Chapter 95

The grand hall plunged into stunned silence before erupting into shocked whispers within seconds.

Guests who'd come expecting a simple birthday celebration found themselves witnessing an earth-shattering revelation.

Isabella's gaze turned glacial, though her expression remained perfectly composed.

Every move had been meticulously planned.

Beside her, Nathaniel hovered protectively, his muscular frame radiating warmth that seemed to shield her.

"Nathaniel," he murmured anxiously.

"I'm fine." Isabella turned to him with a crescent-moon smile that stole his breath.

Nathaniel's pulse quickened. How could anyone resist such radiant charm?

"Victoria," Alexander interjected coldly, "This is Mr. Kingsley's birthday celebration. Let's not discuss irrelevant matters. Especially not my personal affairs." His displeasure was palpable.

"Forgive my bluntness," Victoria simpered, feigning embarrassment. "I merely wished to introduce Isabella properly. Even divorced from you and the Abernathy name, she was once your wife. We shouldn't let her rural background invite disrespect."

What masterful hypocrisy! As if she truly cared for Isabella's reputation!

The crowd buzzed with speculation, eyeing Isabella with newfound curiosity.

Seraphina and Genevieve exchanged triumphant glances.

This ensured everyone knew Isabella's severed ties with the Abernathys - and her nonexistent connection to Alexander.

No chance remained for Isabella to worm her way back!

"How thoughtful of you." Isabella's lips curved like a crimson rose in full bloom. "But surely my worth isn't tied to marriage? Does coming from the countryside make me inferior? What archaic thinking."

Alexander's jaw tightened. Had their marriage meant nothing to her?

Several guests nodded in agreement.

"Ridiculous! My grandfather was a farmer - now we own half of Napa Valley!"

"Victoria's the one being condescending!"

"Pot calling the kettle black - wasn't she a D-list actress before marrying up?"

Victoria's face flushed scarlet.

Once again, Isabella had turned the tables effortlessly.

"Bravo!" Nathaniel whispered gleefully. "Nothing wrong with country girls - I prefer genuine people."

Isabella rolled her eyes.

Alexander's gaze darkened as he watched their intimate exchange.

"Alexander!" Seraphina materialized at his side, looping her arm through his with practiced ease. "Victoria means well. Clarifying things prevents awkwardness, doesn't it?"

Alexander stiffened at her touch.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Ms. Sinclair's presence is rather inappropriate, no?"

"Mr. Kingsley invited her personally - that speaks volumes."

"More likely she can't accept losing such an exceptional husband!"

"Isabella, ignore these fools!" Nathaniel growled. "They know nothing about you."

"I never concern myself with petty gossip," Isabella replied serenely.

Just as Seraphina thought she'd salvaged the situation, a thunderous voice cut through the murmurs.

"Who dares trouble my Isabella?!"

All eyes turned as Reginald Kingsley emerged, resplendent in traditional white robes, supported by Frederick and Mr. Montgomery.

Notably absent was his wheelchair - his silver hair impeccably groomed, complexion rosy, posture erect as if years had fallen away.

"Mr. Kingsley." Isabella's face lit with genuine relief.

Victoria shot Seraphina a meaningful glance before simpering, "What a rare family gathering! Seraphina, assist Mr. Kingsley!"

"Allow me, Mr. Kingsley." Seraphina stepped forward with saccharine sweetness.

Reginald chuckled, ignoring her completely. "Alexander, Isabella! You two help me!" He waved Frederick away. "Too slow! Youthful energy does me good!"

Frederick yielded with a wry smile.

Seraphina froze mid-step, humiliation staining her cheeks crimson.

The silent rebuke wasn't lost on anyone.

Isabella's eyes widened, instinctively seeking Alexander's gaze.

Their eyes locked - until she deliberately looked away, presenting him with an icy profile.

Baffled, Alexander approached Reginald with Isabella.

The unspoken message reverberated through the room: Reginald's favor rested firmly with Isabella.

Victoria trembled with suppressed rage. This public slight wasn't just to Seraphina - it was a slap to her face!

Yet she forced a smile. Reginald still held considerable sway in Kingsley Enterprises.

"You look splendid, Mr. Kingsley," Isabella said warmly, supporting his arm.

"Seeing you happy is the best medicine." Reginald beamed. "That qipao suits you perfectly! Far classier than those modern rags!"

Alexander started. So the exquisite dress was Reginald's gift!

The implications weren't lost on the guests.

Clearly, Reginald's affections lay with Isabella, not his supposed future granddaughter-in-law.

Seraphina burned under the collective gaze.

"Shall we take a family portrait?" Victoria interjected, dragging a rigid Seraphina forward. "Isabella, would you mind photographing us?"

"Of course not." Isabella's smile never wavered.

"Isabella is family!" Reginald snapped. "Since when do we relegate family to photographer duties? Stand beside me!" His glare promised consequences. "Upset her, and you answer to me!"

Victoria bit her lip, silently pleading with Frederick.

"Father," Frederick interceded quietly, "however fond you are of Ms. Sinclair, she's divorced from Alexander. A family portrait might be... inappropriate."

"Divorce changes nothing!" Reginald boomed. "She'll always be family to me!"

Isabella's eyes glistened. This was why she couldn't sever ties - her affection for Reginald ran deep.

Seraphina looked ready to combust.

The guests gaped. What magic had this woman worked on the Kingsley patriarch?

"Father," Alexander said tightly, "don't put Isabella in an awkward position. Your intentions are kind, but she may not wish—"

"Nonsense!" Reginald scoffed. "It's you who objects! The moment I mention adoption, you scowl like a petulant child!"

Isabella blinked in surprise.

Alexander looked thunderstruck.

In Reginald's eyes, Isabella's arrival had reduced Alexander to foundling status.

Just as tension peaked, a rich baritone cut through the hall.

"Your care honors her, Mr. Kingsley. But given the divorce, maintaining familial ties seems... imprudent."