Chapter 167 He Defended Her
Ava could do nothing but laugh in exasperation. "I apologize, Grandmother," she said, her voice laced with resignation. "I seem to be out of place here. I'll retire to the living room for a bit. Please, continue your conversation without me."
She had no inclination to linger any longer than necessary. She was, after all, with child, and any undue stress could potentially harm the unborn baby.
"Very well, Ava," her grandmother responded, a note of understanding in her voice. "Leave everything to me. You go on ahead."
Upon exiting the dining room, Ava found herself simmering with frustration, alone on the plush couch in the living room.
Why was Isabella making such a spectacle of herself? It was painfully obvious to everyone present, yet Alexander seemed to be blissfully unaware.
Love was indeed a blinding force. Once you fell into its grasp, it made you partial and threw logic to the wind, never mind adhering to the cold, hard facts!
When Isabella stirred up trouble with her provocative words, it was Ava who bore the brunt of Alexander's blame. The logic of it all was utterly perplexing to her.
After a while, she heard the soft patter of footsteps and looked up. There was Isabella, sauntering towards her.
Ava asked, her voice frosty, "What brings you here?"
"I was on my way to the restroom, but I got lost in this enormous house and ended up here," Isabella replied, her cheeks flushed, a stark contrast to her previously sorrowful demeanor.
Ava snorted dismissively. "Your performance is pitiful. Only Alexander would be gullible enough to fall for it, but I suppose that's all that matters to you—as long as he believes your act."
Isabella settled down beside her and said, "Ava, you really are crafty. You took my private confession and twisted it to paint me as the villain to the matriarch. Fortunately for me, Alex is on my side."
"On his side? You're that confident?" Ava scoffed. "Alexander may indeed be blind when it comes to you, but have you ever considered that even if he believes his grandmother wronged you, he doesn't blame her. Where do you think you stand in his heart?"
Isabella's fists clenched in anger as she retorted, "Certainly higher than you. Don't be so smug. Even if Alex discovers the truth, it won't change anything. Trust me, even if I falsely accused his grandmother, Alex would still defend me."
"Are you so sure of yourself, Miss Harrington? But what if the evidence is indisputable?"
"Even with indisputable evidence, he would stand by me. Just wait and see—you'll never win Alex's heart. He will always defend me, and I'll make sure you witness it."
With that, Isabella rose and exited the living room.
...
Ava was left in the dark about what had transpired back in the dining area.
Another half-hour passed, and she enjoyed a brief respite in the solitude of the living room.
Eventually, Alexander appeared, alone and seemingly seeking Ava's company.
Ava glanced at him, steeling herself for a potential tirade. "What, have you come to berate me on Isabella's behalf?" she asked, her tone icy.
Alexander took a seat beside her. "I'm here to clarify things with you."
"Really?" Ava shot him a skeptical look. "How so?"
"The surgery for Isabella was indeed postponed. After it was over and Isabella woke up, she was understandably upset. Given that my grandmother disapproves of our relationship, it's not unreasonable for her to suspect."
Ava's brows furrowed in irritation. "She's openly accusing your grandmother, and you're tolerating it?"
"She's not doing it intentionally. Ava, can't you empathize? Under those circumstances, it's natural for Isabella to have such wild thoughts. She never directly blamed my grandmother."
