Chapter 239

Isabella and Margaret stayed with Eleanor for about thirty minutes before Alexander announced, "I need to step out briefly."

During their visit, Alexander had been mostly silent, observing without much input.

Eleanor scoffed at his words. "Fine, go ahead."

Alexander left the hospital room. But once he was gone, he didn’t return for over half an hour.

Earlier, Margaret Thornton had been present, ensuring the refreshments—fruit, pastries, and tea—were properly arranged.

After Margaret stepped away briefly, Isabella noticed Margaret Sinclair’s tea had gone cold. She picked up the small teapot and moved to the table to brew a fresh batch.

Seeing Isabella handle the tea herself, Eleanor suddenly thought of Alexander.

She frowned and muttered, "That boy... Who knows what he’s doing? He’s been gone forever."

When Alexander had excused himself earlier, Isabella hadn’t paid much attention. But now, hearing Eleanor’s remark, she remembered—Victoria Kensington was still downstairs.

Alexander had likely gone to keep her company so she wouldn’t get bored. Still, half an hour was excessive.

After preparing the tea, Isabella poured fresh cups for herself, Margaret, and Eleanor.

Just as she set the teapot down, the door opened, and Alexander walked in.

Eleanor shot him a look. "I thought you’d vanished."

Alexander merely smiled without responding.

Eleanor didn’t press further and instead turned to Isabella with a warm smile. "No one makes tea quite like you."

Alexander remained uninvolved in their conversation. But when the teapot ran empty again, he noticed Eleanor’s glance and refilled their cups without a word.

Another half hour passed, and the sky outside darkened.

Isabella and Margaret decided it was time to leave.

Eleanor insisted Alexander join them for dinner. He hesitated slightly.

Before he could respond, Isabella and Margaret declined politely. "No need—we have soup waiting at home."

It wasn’t an excuse. And truthfully, neither had any interest in dining with Alexander.

Eleanor seemed to sense this and didn’t push. Instead, she told Alexander, "At least walk them downstairs."

He agreed, then turned back to Eleanor. "I have some things to handle. I’ll visit again tomorrow."

"Go, then. Come if you want—I don’t care."

Despite her words, since her fall, Alexander had been visiting frequently. Deep down, she appreciated his attentiveness.

Her only dissatisfaction lay in his stubbornness regarding the divorce.

Alexander escorted Isabella and Margaret downstairs.

As they stepped out of the elevator, they nearly collided with Henry Whitmore, Alexander’s younger brother, who was waiting for the next lift with a backpack slung over his shoulder.

He brightened upon seeing them. "Alex, Isabella, Mrs. Sinclair."

Isabella and Margaret nodded in acknowledgment.

Henry grinned. "Heading to dinner?"

Before Isabella could reply, Alexander cut in. "Why aren’t you in class yet?"

"I’m just checking on Grandma first, then I’ll go."

"Then go."

"Right."

Henry stepped into the elevator, and Isabella and Margaret exited the hospital.

At the entrance, Isabella turned to Alexander. "No need to see us out."

He didn’t argue. "Alright."