Chapter 70

It had been over a decade since Samuel had set foot in the Galvez estate, but Walter, the old butler, recognized him immediately. "Yes, Walter, it's me," Samuel replied. Walter's tone was full of respect and surprise as he responded, "Come in, come in."

Isabel had learned from her mother how her father had once been the heart of the family, always helping others, protecting the staff, and avoiding conflict. Ironically, that very kindness had made him a threat. The second and third branches of the family had conspired to push him out, fearing his ability to command loyalty.

The estate bustled. The second and third branches were present, their children in tow. "Madam, Madam!" Walter rushed inside. "Master Samuel is here! And his legs… he can walk!"

The room fell silent in shock. The eldest son of the Galvez family, paralyzed for over ten years, was now standing. How was that even possible? Every head turned as Samuel entered, looking sharp in a tailored suit, his posture tall and confident.

"Samuel, your legs are healed!" William Galvez, the second son, asked, hurrying over. "Yes," Samuel replied simply. "Brother, this is wonderful! You should have told us earlier so we could celebrate!" added Hugh Galvez, the third son, his smile strained. Their excitement felt forced, but Samuel remained composed, his focus on his mother, Old Mrs. Galvez.

The matriarch rose slowly, her eyes wide with shock as she approached. Taking his hands, she studied him. "Samuel, you're… you're walking again?" "Yes, Mother. I've recovered," he replied. A hint of doubt crossed Samuel's face. Wasn't she supposed to be gravely ill?

Tears welled up in her eyes. "This is a blessing! I've prayed for you every single day, begging for a miracle. And now, my prayers are answered."

Samuel's brow furrowed slightly. Isabel smirked inwardly. The old lady certainly knew how to claim credit with just a few words. "Mother, I appreciate your concern, but my recovery isn't due to prayers. My daughter, Isabel, is the one who healed me."

Old Mrs. Galvez froze briefly but quickly regained her composure. "Nonsense! It was divine intervention. I've spent years praying for you, lighting candles daily. Are you doubting my sincerity!"

Isabel stepped forward, her expression sharp. Her father might avoid confrontation, but she wouldn't. "Grandma, if your prayers were the reason, why didn't they work for the past ten years? And how many times did you visit my dad during that time?"

Old Mrs. Galvez's gaze hardened. "When elders speak, children should stay silent!"

"Grandma, aren't we all here as family?" Isabel retorted. "We were told you were sick, but you seem perfectly healthy to me."

The matriarch hesitated, then quickly deflected. "I was ill… very ill! But seeing Samuel standing here has lifted my spirits!" Isabel suppressed a laugh. Old Mrs. Galvez, seeing Isabel's lack of response, shifted gears. "Isabel, how are things going with Blake from the Yates family?" she asked, feigning casual interest.

Hannah cast Isabel a nervous glance, unsure of her mother-in-law's intentions. Isabel, however, saw through the pretense immediately. This wasn't a simple question; it was about her engagement. "Why aren't you answering me, dear?" Old Mrs. Galvez pressed when Isabel stayed quiet.

Isabel finally spoke. "Grandma, since it's the elders' turn to talk, I thought it best not to interrupt." Old Mrs. Galvez's expression froze, her authority subtly challenged.

"Isabel Galvez, is that any way to speak to your grandmother? Where's your respect?" snapped a girl about Isabel's age. Hannah whispered, "That's Guinevere, your uncle's daughter."

Isabel turned to Guinevere with a faint smile. "Respect? Funny. Did no one tell you about the last time? I took down the Galvez security team without breaking a sweat." Guinevere glared, her face flushing with anger. Isabel's eyes held a faint smirk of disdain.

"Grandma, did you hear that?" Guinevere turned to Old Mrs. Galvez, desperate for backup. Old Mrs. Galvez sighed. "Enough. If she's being rude, must you be too? Isabel grew up outside the family; she didn't have the same upbringing as you." Though the words chastised Guinevere, Old Mrs. Galvez's tone carried a sharp undertone aimed at Isabel. Isabel smirked to herself. This old lady was sharp; every word hit like a subtle jab.

Sensing the tension, Samuel stepped in. "Mom, why are you so concerned about Isabel's engagement?" "Oh, I'm just asking," she replied innocently before launching into a lecture. "But look at this! I can't even bring it up without being disrespected. Am I not allowed to care about my own family? Samuel, you need to enforce discipline. Good parenting starts with rules!" She patted his hand with feigned affection.

Samuel, unimpressed, remained firm. "Mom, Isabel's doing great. She's respectful, responsible, and her relationship with Blake couldn't be better." To him, Isabel was a shining light in their family, a source of pride and strength, and the most devoted, never abandoning him during his paralysis and even helping him walk again.

"Yes," Hannah chimed in, "Blake's such a wonderful young man, always doting on Isabel. They're perfect together!" Her happiness was palpable, especially considering Blake's generosity in buying them a house to secure their family's comfort.

But Emily, Guinevere's mother, wasn't having it. "Perfect? Let's not forget," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "this engagement only happened because my daughter generally stepped aside." Her bitterness hung in the air, silencing the room.

Isabel's brow furrowed. She turned to Hannah, confused. What did she mean by that? How was this engagement "given away"? She'd never heard of that! Hannah lowered her head, saying nothing. Isabel shifted her gaze to Samuel. "Dad, is it true?"