Chapter 164: Chapter 165

Chapter 0165 Chapter 0165 I decided I wouldn’t hold my earlier impressions against her.

As we moved to the living room for dessert, the tension between Alexander and Diana lingered in the air. Alexander remained polite but guarded, keeping a subtle distance. He seemed uncomfortable, his sharp gaze flickering toward his mother with a critical edge.

I told myself it was probably because of her earlier remarks, though the unease in the room felt harder to explain away.

We settled into plush chairs as the house staff brought out coffee and an elegant tray of sweets. Diana launched into an animated story about her grandmother’s set of heirloom jewels, describing each piece with vivid detail.

When she offered to let me borrow them for the ceremony, couldn’t help but feel flattered by the gesture.

“That’s generous of you,” Alexander said, arching a single eyebrow.

“Why shouldn’t I be generous?” Diana replied smoothly, but there was something slightly off about her smile. It seemed a little too polished, too deliberate as she turned her focus to her son.

“There’s no reason for you to be,” Alexander said, his tone neutral. “I have everything handled.”

“As always,” Diana said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “You’ve always had that independent streak–never wanted to accept help from anyone. He’s been like this since he was young,” she said, turning to me.

“I’ll gladly accept help when I need it,” Alexander replied, his voice calm. “I simply don’t want to ask too much of you.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” she said.

“It would be nice to borrow something for the wedding day, I think,” I said. “Maybe another day we can look over things together.”

“See?” she said, glancing at Alexander. “I knew Ella would understand.”

Diana’s smirk softened into something resembling a real smile, but the tension between them didn’t dissipate. Alexander’s posture remained stiff, his hand resting lightly on the arm of his chair, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished wood.

A light knock on the door interrupted the low hum of conversation, and Alexander’s drumming fingers stilled as he turned his attention toward it. Relief flickered across his face, his rigid posture softening slightly as the door opened.

Standing in the doorway was a tall, slim young man with dark hair and wide, boyish features. Despite his sharp suit, he exuded an air of youthful awkwardness.

“Oh, Michael!” Diana exclaimed, springing to her feet with unrestrained excitement. She hurried across the room, enveloping the newcomer in a tight hug. “You’re home! Did you have fun?”

Michael’s cheeks flushed faintly as he glanced at us, clearly uncomfortable with his mother’s behavior. “I’m fine, Mother,” he said softly. “It was just two days. You’re acting like I was gone for months.”

“Yes, but I’m not used to you leaving,” Diana said, her voice thick with emotion. “I was so worried about you. It’s such a relief to have you back safe and sound.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Michael muttered, shifting uncomfortably in her embrace. “Please, stop fussing.”

“I’m your mother,” Diana said, pulling back only slightly to cup his face. “It’s my job to fuss.”

+25 BONUS Chapter 0165 I glanced at Alexander, noting the slight tightening of his jaw and the way his gaze dropped to his lap. The stark difference between Diana’s welcome for Michael and the way she had greeted Alexander earlier hit me like a splash of cold water.

My heart sank as I realized what I was witnessing. Diana clearly had a favorite son.

It explained so much the tension in Alexander’s demeanor, the clipped tone he used with her, and the guarded way he carried himself in this house. How could he not feel the weight of her different treatment?

Alexander’s expression was impassive, but the subtle stiffness in his posture told me the truth. I wanted to reach for his hand, to offer silent reassurance, but I held back, unsure if the gesture would only make him feel more exposed.

Michael, oblivious to the tension in the room, offered a polite nod in our direction. “Hello,” he said. “You must be Ella.”

I forced a smile and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Michael”

“Likewise,” he said, his tone genuine but quiet. He glanced between Alexander and me, his gaze lingering curiously on his older brother for a moment before Diana ushered him further into the room, chattering about his trip.

Alexander remained silent, his expression carefully controlled, but I could read the unease in his body language. It was becoming increasingly clear that beneath his composed exterior lay scars that ran deep. Navigating things with the Black family might be more difficult than I had hoped.

+25 BONUS Chapter 0166