Chapter 383

Isabella Montgomery stood a few paces away, observing the little boy with a perplexed expression. The child was undeniably adorable, but the bouquet of white chrysanthemums clutched in his tiny hands was utterly baffling.

Her mood soured instantly.

What on earth was Evelyn thinking? Why was there a child here holding funeral flowers?

Just as Isabella was lost in thought, Evelyn hurried outside, waving at her.

"What brings you here?"

Isabella quickly schooled her features, but before she could respond, the little boy dashed forward and wrapped his arms around Evelyn’s leg. He tilted his head up, his bright blue eyes sparkling with innocence.

"Miss Muse, I missed you so much!"

Isabella froze.

Evelyn chuckled, gently pinching the boy’s chubby cheeks. "I missed you too, sweetheart."

The child eagerly thrust the bouquet toward her. "These are your favorite flowers, Miss Muse!"

Evelyn accepted them with a strained smile. "Thank you."

Even she wasn’t aware that white chrysanthemums had become her favorite.

Well, it was the thought that counted.

Isabella frowned. Since when did Evelyn prefer chrysanthemums? Weren’t Lily of the Valley her go-to?

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Evelyn, since when do you have a little brother? Is he your father’s secret love child?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Do you really think my dad could produce something this cute?"

Her father’s side of the family all had dark hair and brown eyes.

Though Preston Sinclair also had dark hair and brown eyes, his maternal lineage traced back to Northern Italy—blonde hair and blue eyes ran in that bloodline. His wife had been blonde as well.

Thus, the recessive genes had manifested in Oliver.

Isabella nodded. That made sense.

Evelyn and her brothers’ striking looks were entirely inherited from their mother.

Little Oliver studied Isabella with curiosity. Since she was Miss Muse’s friend, he decided to be polite—after all, he didn’t need to compete with her for Evelyn’s attention.

With that thought, he flashed a sweet smile, his sapphire eyes twinkling.

"Hello, Madam!"

Isabella’s heart shattered instantly.

She stiffened. He called Evelyn Miss Muse, but Madam for her?!

Rage flickered in her eyes, but Evelyn swiftly pulled her aside before she could explode.

"He’s just a kid! Cut him some slack, okay?"

Isabella trembled with indignation, glaring at the boy. Suddenly, his angelic face seemed irritating in every way.

"Hmph. What an obnoxious child!"

Oliver blinked, his innocent expression faltering. He didn’t understand why Miss Muse’s friend was so angry.

Just then, his nanny’s frantic voice crackled through his earpiece. "Young Master, you must be sweeter! Compliment the lady!"

Oliver’s eyes widened in realization. He stepped forward and took Isabella’s hand.

His gaze brimmed with sincerity as he declared, "Pretty Madam, your dress is very nice!"

Isabella’s face darkened. Fury swelled in her chest, choking her.

So now she was a Pretty Madam? And only her dress was nice?

Isabella Montgomery was accustomed to being adored and praised wherever she went. No one had ever dared insult her like this.

This was outright humiliation!

Evelyn bit back a laugh but quickly composed herself when Isabella shot her a death glare.

"Ahem... Gorgeous Ms. Montgomery, what did you need me for?"

She playfully swung Isabella’s arm, but the latter huffed and looked away.

"Don’t even ask. My mother’s relentless matchmaking is driving me insane. I came to see if you wanted to go shopping with me."

Hearing this, Oliver immediately tugged Evelyn’s hand, his expression protective.

"I got here first! Pretty Madam, why don’t you find someone else?"

The way he called her Pretty Madam made Isabella’s blood boil.

Evelyn couldn’t just dismiss Isabella—knowing her temper, she’d make Oliver’s life miserable later.

"Why don’t we all go together?" Evelyn suggested.