Chapter 700

Isabella stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat.

Henry Lancaster abruptly pulled his arm free from Arabella's grasp, his voice sharp as ice. "What do you think you're doing?"

Arabella blinked, taken aback. "Why are you snapping at me like that?"

Henry's gaze flickered toward Isabella. "Do you even realize who she is?"

"She's just some gold-digging—"

"Enough!" Henry cut her off, his tone dangerously low. "Not another word."

Arabella flinched, confusion flashing across her face. "What did I do wrong? Why are you yelling at me?"

Henry exhaled, his voice steady but firm. "She's your mother, Isabella."

The words struck Arabella like a physical blow. Her breath hitched. "What? She's my—my mother?"

Her wide eyes locked onto Isabella, disbelief written across her features.

Isabella stared back, just as stunned. This wasn't how she had imagined their reunion.

Henry turned to Isabella. "This is our daughter, Arabella."

Without hesitation, Arabella rushed forward, her voice trembling. "Mom, I'm so sorry! I didn't recognize you! I'm your daughter, Arabella."

Isabella's expression darkened with disappointment as she studied her.

Harrison smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, now she's 'Mom'? A second ago, you were calling her a mistress."

"Shut your mouth!" Arabella shot Harrison a venomous glare.

She despised her. Why did Harrison always have to interfere?

Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you really my daughter?"

Arabella's stomach dropped. This wasn't how this was supposed to go. She had ruined everything.

Thinking fast, she played her trump card.

"Yes, I'm your daughter. We've been apart for so long... Theodore raised me. He told me how much you loved me, but I never got to feel a mother's love. When Dad said you were coming back to see me, I was so happy. Finally, I wouldn't have to envy other kids anymore."

Isabella's expression softened instantly. Years of guilt weighed heavily on her heart.

She reached out and took Arabella's hand. "I only sent you to Willowbrook because I had no choice. From now on, I'll stay with you. We won't be separated again."

Arabella immediately threw her arms around Isabella, squeezing tightly. "That's all I've ever wanted, Mom. I love you."

As Arabella clung to her, Isabella caught the overwhelming scent of her perfume—synthetic and cloying.

A frown tugged at her lips. Why did she feel no warmth toward this girl? It unsettled her.

Just then, Henry stepped forward. "Let's put this behind us for now. I've reserved a private room. We can talk there."

Isabella nodded. "Alright."

Then, she remembered Harrison and turned to her. "Young lady, what's your name?"

Harrison smiled warmly. "Hello, Mrs. Lancaster. I'm Harrison Whitmore."

She extended her hand.

Isabella couldn't help but return the smile. She shook Harrison's hand. "Please, call me Isabella Brewer."

Harrison tilted her head slightly. "Then, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Brewer."