apter 18 : Thinking back , Anathea realliked that if Gregory ever found out shed secretly taken photos of them , he'd probably make her delete every last one on the spot . That was how much he avolded being seen will her - whether at their wedding or now , during their impending divorce . It was no surprise that no one ever believed she was actually Mrs , clair . Anathea smirked at the thought , but thankfully for her , none of that mattered anymore . She no longer cared about titles or labels . In a month , she'd be leaving the Sinclair family for good . " Here , try my dreamy white fish chowder ! " Brisa suddenly said . 1n , she clapped her hands , signaling a maid te bring over the dish . The rich , savory aroma filled the air immediately . The soup was a velvety blend of flaky white fish and tender potatoes , with hints of leeks and garlic , simmered to perfection in a creamy broth . Crisp pancetta added a subtle smokiness , while early mushrooms balanced the flavors . It was garnished with fresh chives . Anathea's grandmother used to make this dish for her all the time Later , Anathea took the bowl a mald handed her and carefully took a sip . The moment the familiar taste hit her tongue , her eyes welled up with tears . TH exactly like the dish her grandmother used to make . She deaten Brisa's cooking many times before , but for za this time felt different . A lump formed in her throat , and silent tears rolled down her cheeks before she knew it . " What's wrong ? " Brisa immediately looked concerned . " Why are you crying all of a sudden ? Did that brat Gregory do something again ? Just say the word , and I'll straighten him out ! " " No , that's not it . " Anathea quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile . " It's just … Your cooking is too good . " Brisa sighed in relief and handed her a tissue , gently wiping away the damp streaks on her face . " Well , eat as much as you want There's plenty to go around " " Okay . " Anathea nodded , scooping up another bite and finishing in down to the last drop . This was the most appetite she'd had since her last bout of gastritis . ir voice rang out . " Something smells delicious ! " Just then , a cheerful , familiar Anathea turned toward the sound and saw Isabel Sinclair - Gregor's cousin - walking over with an easy smile . Isabel greeted her warmly . " Anathea , you're here too ? " deasy to get along with . She treated Anathea just like any Unlike Gregory , who was always distant , Isabel was outgoing and easy t younger sister - in - law would - friendly and without hostility . Anathea gave her a slight nod and responded gently , " Hey , Izzy . " " Wow , Grandma made creamy white fish chowder ? " Isabel gasped dramatically , turning to Brisa with a playful pout . " You made something this good and didn't even call me ? Am I not your favorite granddaughter anymore ? " " You're acting as if I don't make this often! " Brisa scoffed , shaking her head . " Hurry up and dig in ! " " You don't have to tell me twice ! " Isabel plopped down beside Anathea , grabbed a bowl , and ladled a generous serving for herself . After the first spoontul , her eyes lit up . " Mmm ! It's so good ! Lucky for me that Anathea is here - otherwise , I wouldn't have gotten to taste Grandma's cooking today ! " " You're such a smooth talker , " Brisa scolded , but there was nothing but fondness on her face . " What's the matter ? Didn't get enough to eat at Eleanor's birthday party , so you ran here instead ? Chapter 18 ) +25 BONUS Isabel grinned , enjoying the special attention . Then , she waved dismissively , saying , " The food at the birthday party was line , but it's just the same fancy stuff we always have . Nothing exciting Your cooking is way better , Grandma ! I could eat this every day ! " Her words made Brisa laugh , and she happily piled more food onto sabel's plate . Meanwhile , Anathea stayed quiet , eating slowly and letting the two of them enjoy their moment . But in the next instant , Isabel turned to her and leaned in curiously , asking , " By the way , I saw Gregory and Xander in the garden earlier . Why aren't you with them ? "