Chapter 58
When Alfred Wyndham first suggested that Isla and Gabriel should get married two years ago, Diana had seen it as a blessing–a golden ticket into the highest circle of society. It was her chance to rise in status and finally silence her rich, arrogant friends who always looked down on her.
And she had done exactly that.
A few weeks after the engagement, she flaunted the news like a trophy at every afternoon tea or charity gala. She made sure to remind everyone that her daughter was marrying into the Wyndham family. Her other daughters had also married into wealthy homes, yes, but none could compare to the Wyndhams. Everyone knew that. That family wasn’t just rich–they were wealth itself.
But now, sitting across from Isla and hearing her talk about her new company, her plans, and about her dreams, Diana no longer cared about the social prestige that once thrilled her. This was different. This was her daughter standing tall and no longer defined by the Wyndham name, but by her own.
Pride warmed her heart.
“You know what?” Diana said suddenly, straightening in her seat.
Isla looked up, curious. “What p>
“I’m going to get dressed,” Diana announced with a grin. “I need to see that penthouse myself! Do you even know that, apart from Green Estate everyone cherishes, Skyline Avenue is now the best residential area in the whole city p>
Isla’s laughter filled the dining room, light and musical, a sound Diana had missed for so long. “Yes, Mama, I know. People are already buying the condos there, and a few penthouses have been sold too. Construction is still ongoing. Grandfather said Skyline Avenue will become the most beautiful residential city in Richbouph very soon. He even plans to launch it on his eighty–ninth birthday.
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“I still can’t believe it,” Diana said, shaking her head in disbelief. “You–my daughter–now own a penthouse at Skyline Avenue p>
“The building is called Wyndham Heights, Mama,” Isla said proudly, her eyes sparkling. “You need to see it. Go get ready. We’ll go together p>
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The excitement in her voice matched her mother’s now.
Diana’s heart was full. She smiled widely and hurried off to change into something elegant. When she returned, the two women left together, climbing into Diana’s car. She insisted on driving herself, her hands steady on the wheel, her lips curved into a smile that refused to fade.
“Your sisters will be thrilled to hear this,” Diana said, her eyes on the road.
“This?” Isla asked with a raised brow. This text is hosted at.net
“Yes,” Diana replied, glancing at her daughter with pride. “Your company and the penthouse–both are worth celebrating in a grand way p>
Isla chuckled softly, leaning back in her seat. For the first time in days, her heart felt light. Talking with her
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mother had lifted a huge weight off her chest. For a brief, peaceful moment, she wasn’t thinking about Gabriel’s betrayal, or Anna’s schemes, or the lies floating in the media. She was simply… happy.
It was strange how both mother and daughter were drawing comfort from each other now. Diana, feeling proud and relieved that her daughter wasn’t drowning in sorrow anymore. Isla, feeling quietly grateful that her mother’s smile had returned.
But as the car moved through the wide, tree–lined streets, silence slowly crept back between them. Isla turned her face toward the window, her thoughts drifting far from the conversation.
She found herself replaying Gabriel’s words from the night before. How he confidently said that he’d never been with any other woman since they got married.
A part of her wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe that somewhere beneath all the chaos, Gabriel can be right. But another part–the wiser and the wounded part of her told her it was too good to be true. Men like him didn’t just change overnight. Maybe this was just another lie… another attempt to keep her in the dark.
Her jaw tightened at the thought of Delphine’s pregnancy. She hadn’t told her mother about that–and she didn’t plan to. Some truths were too heavy to share.
The car slowed to a stop as they approached the tall iron gates of the new district. Isla blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. The grand sign above the gate read:
Welcome to Skyline Avenue.
They had arrived.
At that same moment, Gabriel Wyndham stood in front of his mirror, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. His face was calm, but his mind was a storm…
He had not rested since after the family meeting yesterday. He had been thinking about Isla, about how she left. And about Anna, his mother, about the scandal that had exploded like wildfire across the media. But one thing was certain now: staying quiet was no longer an option.
If his mother wanted to play games, then fine–he would play too. But this time, on his own terms.
His phone rang again. He almost ignored it; he was tired of calls, tired of questions. But he picked up without looking at the screen.
“Son, how are you doing?” came a familiar voice–his father, John Wyndham.
“Father,” Gabriel said, straightening his tie. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I know you’ve seen the rumors, but I’ll handle everything. I’m heading to the office now. Tell Grandfather not to worry. Tell him I’ll fix this p>
“You gently. “But if you need help, just call.” Then the line went dead.
alwane do ” Johus
Gabriel exhaled deeply, and before slipping the phone back into his pocket. He immediately dialed another
number.
It rang twice before a man’s voice answered.
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“Jude, ” Gabriel said firmly, his tone all business now, “call the PR team. I want an emergency press conference
this early afternoon as early as possible. We need to do some damage control p>
He ended the call and grabbed his jacket, determination flickering in his eyes.
Enough was enough. He had thought.
It was time to take back control.
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.