“Isabel,” Adrian’s warning voice cut in. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Isabel ignored him. She had no desire to engage with Selena, but Selena kept pushing herself forward.
“Besides, if you truly want to be my ‘sister-in-law’, Adrian’s sister, then since your family is gone except for your aunt, why don't you just officially join the Blackwell family? Have Adrian legally adopt you as his sister?”
“Isabel...” Selena’s smile vanished, replaced by a wounded expression. “You know I don’t have much family left. I have to carry on my family name. How could I just change it?”
“But that doesn't change the fact that Adrian and I are like brother and sister. Please, stop misunderstanding. I've explained this so many times. When you talk like this, you make people think I'm trying to destroy your marriage, that I'm some kind of homewrecker.”
Before Isabel could say more, Adrian interrupted her coldly. “This is a family dinner. What are you trying to start?”
“What did Isabel say that was wrong?” old Mrs. Blackwell’s voice cut in. “A married man should maintain a respectable distance from women who aren't his relatives. And she’s not his real sister.”
Selena slowly rose to her feet, stubbornly holding back tears. “Since Isabel misunderstands me so, it's probably best I don't stay. Please, enjoy your meal. I'll come visit again when I have the chance.”
“Sit down.” Adrian stood and placed a hand on Selena's shoulder, guiding her back into her seat.
His gaze, sharp as a knife, swept over Isabel before he sat down and began putting food on Selena's plate.
Old Mrs. Blackwell started to speak again, but Isabel stopped her.
There was no point in saying more.
She didn't want to upset the old woman any further. The heart beating in her chest was a transplant, after all; it couldn't take much stress.
“Mom!” Oliver suddenly cried out, his voice full of anger. “Can you stop picking on Auntie Selena all the time? She knew Dad before you did! If you cared so much, you shouldn’t have married him in the first place!”
Isabel took a deep breath.
She really didn't want to cause any more trouble for old Mrs. Blackwell.
She nodded, conceding. “You're right. My apologies. Let’s just eat.”
With that, she picked up her utensils and placed some food on old Mrs. Blackwell's plate.
Old Mrs. Blackwell asked, “Why are you using your left hand?”
Isabel froze.


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