Chapter 435
Chapter 435:
“It’s just a big, messy house, baby,” Isolde lied. “We won’t stay long p>
She parked in front of the massive stone mansion, got out, and helped Effie down.
The front door opened. Mrs. Higgins, the housekeeper, stood in the entryway, her expression sympathetic but silent.
They walked into the grand foyer. It was cold and smelled of old wax and money.
Kaiden was running through the hall, flying a toy drone. When he saw Effie, he grinned — a cruel, learned expression. He piloted the drone directly at her head.
Effie screamed and ducked.
Isolde didn’t hesitate. She reached out and snatched the drone from the air, the propellers stinging her palm. She crushed the plastic frame in her hand and dropped it on the floor.
“Hey!” Kaiden yelled. “You broke my toy p>
Belle appeared at the top of the stairs.
“You have some nerve,” Belle spat. “Breaking things in a house you don’t own p>
Yо𝗎𝘳 ո𝖾x𝘁 𝗳𝖺vorі𝗍𝗲 rеa𝖽 𝗂𝗌 o𝗇
“Control your child, Belle,” Isolde said calmly. “Or I will p>
“Grandmother is waiting in the library,” Belle sneered. “Don’t keep her waiting p>
Isolde squeezed Effie’s hand. “Stay here with Mrs. Higgins, sweetie. Mommy will be right back p>
She walked to the library doors, took a breath, and pushed them open.
Beatrice Lancaster sat in a high-backed wing chair by the fire. She looked frail, but her eyes were sharp as diamonds.
“Isolde,” Beatrice said, her voice softer than Isolde had expected. “You came. Please, sit p>
“Traffic was fine,” Isolde replied, remaining standing. “What do you want, Beatrice p>
Beatrice gestured with a slender, veined hand toward the chair opposite her.
“I want to know that you are alright,” Beatrice said. Her tone was serious, stripped of the usual family hostility.
Isolde frowned. “Excuse me p>
“You crashed a car,” Beatrice said. “A serious one. That kind of incident can have lasting effects. I am worried about you, Isolde. I want to be sure you don’t have a concussion, or any lingering neurological issues — for your sake, and for Effie’s p>
“I am fine,” Isolde said, her voice tight.
“I hope you are,” Beatrice said. “But I would feel much better if it were confirmed by a professional. Dr. Evans is in the guest room. I’ve asked him to be thorough — a full toxicological and neurological workup. To put my mind at ease p>
“And if I refuse?” Isolde asked, a familiar defensiveness rising in her.
Beatrice’s gaze didn’t harden. Instead, it held a flicker of disappointment.
“Then I will continue to worry. Isolde, I know you see me as just another Lancaster. But I am also a great-grandmother. I see a young woman who has been through a trauma, trying to raise a child under immense pressure. Please — allow me this peace of mind. Do it for me p>