Chapter 132

Eleanor caught on instantly. "Oh splendid! Now I can breathe easy."

Harrison was practically floating with joy. She linked arms with Eleanor. "Grandmother, you never leave the estate. Let me show you around town."

Eleanor's face brightened. "What a marvelous idea! I adore outings."

Harrison and Rosalind escorted Eleanor down the bustling avenue when they passed a trendy smoothie bar.

Rosalind's eyes lit up. "Harrison, we must try their new ube flavor! It's divine."

Harrison nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely."

Eleanor studied them curiously. "You girls are getting smoothies?"

Harrison knew some elders disapproved of such treats. She quickly explained, "Grandmother, an occasional smoothie isn't harmful—"

"Could you order me one? The strawberry with sprinkles looks delightful," Eleanor interrupted, pressing her nose against the glass display.

Harrison froze in shock. Eleanor was practically bouncing with excitement like a schoolgirl.

Rosalind and Harrison exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter.

Having a youthful, adventurous elder was unexpectedly refreshing.

Harrison waved to the cashier. "One strawberry smoothie with sprinkles for my grandmother, please!"

Meanwhile at The Grand Celeste, the maître d' greeted Nathaniel and Isabella. "Mr. Falcon, Ms. Whitmore, right this way."

Nathaniel had arranged an intimate candlelit dinner.

Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, he cut an imposing figure. Isabella shimmered in champagne-colored silk, the picture of sophistication. They made a striking pair.

Soft piano melodies filled the elegant dining room.

Seated by the panoramic windows, the maître d' pulled out Isabella's chair. She smiled warmly. "Nathaniel, I heard about Harrison's altercation at Willowridge today."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Let's not discuss her tonight."

He couldn't bear thinking about Harrison.

Though Isabella failed to get Harrison expelled, Nathaniel's reaction satisfied her.

"Of course." Isabella raised her wine glass. "To us."

Nathaniel pushed thoughts of Harrison away, his irritation rising. He lifted his glass to meet Isabella's.

Just before their glasses touched, he froze.

Through the restaurant's spotless windows, he spotted something across the street. At the smoothie bar, an elderly woman sipped a strawberry drink with childlike glee, her cheeks puffing adorably.

Nathaniel's grip tightened on his glass. Was that... his grandmother?

The woman moved out of view. Nathaniel shook his head. Impossible.

Eleanor never left Rosewood Manor. That woman's casual attire and lack of chauffeur proved it couldn't be her.

Most telling? Eleanor would never drink something as common as a smoothie.

"Nathaniel? Is everything alright?" Isabella asked.

He snapped back to reality. Must be stress making him imagine things. "Nothing."

Outside, Harrison guided Eleanor away from the smoothie bar. Their next stop?

A luxury foot spa.