Isabella never expected Arthur to still hold her in such high esteem after all this time.

A sudden warmth flooded her chest.

Tears welled up in her eyes without warning.

“How have you been, Arthur?” Isabella stepped closer, her voice soft with genuine concern.

Arthur turned away with a theatrical huff, pretending to be upset. “You reckless girl! It’s been far too long since your last visit. Anyone would think you’d forgotten about me entirely!”

“I could never forget you,” Isabella reassured him gently. “Work has been overwhelming lately. Once things calm down, I’ll visit more often. I give you my word.”

“Hmph!” Arthur maintained his stern facade, though a smile threatened to break through. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Nearby, Sophia watched their tender exchange with simmering resentment.

For three years, she had tirelessly tried to win Arthur’s approval.

She sent him expensive health supplements and lavish gifts—each one carefully selected and far from cheap.

Yet, she never received a single kind word from him.

Isabella, on the other hand, only had to say a few sweet words to make the old man beam.

It was utterly unfair.

Sophia’s hands tightened into fists at her sides.

Ethan cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. “Is dinner ready?”

A servant immediately stepped forward and bowed. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood. Everything is prepared.”

Arthur took Isabella’s hand and led her toward the dining room without even glancing at Ethan.

“Look at you, my dear. You’ve grown much too thin!” Arthur studied her with a mix of worry and affection. He turned to the butler. “Gather all my health supplements and have them delivered to Hawthorne Residence. Ethan must ensure Isabella is properly cared for.”

His gaze then drifted to her flat stomach.

“You two have been married for years now,” Arthur said with heartfelt sincerity. “It’s time you started a family.”

Isabella’s cheeks flushed hotly.

Her heart began to race.

Instead of responding, she picked up the serving spoon and placed a piece of fish on his plate. “You should try this.”

Victoria and Sophia observed quietly from the sidelines, their expressions souring as they noted Arthur’s clear affection for Isabella.

For both women, the rest of the meal passed in heavy silence.

The food tasted like ash in their mouths.

After dinner, Arthur announced decisively, “Isabella, come with me to the memorial hall.”

Victoria’s face paled dramatically at his words.

Despite being part of the Blackwood family for decades, she had never been invited to the memorial hall.

What made Isabella so special?

Overcome with emotion, Victoria interjected, “Arthur, are you certain…?”

A sharp look from him silenced her immediately.

He took Isabella’s hand and stood. “Charles, you will accompany us,” he commanded the butler.