Chapter 379

Isabelle nodded eagerly and skipped off toward Lillian. Deciding not to waste her time on Victor any longer, Olivia turned her attention elsewhere. She moved through the crowd, reconnecting with familiar faces.

"Olivia!" Natalie's voice rang out as she rushed forward, pulling Olivia into a tight embrace. Tears shimmered in Natalie's eyes as she spoke, "We thought we'd lost you forever! It's been years since I last saw you. Daniel and I have missed you terribly."

Olivia felt emotion tighten her throat at those words. Part of why she longed to return to Eldermere was because of friends like these. Though they'd kept in touch through messages, it wasn't the same as being together in person.

Back then, Olivia had departed suddenly, driven by the Kensington family's urgent crisis. In her haste, she hadn't been able to say proper goodbyes. Now, reunited at last, a profound sense of relief washed over her.

Gently wiping Natalie's tears away, Olivia smiled softly. "Why are you crying like this? You're a grown woman now, yet here you are acting like a child. Isabelle takes after you. Come, let me introduce you - she'll be thrilled to see her godmother."

"Alright," Natalie replied, her eyes brightening. "I knew your voice had recovered, but hearing it again still feels miraculous. You have such a beautiful tone. If you pursued singing, you'd undoubtedly become a national sensation."

Olivia laughed at the compliment. As they walked together, Natalie linked arms with Olivia. "This way. There are two people I want you to see. They're here at the banquet too."

"Who?" Olivia asked, puzzled.

Natalie's eyes sparkled with playful mystery. "You'll know the moment you see them."

Olivia looked ahead and spotted Alexander and Isabella approaching hand in hand. The years had been kind - Alexander had matured into an even more distinguished gentleman, while Isabella radiated elegance and grace.

Olivia's gaze immediately caught the glittering diamond on Isabella's finger. She gasped and turned to Natalie. "They...?"

Isabella's face lit up when she saw Olivia. She hurried forward and clasped Olivia's hands. Though less demonstrative than Natalie, the emotion in her eyes was just as deep. "Olivia, I can hardly believe you're really here."

"My return is permanent this time," Olivia said warmly. "But enough about the past - don't you have wonderful news to share?" She glanced playfully between Alexander and Isabella.

Isabella's cheeks flushed pink as Alexander stepped closer, gently taking her hand.

"We only decided recently," Alexander explained. "Being a man of action, I wanted to celebrate immediately. We organized the engagement party as soon as possible. It was important to share this with you and," he added with a meaningful look at Isabella, "to set certain minds at ease."

Isabella huffed, "Whose mind exactly were you trying to ease - mine or yours?"

Alexander cleared his throat, his ears turning red. Watching their happiness, Olivia felt truly content.

Alexander suddenly remembered their purpose. Turning serious, he said, "Olivia, you must visit Grandfather when you can. He talks of little else these days. His health is stable, but we keep him indoors. If I hadn't promised you'd visit this weekend, he would have insisted on coming tonight. The older he gets, the more childlike he becomes - we can't reason with him."