Chapter 169 His Choice
Ava found herself reflecting on Isabella's words from just half an hour ago—Alexander would undoubtedly remain by her side. Isabella's conviction had not been misplaced;
Alexander had indeed chosen to support her. Even if he was aware of the manipulative games Isabella played, he still chose to defend her. The depth of his love for Isabella must have been profound, to shield her to such an extent, even when she had wronged his own grandmother.
"Fine," Ava conceded, "If you say it's in the past, then it's in the past. But remember, just because it's over doesn't mean it didn't happen."
Having spoken her mind, Ava made to depart.
Alexander, however, seized her wrist firmly, "Wait, there's more."
"If it's about Isabella, I don't want to hear it. Let go of me."
At that moment, Scarlett emerged, accompanied by a group of people. "Ava!"
"Grandma," Ava pulled her hand free from Alexander's grasp and hurried to Scarlett's side, "Are you alright, Grandma?"
"I'm perfectly fine, dear. We resolved everything today," Scarlett assured her, seeming in high spirits.
Mia and George stood by Scarlett's side, while Isabella was also present, her head bowed and her face wet with tears.
"Grandma, now that everything's been sorted out, I think I'll head back," Ava suggested.
"That's fine, dear. You've been here with me for a few days. It's time you went home and rested. But..." Scarlett's gaze shifted to Isabella, "Miss Harrington is leaving too. So, Alex, who will you escort? Will you take Ava home, or will you accompany Miss Harrington?"
Alexander rose from his seat, adjusting his suit jacket.
Ava didn't need to speculate about Alexander's choice. She addressed Scarlett, "Grandma, the driver can take me back, I..."
"Ava, I'll take you," Alexander interjected from behind her, "Let's go home. It's been a while since I've been there."
Ava's eyebrows knitted together, surprise flickering in her eyes. She turned to face him, wondering if she had misheard.
After a moment, she managed to compose herself. "Aren't you taking Isabella home?"
Isabella seemed equally shocked by Alexander's declaration, her eyes pleading with him.
"Isabella, have the driver take you home. I have other matters to attend to today."
It was clear that the "other matters" referred to escorting Ava home.
In the given circumstances, Isabella had no choice but to accept, biting her lip and nodding reluctantly.
Scarlett's lips curved into a smile. "Alright, you two head back. Whatever it is, you can discuss it at home."
"Mom," Mia stepped forward, "I'll be leaving too. I'll visit you another time."
"Of course, dear. Safe travels."
As Mia turned to leave, George quickly informed Scarlett, "I'll be leaving as well."
Scarlett merely hummed in response, prompting George to rush after Mia, "I need to speak with you."
"I don't want to talk to you."
"It's about business."
George struggled to match Mia's brisk pace.
Scarlett shook her head in resignation. "Alex, look at your father. He's full of regrets now, and your mother won't even entertain him."
Alexander didn't respond, instead turning to Ava, "Let's go."
He took Ava's hand and led her away.
Ava trailed behind Alexander, utterly perplexed. This man, who had just been blatantly favoring Isabella, had suddenly changed his attitude. She found it impossible to decipher what was going on in his mind.
