Nicole quickly tried to smooth things over. “Martha, just eat. The food’s getting cold. It’s rare for the family to sit down together—let’s not ruin it with arguments.”

Martha responded coolly, “A family is only a family when a father is present. You all go ahead. I have no appetite. How can I eat when my father is suffering?”

With that, she tossed down her utensils and walked away. Nicole felt regret immediately. She shouldn’t have invited her. A perfectly good dinner had been ruined.

She turned to Isolde apologetically. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked her to come.”

Isolde looked at her cautious expression and let out a soft sigh. “Big Sister, there’s no need to apologize. If anyone should, it’s her. I am your younger sister. You can even scold me if you want.”

Nicole hesitated, then gave an awkward but gentle smile. “You’re doing so well. Why would I scold you? Right, Big Brother?”

She turned to Clark, almost pleading for support.

Clark glanced at both of them and nodded. “Isolde is right. You are the eldest.”

Nicole laughed sheepishly, visibly uncomfortable. She was someone who had never taken charge of anything in her life, always waiting for others to lead the way.

Geoffrey placed some food on Nicole’s plate. “Eat.”

Nicole let out a breath of relief. “Thank you. But how can I trouble you to serve me?”

Saying that, she picked up the food and tried to pass it to Isolde instead. Isolde’s plate was already stacked like a small mountain. The additional portion caused the food to tip over and spill onto the table.

Nicole gasped, her face turning pale. “Isolde, I didn’t mean to!”

Isolde put her fork down with a deliberate clatter, her face darkening as she stared at Nicole. Nicole was so frightened that tears nearly welled up in her eyes. She had never been so afraid of Isolde before, but after realizing how much the Langley family depended on her—how she had been made a County Princess—Nicole couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of reverence. Or rather, fear.

Isolde turned to Clark and said quietly, “Clark, take Nicole outside.”

If she stayed any longer, she would probably burst into tears right there.

Clark nodded. “You all continue eating. Save me some food; I’ll come back later.”

“I’ll have Esme prepare a fresh meal for you. By the time you return, this food will be cold,” Isolde said.

“Alright.” Clark took Nicole’s arm and led her away.

Now, only Isolde and Geoffrey remained at the table, allowing them to eat in peace.

Isolde ate at a steady pace, neither rushing nor hesitating. She had expected this meal to be unbearably awkward, but surprisingly, she felt at ease.

Geoffrey ate slowly as well, suppressing his urge to cough. His face turned red from the effort.

Without looking at him, Isolde heard his barely contained coughs. Setting her bowl down, she poured a small bowl of soup and handed it to him. “Drink some soup—it’ll help.”

Geoffrey quickly reached out, carefully taking the bowl. “Oh. Yes. Thank you.”

His nervousness and gratitude made Isolde feel strangely empty. She understood his mindset. He was filled with guilt toward her, so even the smallest kindness from her left him overwhelmed.

But she didn’t like this. In this household, she had somehow become the ruling force. Even Martha, as irritating as she was, felt easier to deal with.

Geoffrey finished the soup and smiled. “That helped.”

“I’m full,” Isolde set her utensils down. “Take your time. I’ll visit again tomorrow.”

Without waiting for a response, she left.

Geoffrey stood up, calling after her with a rare enthusiasm, “Alright! I’ll prepare your favorite dishes for tomorrow.”

Outside, Esme caught up to her. “Why do you look like you’re in a bad mood?”

“I need to talk to Nicole,” Isolde said.

“Yes, you should,” Esme agreed, frowning. “She’s becoming more timid lately.”

“She’s afraid of me,” Isolde said bluntly.

Esme laughed. “How could anyone be afraid of such a beautiful girl?”

Isolde sighed. “I don’t expect them to treat me like an ordinary sibling. But I’m not a monster, either. I’ve done nothing to her, so why is she so scared? It’s exhausting.”

“She feels lost. She’s dependent on others now, so she’s become cautious.”

Isolde thought back to her own past life. When she had returned from the estate, she had felt the same way—clinging to Michelle’s kindness, questioning herself whenever Michelle was cold. That desperate need for approval…wasn’t it the same fear Nicole felt now?

“Forget it. Have Esme prepare a separate meal for Clark and send it to his room.”

“Understood.”

Back in Nicole’s quarters, she was still distressed. “Isolde must be upset that I invited Martha. I just wanted the family to have a nice meal together. I had no idea Martha would act like that.”

Clark remained silent, simply watching her.

Taking his silence as agreement, Nicole grew even more flustered. “How could I be so foolish? I should have known better! This dinner was so important to Uncle Geoffrey. Isolde was finally willing to come, and now I’ve upset her and Uncle…”

Clark still said nothing, letting her fret.

Just then, Isolde entered.

Clark stood. “I’ll leave you two to talk. I’ll have my meal.”

“Esme is having fresh food prepared. It’ll be ready soon.”

“I’ll eat with Father. We’ll have a few drinks,” Clark said, smiling as he walked away.

Isolde turned to Nicole, who sat nervously twisting her handkerchief, clearly bracing herself for a scolding.

Before she could apologize, Isolde sat beside her and spoke first. “Nicole, I’m not good with words. Sometimes I sound harsh. But in this family, you’re older than me. I call you my big sister because I want you to see me as your little sister. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Nicole nodded quickly. “I understand.”

Isolde studied her face. She was still tense. She didn’t understand at all.

Isolde sighed. Fine. We won’t be living under the same roof forever. Over time, this fear will fade.

But looking at Nicole’s anxious expression, she suddenly felt stubborn.

So, in a moment of self-indulgent frustration, she said, “Forget it. I’ve always been alone. If you don’t want to acknowledge me, then so be it. I came from the estate—I’m not like you noble ladies. I don’t belong here. I’ll leave.”

Nicole stiffened, then suddenly reached out and grabbed Isolde’s wrist. “No! That’s not what I meant. Don’t misunderstand me.”

“No need to explain. I understand. You’re not the first person to look down on me,” Isolde said flatly.

Seeing the fleeting sadness in her eyes, Nicole panicked. “That’s not true! I would never look down on you. You’re a County Princess, and you’re about to marry Oliver. And me…I’m just someone relying on you to survive.”

Isolde looked at her. “Then you don’t resent me?”

“I swear, I don’t!” Nicole raised her hand as if taking an oath.

Isolde narrowed her eyes. “Then why do you act like you do? You’re so distant.”

Nicole hesitated, then whispered, “It’s not that…It’s just…I don’t feel worthy to be your sister.”