Chapter Twenty-Five

Harriet smiled back. "That's great, sweetie."

Just then, a woman dressed in a fancy, bright red dress appeared behind Harriet, her dark curls cascading down her shoulders.

She was accompanied by a younger man, who was also dressed in formal attire.

"Mom!" Isabel cried out as she went over to hug the woman, who patted her on the back.

"Hey, honey," the woman replied.

Harriet gasped as she turned to look at the duo. "Didn't you two say you weren't coming?"

"We decided to surprise you, grandma," the young man spoke softly beside the woman.

Harriet gazed at the new arrivals for a moment before turning back to Camilla and Alexander, who was already staring at the woman with a sheepish grin.

"Dear," Harriet addressed Camilla. "This is Harvey, Alexander's mother."

Camilla smiled slightly and nodded, extending her hand towards Harvey.

"Oh no, dear," Harvey said, putting her arm around Camilla and pulling her close into a warm embrace. "I prefer a hug."

Then, Harvey pulled away from Camilla, sm