Chapter 341
"Isabella is so thoughtful." Sophia Roland gently stroked her daughter's hair, her eyes filled with maternal warmth.
"Only Mom gets remembered? What about Dad?" Edward Roland feigned sternness, though amusement glinted in his eyes.
"Of course not!" Isabella quickly stood. "I'll go get your portion right now."
The dining room brimmed with warmth, so palpable even the staff moved with hushed steps.
"Mom, Dad... There's something I need to tell you..."
Isabella bit her lip, gathering courage to mention Oliver Valrose's impending visit.
The butler entered abruptly, cutting through her thoughts.
"Sir, Madam, a Mr. Oliver Valrose is at the gate. He claims to be Miss Isabella's boyfriend."
His crisp voice echoed sharply in the quiet room.
"Boyfriend?"
Edward's chopsticks paused mid-air. Sophia turned to her daughter in surprise.
Though they knew she was dating, an unannounced visit...
The couple exchanged a glance.
"Show him in first."
Edward rose, straightening his collar. Hospitality came first, regardless of circumstances.
Isabella trailed behind her parents, each step feeling unsteady.
Outside the manor gates, Oliver clutched multiple gift bags, though his gaze lingered on the manicured gardens.
"Now this is what I call a mansion..."
His eyes greedily traced every lavish detail. The Valrose family maintained appearances, but their debts ran deep.
If he could secure the Rolands' favor...
"Mr. Valrose, please board the cart."
A security guard pulled up in a golf cart.
"You need vehicles to get around your own home?" Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"The main house is three kilometers from the gate," came the polite reply.
During the ride, Oliver persistently inquired about the estate's value, receiving only courteous deflections.
"We've arrived."
Oliver practically leaped off before the cart fully stopped.
Three figures stood ahead. The distinguished middle-aged couple could only be the Rolands.
Half a step behind them stood Isabella.
"Uncle, Aunt, forgive my intrusion." Oliver flashed an ingratiating smile, bowing slightly.
Edward gave a curt nod. "Let's continue inside."
The couple walked ahead, deliberately creating space for the younger pair.
Isabella clenched her fists. The charade had to continue—or else...
She took a deep breath and linked arms with Oliver.