Chapter 47

Alfred kept his expression carefully unreadable. Sitting majestic in his royal chair, he gave no sign of where his thoughts rested. Yet inside him, he was quietly impressed. The way Gabriel handled the matter, standing firmly without being swayed by his mother or Delphine, has proved something Alfred had long suspected–Gabriel would never bow to Anna’s schemes.

He knew Anna’s game well enough. She and Rebecca Winthrope had been friends for decades, and both women had dreamt of binding their families together through marriage. It was the oldest trick in the book–friendship secured through blood ties. But Alfred had never been moved by such shallow politics. His vision for Gabriel had always been bigger.

He had chosen Isla for a reason. Not for her beauty, though she certainly possessed it, but because of the quiet strength and potential he had seen in her. And he hoped, with time, Gabriel would come to see that same spark. For now, Alfred would wait. He had no plans of interfering–not when this entertaining drama was already unfolding in front of him.

Because one thing was certain: Gabriel was no fool. He might be stubborn, he might even be reckless in love, but he was neither blind nor dumb. Alfred thought to himself with a faint smirk, Which sensible man chooses empty beauty over true intelligence? Isla had both–beauty, brains, and the kind of independence that could not be bought.

Unlike his other two granddaughters–in–law, who cared for nothing beyond yachts, designer wardrobes, and posting their wealth for the world to see, Isla stood out. She carried herself with humility. She knew what responsibility was all about, and she wasn’t obsessed with appearances or luxury, though Gabriel had given her both. That made her rare.

It was funny that Diana, Isla’s mother, who loved money and fame like her life depended on it, had raised Isla with discipline. She had taught her daughter independence, taught her not to lean on anyone. Isla had taken. after her father more–Charles, once the most disciplined and brilliant accountant the Wyndham Corporation had ever had. His sharpness had passed to his daughter, and Alfred cannot trade that for anything.

The murmuring in the room swelled louder now, pulling Alfred back from his private reflections. He let the whispers go on for a moment before speaking, his voice cutting smoothly through the noise.

“I think Gabriel has cleared the air now,” Alfred said, his tone calm and well measured. He turned his eyes toward Anna. “Is there anything more you want to say, Anna, dear p>

Anna straightened her back, her lips twitching as if she had held the words in for too long. “Yes, Father,” she said, keeping her voice firm. “I do have something to say. I want to make this clear. I cannot and will not have my first grandchild born illegitimate. Gabriel must divorce Isla. Two years of this meaningless marriage is more than enough. You should do something about it. My son cannot remain trapped in a loveless union p>

When she sat down, the silence dragged. Alfred did not reply. But John did.

“Anna, will you stop embarrassing our daughter–in–law?” John’s voice rang with frustration, sharp and biting. You heard what Gabriel said–he will not divorce his wife. What more do you want? Can you not accept Isla as part of this family? Enough of this madness p>

The shock in his voice silenced even the most eager whisperers. Anna looked away, her lips tightening, but she

did not respond.

Meanwhile, Isla sat in her chair, her heart heavy. She searched Gabriel’s face once more, praying for something, even a glance. But he never turned toward her. His silence stung her more than Anna’s words ever could.

And at that moment, the truth came to her. She had been right all along. Gabriel hadn’t changed overnight. His sudden tenderness, his promises–it was too good to be true. He had gotten Delphine pregnant, and now, forced by the scandal, he was only playing a role. Turning over a new leaf because he had no choice.

She felt the ache in her chest, but strangely, not surprised. She had been preparing herself, guarding her heart. And now, she was almost relieved. At least “I was right to be careful,” she thought. She would not be broken by

him.

Delphine thought she had won by trapping Gabriel with a child, but Isla knew better. No matter what happened, that child would still carry the stain of being born outside marriage. And Delphine–proud, arrogant Delphine- would never outrun that truth.

John’s voice suddenly pulled Isla back to the room. “Isla, what do you have to say to all of this p>

Dozens of eyes turned toward Isla at once. Isla took a slow breath and straightened her posture, her movements graceful and calm. She cleared her throat softly before she spoke.

“Thank you, Father,” she said, her voice was beautifully soft. “But honestly, I don’t think I have anything to say on this matter. I trust my husband’s decision. Whatever he says is fine with me p>

A wave of unease rippled through the room. Her words startled them. What kind of woman sat still after hearing of her husband’s betrayal? What kind of wife accepted infidelity with such calmness?

But Isla knew exactly what she was doing. She could almost hear their thoughts, feel their eyes pressing on her, waiting for her to break. But she would not give them that satisfaction. She had built her defenses long before this day.

They want me to shatter, she thought. But I won’t. I’ll let them play their game. I’ll smile while they plot. And when hearts break in this family, it won’t be mine. It will be theirs. Get full chapters from (.)net

“Since that matter is resolved,” Alfred’s deep voice cut through again, “I have a legal announcement to make. That was the original reason for this meeting p>

The words pulled everyone’s attention instantly.

Alfred turned his head slightly toward John. “Call them in p>

John gave a short nod, pulling his phone from his pocket. He spoke briefly, then ended the call. “Let the legal team come inside now p>

A new wave of murmurs erupted, rolling across the room like a storm. Even Isla felt her stomach tighten with unease. Whatever Alfred was planning, no one had seen it coming.

Not Anna. Not Delphine. Not even Gabriel.

And that uncertainty filled the air like smoke.

Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.