Her gaze fell upon the jewelry box Isabella had returned.

She picked it up and opened the lid.

Inside, the Rosalia pink diamond necklace rested exactly as she had left it.

Any other woman in Isabella’s situation would have accepted the offer without a second thought.

But she didn't.

That, at the very least, was worthy of some respect.

Aside from her background, the girl seemed… decent.

Outside the cafe, Isabella took a deep breath, steadying her nerves.

She had done what she came to do.

Whether Eleanor believed her was out of her hands now.

Back at Grant Manor, Eleanor handed her shawl to a waiting maid.

She pressed her fingers to her temples and exhaled, weariness evident in her posture.

“Welcome back, Mrs. Grant,” the butler said respectfully, stepping forward.

“Yes,” Eleanor replied, moving toward the sofa.

Before she could sit, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Lucas strode into the room, his face etched with concern.

“Mother, I heard you met with Isabella?”

Eleanor glanced up, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. “Why do you look so worried?”

He stopped before her, his voice firm. “What did you say to her? Is she alright?”

Eleanor lifted the teacup a servant had just placed before her.

She blew lightly on the surface before taking a slow, measured sip.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Lucas. I merely had a conversation with her.”

His jaw tightened. “Just a conversation? You didn’t pressure her into anything, did you?”

She set the cup down and studied her son. “You seem unusually invested in this woman.”

Lucas fell silent for a moment. “She’s a good person. She doesn’t deserve to be treated unfairly.”

“Lucas, I know you have a kind heart. But not everything is as simple as it seems,” Eleanor said calmly.

He met her gaze directly. “What are you implying?”

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed as she studied him. “Have you developed feelings for Isabella?” Her voice was sharp and direct.

Lucas hesitated, his jaw tightening as he searched for the right words.

After a tense moment, he finally spoke. “I have, Mother.”

Eleanor’s perfectly sculpted brows furrowed.

Her flawless makeup couldn’t conceal the anger simmering beneath. “This is unbelievable!” she snapped. “A single mother with a child? And you’ve fallen for her? Have you forgotten your responsibilities as the heir of this family?”

Lucas took a steadying breath. “Mother, Isabella is strong, compassionate, and deserving of happiness. Why can’t you see that?”

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. “So you truly believe she is a suitable match?” Her voice dripped with disdain. “No matter how remarkable she may be, she is a single mother. She made choices that tarnished her reputation. How could you possibly consider her fit for our family?”

The air in the living room grew thick with tension.

Lucas felt his heart sink under the weight of her words.

Eleanor studied her son, seeing the determination in his eyes.

Her tone softened slightly, though frustration still lingered. “Look, Lucas, I only want what’s best for you. You’re not a child anymore. It’s time you started thinking about marriage. I’ve already arranged meetings with several respectable young women from suitable families. At least give them a chance…”