Chapter 441
Chapter 441:
“Ms. Carson,” Mrs. Higgins said, her face flushing pink. “I am so sorry to disturb you. Madame Beatrice… she insisted p>
She gestured to the boxes. “It’s a post-trauma recovery meal plan. Organic broths, bird’s nest soup, herbal tonics. She said you looked pale at the estate p>
Isolde let out a dry laugh. “I’m not pregnant, Mrs. Higgins. And Effie is five. Beatrice is trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist p>
“She said you represent the Lancaster image,” Mrs. Higgins whispered, clearly repeating a line she had been forced to memorize. “You must maintain your strength p>
“Tell her I’m fine,” Isolde began, reaching for the door handle.
Jоі𝘯 𝘁ho𝗎𝗌𝘢𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗈f 𝖿𝘢𝗇𝘴 o𝗻 g𝘢𝘭𝗻o𝘷еls.с𝗈𝘮
The elevator dinged.
Grayson stepped out.
He was wearing a charcoal suit, his arm still in the black sling, looking as though he had just come from a board meeting. Or a funeral.
“Take it,” Grayson said, his voice rough. “It’s a peace offering p>
Isolde crossed her arms. “You followed the housekeeper p>
“Grandmother found the address,” Grayson said, signaling the men to set the boxes inside the entryway. “She’s worried your new situation might give you leverage in the custody evaluation. She’s also concerned about Effie’s complete medical history being made public p>
He stepped past Mrs. Higgins and walked into Isolde’s apartment without asking.
Isolde bristled. “Inviting yourself in? That’s a bad habit p>
Grayson ignored her. He scanned the living room. It was simple — a beige sofa, a glass coffee table, a small play corner for Effie — but it was warm. Sunlight streamed through the windows. It smelled of lavender and coffee, not wax and old money.
“Is the security adequate?” Grayson asked, examining the window locks. “I can have a team installed in the lobby p>
“The security is perfect,” Isolde said. “Because none of your family has a key. That makes it the safest place on earth p>
Grayson flinched. He walked to the dining table and opened one of the thermal boxes. Steam rose from it, carrying the rich scent of expensive ginseng and chicken.
“Grandmother regrets what happened at the estate,” Grayson said, staring at the soup. “This is her way of apologizing p>
“No,” Isolde said. She walked over, picked up the container, and dropped it into the metal trash can in the kitchen.
The clang rang out through the small apartment.
Grayson’s jaw tightened. “That soup costs three hundred dollars a bowl, Isolde p>
“Take it home to Belle,” Isolde suggested, leaning against the counter. “I heard she’s on a diet. Maybe it’ll help her soul p>
Grayson turned to her. His eyes were dark, swirling with emotions he didn’t have the vocabulary to express.
“I didn’t come for the soup,” he admitted quietly. “I wanted to see Effie p>
Isolde’s heart softened for a fraction of a second, then hardened into diamond.
“She’s at school,” Isolde said. Effie was in her room, reading. “And you don’t have visitation rights until the judge signs the new schedule p>
“I am her father,” Grayson said, his voice rising. He took a step toward her. “I have a right p>
Isolde walked to the front door and held it open.