Isabella's eyes were filled with a mix of envy and awe. "I've always looked up to the legendary designer Queen as my absolute idol. I wanted to lead Aurevion Jewelers just to follow in her footsteps. I never imagined that the idol I worshipped most would turn out to be my own sister."
"She really is... so incredible," she added softly.
As she spoke, her expression carried a look of genuine admiration, carefully laced with a fragile, pitiful sense of loneliness.
Hearing her shower Serena with such seemingly heartfelt praise softened the expressions of her parents.
Catherine patted her hand. "Serena is indeed exceptionally talented, but you don't need to put yourself down."
Edward studied Isabella in silence for a long moment before speaking. "When making friends or negotiating deals in the future, keep your wits about you. Don't let your own cleverness trip you up."
Those words nearly caused Isabella's carefully maintained expression to crack.
She couldn't shake the feeling...
Her father seemed to know something.
He just hadn't spelled it out.
Isabella tightly gripped her fingers, forcing a sweet smile as she obediently nodded.
"You haven't fully recovered yet, so go upstairs and get some sleep. Don't stay up late with us," Catherine instructed. "Your grandparents have been calling nonstop, asking when you'll visit. The flight path is already approved. You and Serena will fly out to the United Realmon States tomorrow to see them. You need to be well-rested, or it will break their hearts to see you looking so pale."
Isabella's eyes flickered, but she quickly masked it with a soft, obedient smile. "I know. I'd hate to make them worry about me..."
Right at that moment, a noise echoed from the entryway.
Serena was back.
Catherine instantly sprang to her feet and hurried over to greet her. "Serena, you're back! Are you tired? Hungry? Should Mom make you a late-night snack?"
That overwhelming wave of gentle concern made Isabella feel as if she had been discarded in an instant.
The rest of the family beamed with joy, immediately turning their attention to Serena. "Serena's home!"
"My wonderful granddaughter, you
have brought so much honor to this
family can't believe you're the
internationally
renowned
Queen, and
you didn't even tell us!"
"Master Queen... Serena, you founded a massive luxury brand like the Queen Group before you were even fifteen Your father is truly in awe of your abilities."
Every word spoken was overflowing with absolute pride.
Isabella pulled her coat tighter around herself, her face ashen as she stared toward the door.
Following closely behind Serena was a tall, imposing figure.
Nicholas's striking, predatory face came into view.
Isabella's eyes widened in shock.
Nicholas...
She abruptly sat up straighter, scrambling to adjust her expression and preparing to stand and greet him.
But as Nicholas walked in, he offered a polite, faint smile in greeting to the Lancasters before immediately turning his head to whisper something to Serena.
Serena rolled her eyes at him. She snatched the guest slippers from the maid and shoved them hard against his chest.
Nicholas chuckled, seizing the opportunity to catch her hand in his.
The sheer intimacy of their interaction sent a suffocating wave of jealousy crashing against Isabella's chest.
Swallowing her bitterness, she
forced a weak cough and offered
Serenaa bright smile. "Welcome back Serena. You really are
amazing Youre the
bsolute pride
of the Lancaster family."