Free Web NovelChapter 107: Chapter 107 Never Settle for Less
Bella’s POV
The lunch at Jack’s estate had been proceeding smoothly on the surface, but beneath the polite conversation, I sensed undercurrents of tension that made me increasingly uncomfortable.
Vance sat beside me like a statue carved from ice, his attention drifting everywhere except the people trying to engage him in conversation. His responses came in clipped, one-word answers that barely qualified as civil. Each time someone directed a question his way, I watched him retreat further into his shell of indifference.
Even more troubling was Lady Norma’s unusual behavior. The spirited woman who had regaled us with vivid war stories during our previous visit seemed like a shadow of herself that day. Gone was her infectious enthusiasm and sharp wit. Instead, she picked at her food in silence, offering only brief comments about mundane topics like the weather, her health, or the interview with the child from the day before.
The transformation was so stark that I found myself studying the elderly woman’s face, searching for clues about what had changed. Lady Norma, who had demanded whiskey and laughed heartily during our last encounter, now declined even a glass of wine.
When the meal finally concluded, Lady Norma’s relief was palpable. She straightened in her chair, that practiced social smile never wavering despite the obvious effort it required.
"I think I should rest now," she announced, her voice carrying a finality that suggested the gathering had run its course.
Vance’s eye roll was so subtle that only I caught it, but the gesture spoke volumes about his eagerness to escape. His lack of basic courtesy throughout the entire meal had been embarrassing. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"Thank you so much for having us," I said warmly, hoping to compensate for my husband’s rudeness. "You went to so much trouble."
Vance finally spoke, though his contribution was minimal. "The food was acceptable."
I cringed internally. Even his rare compliments sounded like criticisms.
Lady Norma’s response surprised me. "I had the kitchen staff prepare everything specially for you, Bella."
The pointed exclusion of Vance from that sentiment wasn’t lost on anyone at the table. freewёbnoνel.com
"She’s quite remarkable, isn’t she?" Vance said, turning toward me with one of his mechanical compliments that sounded rehearsed rather than genuine.
I forced a smile that felt as artificial as his words sounded.
"She certainly is," Lady Norma agreed. Then she did something unexpected. "Bella, would you mind helping me to my room?"
The request caught everyone off guard. Jack typically assisted his grandmother with such things, and she had never asked me for help before.
"My grandmother has clearly taken a special liking to you," Jack observed with genuine warmth rather than sarcasm.
"The feeling is mutual," I replied sincerely. "She’s an extraordinary woman."
I rose from my chair and moved to Lady Norma’s side, offering my arm for support. Together, we walked slowly toward the bedroom on the ground floor, just steps away from the dining area.
Once inside the private space, I helped settle Lady Norma into bed, but the older woman’s grip on my hand remained firm, signaling she had more to say.
"Never settle for less than you deserve," Lady Norma said suddenly, her eyes intense with an urgency that startled me.
The unexpected advice hit like a physical blow. I had been prepared for criticism about my wolf heritage or discussion of the disastrous interview my sister had given about ruining the engagement dinner. I knew Lady Norma cared for my half-sister, so disapproval would have been understandable.
Instead, I found myself facing this cryptic warning.
I lowered myself into the bedside chair, studying Lady Norma’s weathered but determined face. "What makes you say that?"
Lady Norma’s laugh held no humor. "It’s ironic, really. When your husband appeared, I realized I had been entertaining foolish hopes. All this time, I was imagining you with my grandson."
The confession hung between us like a challenge. I felt my practiced smile falter before I managed to restore it.
"That’s incredibly kind of you to say, but Jack will find someone perfect for him," I replied diplomatically.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. I had spent years being told I was unmarriageable, that no one would ever want me, that I would die alone and forgotten. Now I found myself surrounded by people expressing interest while trapped in a marriage that felt more like a business arrangement.
After ensuring Lady Norma was comfortable, I bid her farewell and returned to the main room, where I found Jack standing awkwardly near Vance, who had retreated once again into his phone. I recognized the tactic—it was his preferred method of avoiding any social interaction that required actual engagement.
The sight annoyed me more than usual. I nodded to Jack and headed for the exit, with Vance trailing behind.
"Care for a walk?" Vance suggested once we were outside.
I fell into step beside him without responding.
"The elderly woman seems quite fond of you," he began, and I bristled at his dismissive tone.
"Her name is Lady Norma," I corrected sharply.
"Lady Norma is still an elderly woman. Should I pretend she’s a teenager?" His sarcasm was particularly grating that day.
Rather than escalate the argument, I let it drop, though my irritation simmered beneath the surface.
"What did you discuss when you disappeared together?" The question came with an edge of suspicion that surprised me.
"Nothing important," I replied curtly.
"You showed zero interest in conversation during lunch, so why the sudden curiosity?" The challenge in my voice made him pause.
"Fair point," he conceded with characteristic brevity.
We continued walking in tense silence until movement from the guest house caught my attention. For a moment, my heart sank, thinking it might be Camilla emerging to complicate our day further. Instead, I saw Serena approaching with Derek, whose rigid posture suggested he was equally thrilled about the interruption.
"We spotted you taking a romantic stroll and thought we’d join you," Serena announced brightly, her arm linked possessively through Derek’s.
"I suggested we give you privacy, but women rarely listen," Derek added with cold disapproval.
"No problem at all. Company sounds perfect," Vance replied with sudden enthusiasm that immediately put me on high alert.
I knew that tone. Vance was plotting something, and these two had just walked directly into whatever web he was spinning.
