Chapter 28

After a brief pause, Isabella said, "Mrs. Howerton, if you don't mind, may I brew the tea?"

Gwenna paused, her hand still holding the tea leaves. She sighed inwardly, thinking Hoy's earlier words must have unsettled Isabella. Maintaining a neutral expression, she looked up and said, "Of course."

Isabella took the tea leaves. Lowering her gaze, she calmly began setting up the tea set, her movements unhurried and meticulous, as if unaffected by Hoy's harsh words. Her slender, graceful fingers moved gently over the teacups and pot, handling them with the elegance and confidence of an artist.

Gwenna's eyes brightened with admiration. It was rare to see such skill in a young person. Isabella's expertise pleasantly surprised Gwenna.

Just then, voices drifted from the living room. A woman's voice, laced with displeasure, said, "Why did you marry a woman like that?"

Isabella's hands paused momentarily, but she continued, her focus unbroken. However, the woman's sharp voice cut through the air: "The Stour family is beneath us. You should end things with her immediately," she demanded.

Samuel's eyes darkened. He looked at his sister, Sarah, and said in a low, stern voice, "This is my business." His face was hard and cold, clearly displeased by her interference. Despite his anger, he didn't openly argue.

Hoy, sitting nearby, snorted disapprovingly. "Well, your taste only worsens as you get older." He was firmly against Isabella, a daughter cast aside by the Stout family, marrying into the Howertons. Gwenna's expression soured. She glanced at Isabella, fearing she might leave.

Worried, she quickly said, "Bella, don't listen to their nonsense! Samuel's marriage is his own choice. He cares for you, and no one else can change that. I'll speak to them later!"

But Isabella shook her head, gently interrupting. With a calm smile, she said, "Mrs. Howerton, I'm fine."

And she meant it. Her marriage to Samuel hadn't been born of love; they had both been impulsive. The Howertons' acceptance didn't greatly affect her.

In the living room, Hoy withdrew his gaze from Samuel and leaned back. Without hesitation, he commanded, "I've already spoken with the Kline family's daughter. Make some time to meet her." He made no attempt to lower his voice, intending for Isabella to hear. Gwenna's expression darkened. Haven't they had enough? she thought.

Yet Isabella didn't falter, continuing to brew tea calmly and methodically. Samuel's cold voice broke the tension: "I only want Bella. Don't bring this up again."

Isabella froze, while Hoy laughed angrily. "Feeling confident?"

Neither father nor son spoke much, but every word carried a hardened tone, heightening the tension. Samuel's expression was icy. He hadn't expected Hoy and Sarah to be home.

At this moment, Isabella softly said, "The tea is ready." She poured tea for Gwenna. "Mrs. Howerton, please enjoy," she added, placing the cup gently on the table.

Chapter 28 (continued)

Suddenly, the tea room door swung open with a loud bang. Isabella looked up to see Sarah's cold face. Dressed in a professional business suit, her long hair in a tight bun, Sarah exuded an air of efficiency and power—clearly just from the office. Her makeup was flawless, and she wore expensive jewelry, bearing a striking resemblance to Gwenna.

Gwenna's face darkened. "Sarah, what are you doing?"

Sarah strode to Isabella, looking down with an air of superiority. "I heard Samuel brought home a girlfriend. Mom, why didn't you tell us?"

Gwenna's displeasure deepened. Sarah had come with an agenda. Both she and Hoy wanted Samuel to marry the Kline family's daughter and would never accept Bella. That's why Gwenna hadn't told them, but she hadn't expected them to find out.

Isabella, seemingly unaware of the earlier confrontation, rose gracefully and greeted Sarah with a polite smile. "Ms. Howerton, nice to meet you."

Sarah cast a cold glance at Isabella before sitting at the table next to Gwenna. She picked up her cup, her fingers playing with the lid as she spoke indifferently. "You're not worthy of the Howerton family. You should know that."

Gwenna's face darkened, and she silently cursed Sarah, shooting a sharp warning look at her daughter. "Sarah!" she said sternly.

She glanced at Isabella, who remained composed, showing no hint of anger. Gwenna was surprised by Isabella's mental fortitude.

Sarah's expression soured, but she remained silent. The air grew tense. Samuel entered, drawing everyone's gaze. His eyes met Isabella's; she saw reassurance—he was here.

Samuel placed a box in front of Gwenna, then faced Sarah. His voice was cold but firm. "Sarah, Isabella is my wife. I expect you to understand and respect that."

Isabella was taken aback. She hadn't expected Samuel to openly defy his family for her. Gwenna's eyes sparkled with pride.

Sarah, however, was visibly displeased. "I haven't interfered much in your life, but when I see you straying, it's my duty to stop you."

Isabella silently acknowledged Sarah's point; she was the disowned daughter of the Stout family, carrying a tarnished reputation that could negatively affect Samuel.

Sensing Isabella's gaze, Sarah turned, her voice laced with mockery. "A woman knows another woman best. She grew up without a mother's guidance—of course, her mind is twisted." Sarah thought, I've seen plenty of women like this, using their looks to cling to men, hoping to marry into wealth.

Suddenly, Gwenna's hand slammed on the table, capturing everyone's attention. Sarah's expression shifted, but Gwenna raised her hand, pointing firmly toward the door. With a commanding tone, she said, "Sarah, get out. Now!"