Chapter 9 Two-faced

"The coffee's ready," Announced a servant, her makeup flawless, and her tailored suit impeccable, as she approached.

All the Mellon family servants wore custom suits and carried themselves with an air of sophistication.

Luna casually took the coffee from the servant and placed it on the table, then handed a cup to Isabella.

"Isabella, you must be exhausted from the trip. Have some coffee, it'll help you relax," Luna said, kneeling with a humble attitude.

Isabella took the cup. "Thanks."

She took a sip and then set it down.

Luna affectionately wrapped her arm around Isabella's, smiling, "Isabella, I've had the servants clean your room every day. If it's too small or you want to be closer to Mom and Dad, you can have my master bedroom. I'll move to the guest room." Luna's tone was considerate, but her eyes held a subtle hint of probing.

Isabella calmly withdrew her arm and glanced at Luna before turning to Donald beside her, "Did you hear that? Luna said to move her things out. I'll take the master bedroom with the kids tonight. Luna's so thoughtful; I wish I could be half as considerate as her."

Donald followed her instructions immediately.

For some reason, Isabella thought she saw a strange emotion in Donald's eyes.

Was he happy she was taking the master bedroom?

Meanwhile, Luna's smile faltered, her face turning pale.

Isabella ignored her and turned to her parents, speaking gently, "Mom, Dad, where's Henry? Why isn't he back yet?"

During those years with Terry, if it hadn't been for her brother Henry's help, she might not have survived.

"He's out on business, but he'll be home soon. We'll wait for him to have dinner." Connie gently took Amelia from Isabella's arms, smiling.

"Alright."

Isabella hadn't seen Henry in a long time and truly missed him.

Though they shared no blood relation, their bond was stronger than family.

Dinner time arrived quickly.

"Henry said he'll be back soon and asked us to start without him. Let's eat," David called for the servants to serve the meal.

The long dining table was soon filled with exquisite dishes, but David and Connie's main focus was on their grandchildren.

Amelia was soft and adorable, and Oliver was well-behaved, lightening the mood amidst the underlying tension.

Luna's expression returned to normal as she carefully removed the bones from a piece of fish and placed it on Isabella's plate.

Her voice was gentle, "Isabella, you should eat more. You've had a tough time abroad with two kids. You look thinner than the photos Feed sent."

David noticed this and nodded in satisfaction.

Having both daughters back home made him happier than he had been in a long time.

After speaking, Luna sighed, her gaze subtly sweeping over Isabella's enviable face, "If the children's father were here to help, you wouldn't have to work so hard. By the way, Isabella, have you seen him since you returned?"

Luna's words were loaded, hinting at Isabella's status as a single mother and probing her relationship with Terry.

Isabella's hand paused, but before she could respond, a deep, slightly chilly male voice came from the dining room door, "Luna, when did you become a census taker? These are Isabella's private matters. Are they any of your concern?"

Isabella looked up to see Henry standing at the door.

He wore a tailored dark gray suit, his posture straight and his face handsome.

His chiseled jawline and refined features were captivating.

His eyes were fixed on Isabella, darkening as he saw her.

She had indeed lost weight.

"Henry?" Luna was startled, tightening her grip on the spoon, her expression changing as she quickly stood up, "Henry, I was just concerned about Isabella's situation."

"Concerned?" Henry strode in, greeted his parents, then gently touched Oliver and Amelia's cheeks before sitting next to Isabella.

"Isabella doesn't need anyone's sympathy, even if she had ten kids. She has her career, her family, and the strength to live her life as she chooses."

Henry's words were blunt, leaving Luna flustered and embarrassed.

Henry turned to Isabella, his expression softening, but his tone still carried a hint of worry. "I heard you were in the hospital and ran into him again?"

Both knew who he meant, so Henry didn't need to say the name.

Isabella put down her fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and her expression remained calm. "Yes, we've had some unavoidable work-related interactions."

Henry frowned, speaking in front of their parents, "I should have done more than just take you away back then."

After dinner, Henry took Isabella to the garden, ensuring no one followed.

Henry spoke in a low voice, "Five years ago, when I got your call and rushed to the hospital, seeing you pale and alone, I knew something was wrong. I found out about the Carter family's shady dealings!" His voice carried suppressed anger, "I wanted to destroy him! But you stopped me, insisting on leaving everything behind. That's the only reason I let him go!"

He stared intently at Isabella, "Isabella, now that you're in contact again, do you still have any..."

"No!" Isabella interrupted, "Henry, you saved me back then and gave me a new life. My contact with Terry is because his grandfather is ill, and I performed the surgery."

Henry studied her eyes, confirming there was no trace of emotion, and finally relaxed, "Good!"

"By the way, the project went well today. I'll be focusing my work in Ocean City, so we'll see each other often."

Isabella's smile widened, "That's wonderful!"

Returning to Ocean City, Isabella had a new identity and a few friends.

With Henry moving to the city center, they could rely on each other.