Isabella was completely taken aback.

She hadn't anticipated Eleanor would have everything planned out so meticulously.

Eleanor's words pulled Isabella from her sinking despair.

"Eleanor, the truth is..." Isabella started, her voice trailing off uncertainly.

Alexander cut in sharply. "Grandmother, you require care yourself. How can we possibly leave a child in your charge?"

Eleanor's face flushed with immediate irritation. "Are you implying I'm infirm?"

Her expression darkened dramatically.

She raised her hand, threatening to swat him. "I'll show you exactly how much strength I still possess!"

Isabella froze, her heart hammering.

Seeing Eleanor's genuine anger, she acted on instinct.

She stepped forward quickly, gently guiding Eleanor's arm down.

"Eleanor, the evening chill is setting in. Let's go inside," she suggested softly.

She refused to be the reason for further conflict between them.

With Isabella's calming presence, Eleanor reluctantly settled.

She still shot Alexander a withering glare. "You troublesome boy, always provoking me," she grumbled.

Isabella couldn't suppress a small smile.

She soothingly reassured Eleanor and guided her toward the mansion's entrance.

"Isabella, you have such a good heart. Alexander is fortunate. He's truly blessed to have you," Eleanor said with genuine warmth.

They entered the dining room just as dinner was being served.

At the table, Eleanor's doting on Isabella continued unabated.

"Isabella, dear, you must try this. It's exquisite. You're far too slender. You need to build your strength," Eleanor insisted, her tone full of concern.

Isabella replied obediently, "Of course, Eleanor."

The more Eleanor looked at her, the more pleased she appeared. "Don't you worry, my dear. As long as I'm here, you'll always have whatever your heart desires."

Isabella felt a wave of helpless affection.

It was clear Eleanor believed Alexander was neglecting her care.

Without pause, Eleanor continued heaping food onto Isabella's plate.

Isabella ate as quickly as she could, but she was no match for Eleanor's relentless serving.

Soon, Isabella felt completely overwhelmed.

Not wanting to offend, she cast a desperate, silent plea toward Alexander.

Her eyes screamed, "Alexander, help me!"

He understood immediately.

He cleared his throat. "Grandmother, please, let Isabella serve herself. You've just returned from your journey. You should eat something yourself."

Isabella gave a subtle, grateful nod.

In mere minutes, the food on Isabella's plate had formed a small mountain.

Eleanor glanced at Alexander, then a knowing grin spread across her face. Without a word, she began serving him instead.

"Oh, are you feeling neglected? Here, let me serve you as well," she teased playfully.

Alexander paused, momentarily stunned by her accusation.

To avoid further drama, he decided to play along.

Eleanor added some greens to his plate. "You haven't lost any weight—in fact, you might have gained a little. Perhaps you should ease up on the rich foods."

Isabella couldn't hold back a light laugh. "Eleanor, really? He's gained weight?"

She had been with him constantly and hadn't noticed any change.

"Absolutely! The moment I saw him, I thought he looked heavier," Eleanor stated with absolute conviction.

Alexander sighed in defeat. "Grandmother, look closely. I've added muscle, not fat. While you were abroad, I've maintained a strict gym regimen."