Isabella was heartbroken, but she didn't dare show a hint of it in front of Old Mr. Blackwood.
Hearing the slightly softer tone in his voice, she immediately choked back a sob and looked at him with teary, pitiful eyes. "Thank you, Old Mr. Blackwood, for not blaming me..."
Old Mr. Blackwood waved his hand. "I'm not the one you should be thanking."
Isabella knew she absolutely could not show any animosity toward Serena right
now.
Her public image was that of a sophisticated top socialite.
And she was, nominally, Serena's older sister.
Isabella immediately turned to Serena, tears streaming down her face, humbling herself completely. She spoke with a grateful expression, "Serena, thank you... thank you so much! If you hadn't stopped me in time, I almost... I almost caused a terrible disaster and harmed Old Mr. Blackwood."
"You're Old Mr. Blackwood's savior, and you're my savior too! It was my fault for being ignorant. I apologize to you, and I thank you. I'll be sure to learn from you from now on!"
She sobbed and expressed her gratitude in the same breath.
Her tone was sincere and earnest, as if she were truly filled with remorse and overflowing with gratitude for Serena.
"No need," Serena said, looking at her theatrical performance, her clear eyes devoid of emotion. "A half-hearted thank you and apology are meaningless."
She lifted her gaze, her attitude distant and indifferent. "I'm not interested in playing along with your act."
Isabella's sobs caught in her throat.
She stared at Serena in disbelief, shocked that she would be so disrespectful.
To publicly humiliate her like this in front of the Blackwood family.
Wasn't she afraid that everyone would find out how Serena had been bullying her, the poor little victim, ever since she returned to the Lancaster family?
At this thought, Isabella immediately put on a pitiful expression, her eyes welling with tears. She looked helpless and flustered as she reached for Serena's hand. "Serena, how could I not be sincere? I'm truly grateful to you..."
Her plan was to grab Serena's hand, hoping Serena would shove her away. Then, she could fall to the ground and create the illusion that Serena had attacked her in public.
As long as everyone saw just how arrogant and cruel Serena was, how she bullied her...
Everyone would see Serena's true colors!
But she had only taken one step toward Serena when Nicholas shot a look at two maids.
Understanding his signal, they immediately stepped forward and blocked Isabella's path. "This way, Miss Isabella."
Their tone was polite, but their actions were firm.
Isabella couldn't believe her plan had been shattered before it even began.
She looked at Serena, who was surrounded by the Blackwood family and didn't even spare her a glance.
Jealousy rose in her like bile.
She was filled with rage and indignation.
She didn't want to leave. She tried to
choke out a few more words
through her tears, hoping to evokeza shred of pity. "Old Mr. Blackwood Nicholas. I really am sincere. My gratitude for my sister comes from the bottom of my heart..."
"Enough."
A layer of frost settled over Nicholas's handsome, almost ethereal face. His gaze, as he looked at Isabella, was as cold as ice. "Out of respect for the Lancaster family, I won't pursue this matter today if you keep this up, you'll only end up embarrassing yourself."
His cold words and indifferent gaze were like sharp blades stabbing at Isabella's
heart.
She stiffened, the pain making it hard to breathe.
Tears streamed down her face.
Old Mr. Blackwood sighed and waved a tired hand. "Isabella, you should go to the hospital and check on Karen. After all, she suffered this unfortunate accident because of the soup you brought. It's only right that take good care of her."
you go to the hospital and that