Chapter 14
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“Please, Mom, Dad,” Isla finally spoke up, her voice gentle. “It wasn’t intentional. We’re sorry. Maybe next time.” She knew she couldn’t leave all the explaining to Gabriel. It was time to step in.
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Gabriel leaned back slightly, relieved that Isla had spoken. For a moment, he could breathe again.
The atmosphere shifted. The family’s mood lightened. On one hand, they were celebrating Maya’s pregnancy. On the other,
Isla’s new position had become a moment of pride for everyone.
To be the head of a major clothing company was no small achievement. It was a massive responsibility. Alfred Wyndham, Gabriel’s grandfather, knew exactly what he was doing. Isla needed something that would keep her occupied – and, perhaps,
something that could bring Gabriel back into their marriage.
Gabriel valued that company greatly. It had been his idea from the start, and for years Delphine had been its public face. But Alfred was a master strategist. Though he rarely interfered in Gabriel’s handling of the empire, his decision to place Isla at the helm shocked everyone. It was unexpected, but powerful.
Diana, swept up in the excitement, postponed everything she had planned just to celebrate her daughter’s new appointment.
The maids moved gracefully through the room, placing glasses of champagne into waiting hands.
Diana lifted her flute high, her voice steady, full of meaning. “To a new beginning,” she declared.
Everyone else followed her lead, raising their glasses. Together, their voices blended in unison, “To a new beginning p>
The room felt warm with celebration. The men gathered in the living room, their laughter mixing with serious talk about
business. It was more than casual conversation–it was a chance. A chance for the other two sons–in–law to get closer to
Gabriel to get to know him better. After all, opportunities like this are rare.
At first glance, everything looked perfect. Smiles, laughter, and the sound of glasses clinking gave the picture of harmony.
Diana, too, smiled politely, happy for her daughter. Yet inside her heart, she was fighting a battle. She knew her daughter was fighting an unseen battle – one that no one else seemed to care about. The Wyndham family had not opened their arms to her, not fully. And it broke her heart to see her daughter suffering.
Only Alfred Wyndham had shown Isla true kindness and support. For that, Diana was grateful. But she also knew one man’s support was not enough in a family as powerful and calculating as the Wyndhams.
Her gaze moved to Isla, who sat with her sisters as they chatted in the grand room. Diana’s chest tightened. She wanted to protect her daughter, but she could not fight this battle for her. Isla needed something stronger to secure her place in this
family
And in Diana’s mind, there was only one answer – an heir. A child would bind Isla to the Wyndhams forever. With a baby, no one could push her aside or treat her as less. A future heir was not just a blessing; it was the shield her daughter desperately
needed ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ.net
Diana raised her glass again, but this time, her smile was forced
Later that afternoon, Gabriel and Isla left Gabriel had another business appointment to catch, while Isla returned home.
At home, she busied herself with work. Her jewelry business was doing well, but she knew it needed someone reliable to
manage it, especially now that her new position would consume most of her time. She thought of Betsy
She picked up her phone and dialed.
“Babes,” Betsy’s cheerful voice came from the other end
“Can we have lunch together? I need to discuss business with you ”
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“Of course,” Betsy replied warmly. “I was starting to wonder why you hadn’t called me. And don’t worry, I never want to get in the way of Gabriel. Which restaurant p>
“I’ll make a reservation at Tropicana Cuisine and text you the address. Bye, bye.” Isla ended the call, quickly made the reservation, and sent the details to Betsy.
Not long after, Isla arrived at Tropicana Cuisine. She had just stepped out of her car and handed her keys to the valet when her eyes caught a familiar figure.
Gabriel.
He was walking into the restaurant with Delphine by his side, their hands entwined like lovers.
Isla froze for a moment. The sight wasn’t surprising, not anymore, but it still stung. Her chest tightened, but she quickly
straightened herself. She wasn’t here for them.
Without hesitation, she stepped out fully, passed her keys to the valet, and walked toward the entrance.
Gabriel turned suddenly. His eyes met hers across the distance. His brows furrowed instantly, suspicion flashing in his gaze—
as if he thought Isla had followed him here.
But Isla didn’t flinch. She walked right past him and Delphine, her head high, her pace steady.
Delphine’s lips curved into a mocking smile as her eyes locked on Isla. She spoke loudly enough for everyone around to hear
“Long time no see, Bestie p>
Her voice dripped with false sweetness, stopping Isla mid–step.
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