Chapter 149
I was still cleaning up the cake crumbs from Billy s birthday celebration when a knock at hetty’s apartment doer startled me, Billy Idokeif fil firm KE books, curiosity lighting up his face.
“Are you expecting visitors?” I asked Betty, who shrugged in response.
When she opened the door, Mark stood there in his impeccably neat uniform, his expression formal as always.
Mrs. Harding,” he said with a slight bow, Mr. William Harding has requested your presence at the hospital. He would like to see both you and ineter Billy immediately. The car is waiting downstairs.”
My heart skipped a beat. Had something happened to William? His health had been deteriorating for months.
Is Old Mr. Harding alright?” I asked, worry evident in my voice.
Mark offered a reassuring smile. ‘Mr. Harding is doing quite well today, ma’am. He simply expressed a desire to see his great grandson.”
I hesitated, looking at Billy’s cast. ‘We’re celebrating Billy’s birthday today. I’m not sure if-
“Mom, I want to see Great–Grandpa!” Billy interrupted, already grabbing his jacket with his good arm. “Can we go? Please?”
Looking at his eager face, I couldn’t say no. William had always shown genuine affection for Billy–unlike some other members of the Harding family
“Alright, I conceded. “Let me grab my purse.”
As I gathered my things, Betty pulled me aside. “Call me if anything happens,” she whispered. “Remember–you don’t owe these people anything.”
After about ten minutes in the car, I realized we weren’t heading toward Manhattan General Hospital. The familiar route had changed, taking us in a completely different direction.
“Mark,” I called out, leaning forward in my seat, “this isn’t the way to the hospital. Have we taken a wrong turn?”
The driver caught my eye in the rearview mirror, his expression reassuring.
“No need to worry, Mrs. Harding. We’re following Mr. William’s instructions. He’s arranged for you to visit a stylist first. He wants you looking your best before accompanying him this evening.”
My confusion only deepened. “A stylist? Where are we going after the hospital?”
Mark turned slightly in his seat, a mysterious smile playing at his lips. “All will be revealed in due time, Mrs. Harding. Mr. William was quite insistent about maintaining the surprise.”
At Manhattan General Hospital.
William stood impatiently by his bed, adjusting his tie while his attendants fussed around him. Despite his advanced age and fragile health, he looked surprisingly dapper in his tailored suit.
From her room down the hall, Isabella observed this unusual scene with growing suspicion. She watched as a team of nurses helped the elderly man into a wheelchair, his appearance far more polished than usual for a hospital patient.
“Something significant must be happening,” she murmured to Nancy, who stood nearby. “The old man is practically on his deathbed, yet the doctors are allowing him to leave? This must be important.”
Nancy nodded knowingly. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”
When Nancy returned less than fifteen minutes later, Isabella was already anxiously pacing.
“Well?” she demanded.
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Chapter 149
“Mr. William is attending his great–grandson’s birthday celébration tonight. Nancy reported. “The entir. Harding family will be presto
Isabella contemplated this, her lips curving into a thoughtful smile. She walked to the mirror and carefully applied a fresh cost in tipater fe h
So there’s a birthday party tonight, she mused, watching her reflection, ‘We can’t let Sophia be the center of attention, can we
Nancy caught on immediately. “Miss Isabella, Mr. Harding hasn’t formally introduced you to his family yet, has he?‘
Isabella’s eyes glinted with malice. ‘You’re absolutely right, Nancy. Not only will I make sure Henry’s Sophia can never hold her head up in that house again.”
family knows exactly who I am, but I’ll alta ensure
She reached for her phone and dialed Henry’s number. When he answered, she softened her voice to sound vulnerable atid fragile.
“Henry, she whispered, “I’ve been feeling so trapped in this hospital room. I need some fresh air, just for a little while. Would you take me out? fast for short drive?”
Henry’s silence on the other end spoke volumes.
Isabella pressed harder, her voice trembling slightly.
“Henry, I’m only asking for a brief respite from these sterile walls. Don’t you remember how we used to walk through Central Park together? I miss that so much. Her voice contained a hint of sobbing. “But if you’re too busy, I understand…
Henry’s guilt–ridden voice finally came through. “Isabella, it’s just–today is Billy’s birthday. I should-*
“Oh, she interjected, forcing her voice to sound smaller. “I didn’t realize. Of course, you should be with your son. Forget I asked.
Clearly, her act of weakness and self–pity worked effectively.
“No, it’s fine,” Henry finally said, his resolve crumbling. “I’ll come get you. But I can only spare three hours. I have somewhere I need to be tonight.
“That’s all I need,” Isabella replied, barely containing her triumph. “Thank you, Henry.”
After ending the call, Isabella turned to Nancy with a victorious smile. “Now, help me get ready. Tonight, I’m going to completely destroy Sophia Wilson.”
She touched her reflection in the mirror, her eyes cold with determination. “Six years ago, you stole my man, Sophia. Now I’m going to take him back and watch your world crumble.”
As night fell, Billy and I arrived at the hotel banquet hall, both of us dressed in our finest attire.
Thanks to the stylist, I had been transformed into someone I barely recognized in the mirror. My purple mermaid–style gown perfectly accentuated my figure.
Billy looked adorable in his little tuxedo, despite the cast on his arm that somewhat ruined the perfect image.
When we entered the private dining room, Richard’s eyes widened in appreciation, while William beamed proudly. However, Catherine and Grace couldn’t hide their displeasure.
When William spotted Billy’s cast, his expression immediately darkened.
‘Sophia, what happened to Billy’s arm?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Did Henry do this?”
Before I could explain, William turned to Richard/saying angrily, “Look what your son has done! The boy has a broken arm, and where is that irresponsible father? Late to his own son’s birthday celebration! You’ve failed to raise him properly!”
Richard nervously checked his watch. “He should be here any minute now.”
From across the room, I noticed Catherine and Grace whispering, their eyes fixed on me.
“Mom, is that really Sophia?” Grace hissed. “How did that trash manage to look so beautiful tonight?”
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Catherine’s face contorted with barely concealed hatred. Beautiful or not, she’s still damaged goods. Nothing can change that.
She gripped Grace’s arm tightly, her voice dropping to an urgent whisper. Remember what we discussed. Don’t cause any trouble tonight. Your father and grandfather barely allowed you to attend this dinner. Don’t ruin our chances.”
Grace’s eyes narrowed as she watched me interact with William and Billy. So we’re just supposed to let her play the leading role tonight? I can’t stand it
Catherine smiled coldly, a disturbing glint in her eye. “Don’t worry. When the party reaches its peak, someone will put her in her place.
Grace’s expression immediately brightened with anticipation. Really? Who?”
Catherine gave her daughter an appraising look, then decided against revealing more details.
“You’ll see. This is our perfect opportunity, and I won’t let anyone ruin it.”
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