Chapter 27

Isabella froze, surprised by Samuel’s mother’s approachability. She immediately felt more at ease. Composing herself, she stepped forward and said respectfully, “Hello, Mrs. Howerton.”

Gwenna frowned slightly. “Mrs. Howerton? You two are married; why not call me Gwenna?”

Isabella’s face flushed. Samuel smirked, glancing down at her. “Just call her Gwenna.”

Isabella stiffened. Under Gwenna’s eager gaze, she murmured, “Gwenna.”

“Yes!” Gwenna responded cheerfully.

Isabella handed over her gift. “This is for you. I hope you like it.” Her tone was naturally more formal, given it was her first meeting with Samuel’s parents.

Gwenna accepted the gift delightedly. “How thoughtful! You didn’t need to bring anything. Having you here is gift enough.” She patted the sofa beside her. “Come, sit next to me.”

Gwenna gazed at Isabella with growing fondness, clearly captivated by her elegance and beauty. Isabella smiled and sat down.

Gwenna’s expression shifted. She glared at Samuel, who was still standing a few steps away. “Why are you just standing there? Go to my room and bring me the item I left on the cabinet.”

Samuel remained calm and silent, heading toward Gwenna’s room.

Isabella smiled at the contrast—the usually dignified Samuel becoming a slightly exasperated son in front of his mother.

Gwenna took Isabella’s hand, gently patting it. Softly, she said, “Bella, if that brat Samuel bullies you, tell me. I’ll give him a good scolding!”

She had longed to meet her son’s chosen woman. The more she looked at Isabella, the more she liked her.

Isabella hadn’t expected Gwenna to be so kind and down-to-earth, without arrogance. Samuel’s claim that his mother was easygoing had seemed like reassurance, but now she realized he hadn’t exaggerated.

Isabella shook her head and smiled. “He’s been very good to me. He hasn’t bullied me.”

Though their marriage was new, she found Samuel comfortable to be around. Most people assumed he was difficult, but she found him pleasant, despite his cold exterior.

Gwenna’s joy deepened. She felt her new daughter-in-law was wonderful. Smiling warmly, she asked softly, “A marriage certificate isn’t enough. When do you plan to have the wedding?” She had been preparing for Samuel’s wedding for a long time.

Isabella’s face flushed. This was something she hadn’t considered, knowing their marriage was more symbolic.

Gwenna, noticing Isabella’s shy smile and silence, assumed bashfulness. With a laugh, she continued, “We should decide soon and start planning. Your wedding must be grand!”

Seeing Gwenna’s eagerness, Isabella waved her hands, flustered. “No, Mrs. Howerton, there’s no rush. We can take our time.” Her hands clasped together nervously.

Chapter 27 (Continued)

At that moment, a man in his sixties entered. Strikingly similar to Samuel, with sharp brows and a stern expression, his presence commanded authority. He wore a well-tailored suit and carried an air of dignity and strength. This was Samuel’s father, Hoy Howerton.

Gwenna’s face lit up. She pulled Isabella forward, introducing her with a smile. “Hoy, this is Samuel’s wife, Isabella Stout.” She then introduced Hoy to Isabella.

Isabella quickly set down her cup and stood, greeting him respectfully. “Hello, Hoy.” Calling his name felt awkward.

To her surprise, his brows furrowed, and he gave her a displeased look. “Ms. Stout, we aren’t that close,” he said sternly.

The room’s atmosphere chilled. Isabella froze, realizing Hoy disliked her. This was beyond her control, and she decided to let Samuel handle it.

Gwenna shot Hoy a fierce glare. “Hoy, what did you just say?”

Her displeasure was evident. Hoy pressed his lips together without responding.

Turning to Isabella with a smile, Gwenna smoothed things over. “He’s just meeting you. Maybe he’s a little nervous. Don’t take it to heart.”

Gwenna worried Hoy’s attitude might scare Isabella away. Isabella only nodded slightly and lowered her gaze.

Hoy sat on the main sofa, surveying the room seriously. “Where’s Samuel?” he asked sternly.

Though upset with Hoy, Gwenna glanced toward her bedroom. “I sent him to fetch something.”

Hoy ignored Isabella.

Sensing Isabella’s discomfort, Gwenna changed the subject. “Bella, do you like…”

She tried to lighten the mood. Isabella understood and smiled politely. “Yes, I do.”

However, she glanced upstairs, wondering why Samuel hadn’t returned. Gwenna, still smiling, took Isabella’s hand. “Come, let me show you some of my favorite teas.”

She quickened her pace, eager to escape the tension.

Hoy’s cold gaze settled on Isabella. His expression remained frosty. Having investigated Isabella’s background, he knew she was the daughter abandoned by the Stout family, and he believed she wasn't good enough for Samuel.

The tea room was much quieter. To the right of the tea table was a window carved with intricate floral and bird designs. An artificial lake was visible outside. A soft breeze swayed floating lanterns, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Gwenna retrieved tea leaves and sat down. She noticed Isabella’s intent gaze. Isabella began, “Gwenna, if you…”

But she hesitated.

SEND GIFT