the screen, dialing Arabella.

"I need your help! That snake is with Nate at Grandpa's house!"

Her voice was thick with tears. "If this continues, she'll steal him from me! Before, he'd drop everything when I called. Now? He hangs up mid-sentence! Don't you see? If I don't marry into the Kingsley family, I can't help you anymore!"

She knew mere pleading wouldn't work—she had to make Arabella feel the threat.

"Calm down. You know Nathaniel. Pushing him will backfire. That stunt you pulled already damaged your bond. Nostalgia won't last if you keep eroding it." Arabella's tone was chillingly composed.

"Then what do I suggest?"

"Make him pity you. But it has to feel genuine."

A cold laugh. "With me guiding you, does she really think she stands a chance? Over my dead body."

Nathaniel strode into the study.

"Grandpa, I'm here."

"Took you long enough! Can't you hear Isabella crying? Do I need to summon you like a servant?" Harrison snapped.

If it made Isabella happy, Nathaniel could play the fool.

"No."

He approached her, gaze sweeping over her tear-streaked face.

Even in distress, she was breathtaking—like a rose glistening with morning dew. Her dark hair framed her delicate features, enhancing her allure.

Embarrassed, she flushed, a single tear slipping free like a falling star.

Nathaniel's breath hitched, pulse syncing with the flutter of her lashes.

"Apologize to your wife!" Harrison demanded.

"Why me? I didn't make her cry." Nathaniel frowned.

"Because she's your wife! Am I supposed to comfort her while you stand there useless? Use your damn words!"

"Grandpa, we're divorced. I'm not his wife anymore."

"You're bound for life! After three years of neglect, this is the least you owe her!"

The word "divorce" ignited Harrison's temper. "If you don't make this right today, you're no grandson of mine!"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched. Finally, he muttered, "I'm sorry."

Isabella met his gaze, heart stuttering.

This was his first apology to her.

And it rang hollow.

"Bow!" Harrison barked.

"Seriously?"

"Be grateful I'm not making you kneel! I bowed to your grandmother—full sincerity! Isabella is family. You will treat her right. Now, move!"

Harrison had him backed into a corner. With a sharp exhale, Nathaniel stepped back, pressed his palms together, and bent at the waist.

"Isabella, I apologize."

The scene was straight out of a romance novel—the striking couple, the dramatic gesture. Harrison's lips twitched.

Was this happiness?

Isabella's cheeks warmed, her tears slowing. His formal bow, however forced, sent a thrill through her.

She'd be lying if she said it wasn't satisfying.

Just as Nathaniel started to rise—

"Did she say you could stand? Stay bowed until she permits it!"

One second. Two. Three.

She was doing this on purpose.

Only when she caught the vein throbbing in his temple did she sniff. "Grandpa, it's not really his fault. Don't be too hard on him."

Nathaniel's expression darkened.

Isabella.

But seeing her puffy eyes, his anger dissolved.

By dinner, Isabella wheeled Harrison to the dining room, Nathaniel trailing behind.

The table was laden with her favorite dishes—Grandpa's doing.

Yet as they settled in, Gordon rushed in, face grim, leaning to whisper to Nathaniel.

"Out with it," Harrison snapped. "No secrets at my table."

Gordon hesitated.

"Speak," Nathaniel ordered.

"Sir, the Madam called. She knew you were here and didn't want to disturb you, so she contacted me instead."

Harrison's face darkened at the mention of Arabella.

"The Madam said... Ms. Isabella has been diagnosed with severe depression."

Nathaniel's fork clattered to the floor.