Chapter 197 A Discordant Note

"Isabella?" Amelia blurted out, her voice rising sharply with emotion. The sound of her own outburst seemed to startle her, so she quickly clamped her mouth shut. Taking a deep breath, she lifted a hand to smooth the loose strands by her temples. She tried to reclaim her composure, but the trembling in her fingertips gave her away. She strode to the wheelchair, looking down at Isabella. Her tone softened into a practiced warmth, but the wariness in her eyes was impossible to hide. "Isabella, you finally made it." Turning to the guests, she said, "Everyone, this is Theodore's wife, Isabella Moore. He couldn't make it back for Alexander's engagement, but she still came in his place despite her injuries. You can see how much Theodore cares about Alexander." Isabella smiled faintly and lifted her eyes. Her eyes were pretty and refined, with a sharp glint of mischief. "Amelia." Her voice was soft, but distant. "I'm afraid you've misunderstood. I'm not here to congratulate them." Tho