Chapter 123
Gabriel and Isla’s car glided to a stop beneath the wide porte-cochère. A convoy of black SUVS had followed behind them. Stone and a few other bodyguards stepped out immediately, scanning the surroundings with their sharp eyes.
Stone hurried to open the back door, and Gabriel stepped out first. His tall frame straightened before he turned and offered his hand to Isla.
His touch was gentle and protective of her. It was almost careful, as if she might break. Isla accepted his hand and stepped out of the car. She took a quiet, deep breath, and when her eyes lifted to meet his eyes, something in her expression made Gabriel’s stomach twist with concern.
“You’re sure you’re okay?” he asked softly. “We can go back if you’re not ready. I’ll talk to Grandfather myself.”
“I’m fine,” Isla said, though her voice trembled slightly. “Let’s just do this. I want to.” Her fingers tightened around his hand.
Gabriel studied her for a moment before nodding. He didn’t entirely believe her, but he respected her resolve.
As they walked up the marble steps, the grand front doors opened. Stephen, the butler, stood waiting in his usual warm smile.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “It’s good to see you both again.”
“Good morning, Stephen,” Gabriel replied, removing his long black trench coat. “How have you been?”
“Doing well, sir, thank you.”
Gabriel handed Stephen his long black trench coat, then slipped the beige faux-fur jacket off Isla’s shoulders and passed it along as well.
Underneath, Isla wore a honey-brown knitted turtleneck, a long-sleeve dress that hugged her in a way that made the soft roundness at her middle visible beneath the fabric. Stephen took both coats and hung them carefully in the cloakroom before gesturing ahead. “The family is waiting for you in the dining room.”
The walk down the hall felt endless. Isla’s steps were slow and calculated. Gabriel stayed close, his hand resting lightly on the
small of her back.
Just before they reached the door, he leaned close and whispered, “Let me do the talking, love. You don’t need to stress yourself.”
Isla turned to him with a faint smile, though worry clouded her eyes. “Do you think Father will be mad at me?”
Gabriel stopped, holding her hands. “We already talked about this,” he reminded her gently. “Whatever Mother said, just be yourself and tell the truth. Don’t panic, don’t let anyone intimidate you. I promise, everything will be fine.”
Her lips curved into a small, grateful smile. He brushed a kiss against her forehead and smoothed her soft dress down before placing his hand at her back again.
Then he opened the doors and they stepped into the dining room.
The atmosphere shifted the instant they entered. Gabriel’s hand rested behind Isla’s back the whole time; he didn’t leave her
side. Heads turned
Anna tried to paste a smile on her face the moment Isla crossed the threshold, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Sia noticed and her
own eyes opened wider at the forced politeness.
Alfred, seated at the head of the table. His face softened when he saw his favorite grandson and granddaughter-in-law together; the sight clearly pleased him. John’s smile, too. He looked honest despite the fact that he was angry. He seemed genuinely glad
to see them.
The only person who didn’t share the mood was Wyatt. His jaw was tight, his expression grim. He barely glanced at his younger
brother, refusing to hide the jealousy burning behind his eyes.
Gabriel’s success, the contracts, the leadership and the house was everything Wyatt had once dreamed of. And now, seeing Gabriel walk in like a man who had the world in his hands only reminded him of what he’d lost.
Gabriel stepped forward with so much confidence in him and greeted in order. “Good morning, Grandfather. Father. Mother.” He received pleasant replies from everyone but Wyatt, whose silence was deliberate.
Isla returned the greetings softly. To her surprise, most of the family replied warmly. Landon’s smile was expected; Sia and Mia returning warm greetings was not-it surprised and comforted her Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn findnovel.net
“Come and have a seat,” Alfred said. “We were just waiting for you.”
Anna shifted uncomfortably at his words. Her fingers gripped the edge of her napkin, twisting it tightly.
Gabriel guided Isla toward the table. He pulled out a chair beside Alfred-the seat of honour-and waited until she was settled before taking his own.
“Since Gabriel and Isla are here now,” Alfred said, “let’s have our breakfast.”
At his signal, the doors opened and two attendants rolled in polished silver carts. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, buttered toast, and warm pastries spread through the room, mixing with the faint scent of vanilla candles burning in the chandeliered corners.
Gabriel’s gaze lingered on Isla as she picked up her fork. She didn’t drink the coffee. She didn’t even look at the toast. Instead, she took a small bite of a glazed donut and reached for a bowl of fruit. When she lifted the glass, Gabriel noticed she’d poured juice instead of water.
Anna noticed too. Her fake smile faltered. Her heart started to race.
She knew something. And just like that, panic filled her eyes.
Isla’s soft glow, her radiant skin, the way Gabriel couldn’t stop watching her-it all made sense to her now.
The truth hit her like a storm. Isla wasn’t just glowing because of love.
She was glowing because she was pregnant.
The family said their quiet thanks and ate in silence, but conversation did not start. When the plates were being cleared, Alfred folded his napkin and put it down.
“Since we’re done eating, let us return to the matter at hand,” he said, turning to Anna. “Anna, you may proceed. Isla is here, and I would like John to answer.”
Anna’s hands shook as she cleared her throat. All eyes were on her, but she stared at Isla instead. The look was not curious; it was sharp and suspicious. Isla felt the weight of that gaze.
The glow everyone had noticed made Anna’s stare colder. In Anna’s mind, Isla’s pregnancy was not welcome news at all.
The table tightened into silence as Anna prepared to speak.
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