"Thank you both for coming." Her gaze focused mainly on me. "Noelle, let's get together again sometime."
"Sounds good."
"If you need anything in the future, you can contact Dmitri." Kholod suddenly said. "The family will continue supporting your charitable work."
"Thank you, Kholod!"
He nodded without speaking and led me toward the exit.
In the car, I couldn't help asking, "Why were you so cold to Isabella?"
"I was just treating a sister appropriately." He fastened my seatbelt for me. "Being too close easily causes misunderstandings. Noelle, I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. You are my wife."
He was emphasizing this point again. Over and over, as if convincing others, but also as if convincing himself.
I leaned back in my seat, watching the passing night scenery through the window, recalling everything about tonight. From the moment we entered, he deliberately distanced himself from Isabella while keeping me closely protected at his side, announcing my status to the entire world.
This change puzzled me. Saying I wasn't moved would be a lie, but with the cause of my father's death still unclear, I couldn't let this brief warmth deceive me. I had experienced his cruelty and unpredictability too deeply—this might just be another, more sophisticated game.
I couldn't see through him. This sudden protection made me more uneasy than any previous torment.
Chapter Nineteen
Noelle
"Noelle! It's been forever! How have you been?" Isabella's cheerful voice came through the phone.
"Not bad." I tucked the phone between my ear and shoulder, continuing to cross-check the catalog numbers. "How about you?"
"Crazy busy! So much follow-up from the auction. But I'm finally done. Are you free the day after tomorrow? Let's go shopping and have some tea! It's been way too long since we had a proper chat."
"Shopping? Where?"
"There are some lovely boutiques that opened on Ninth Street. I want to check them out. Then we can go to Rittenhouse—you'll absolutely love their pastries!"
That was Philadelphia's most exclusive tea room, elegant and refined, a favorite haunt of society ladies.
"Sounds lovely." I set down my pen. "But I need to ask Kholod first..."
"Ugh..." Her tone carried a hint of annoyance. "It's just tea. He won't say no, will he?"
"You know his temper."
"Fine, fine. Ask him then." Isabella laughed. "Oh, I have a little surprise for you too! You'll find out when we meet!"
"A surprise? What kind?"
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you!" She sounded mysterious. "Remember to dress up! Love you!"
After hanging up, I felt a long-lost sense of lightness.
Honestly, things had been peaceful lately, but also monotonous. Every day was either organizing antiques in the collection room or reading and painting in the library. Occasionally, I'd have tea with Anastasia, listening to her family stories.
Kholod had indeed moved back to the master bedroom, but he kept his distance. Aside from occasional kisses, he hadn't overstepped. During the day, he handled family business, and at night, he'd just lie quietly beside me, reading documents.
A chance to get out and see friends was more than welcome.
At dinner, I gathered my courage.
