Chapter 10

Alexander didn't dwell on it. He figured Isabella had returned to the Sinclair estate.

Stepping into the shower, it struck him that Isabella always took Sophia along when visiting Margaret. This time, she hadn't.

Had she gone somewhere else?

Maybe an emergency had come up at the Sinclair residence. Daniel's earlier comments flashed through his mind, cementing his suspicions.

Alexander hesitated briefly before shaking it off. Not his concern.

At breakfast the next morning, Alexander informed Sophia, "Your school registration is complete. Classes start tomorrow."

"Got it." Sophia wrinkled her nose. "Will you drive me tomorrow, Dad?"

"Can't promise that."

"Fine." Her eyes sparkled. "I'll ask Victoria to take me."

Before Alexander could respond, his phone rang. Eleanor Whitmore was calling.

"Back in the country, I hear?" came Eleanor's voice.

"Yes."

"Did Sophia come with you?"

"She did."

"I haven't seen my great-granddaughter in ages. Bring her and Isabella for dinner tonight."

"Will do."

Eleanor pressed, "Where's Isabella? Put her on."

"She's not here."

"At this hour? Where is she?"

"Likely at the Sinclair residence."

"'Likely'? You're her husband and you don't know?"

Silence.

"Oh, Alexander." A heavy sigh. "You're impossible."

Alexander's tone softened slightly as he deflected. "Had lunch yet?"

"Your nonsense is enough to kill my appetite!"

A quiet chuckle escaped him as he continued eating.

Eleanor knew pushing Alexander was futile. His marriage to Isabella was already a major compromise for someone of his stubborn nature. There were limits to how much even she could pressure him.

"Fine," she sighed. "I've said my piece, you obstinate mule."

"See you tonight."

"You— Ugh!" The line went dead.

Sophia, who'd been half-listening, perked up. "Who was that, Dad?"

"Your great-grandmother."

Remembering the dinner plans, he added, "She wants us over tonight."

Sophia brightened. "Perfect! I've missed Nana so much!"

Alexander glanced at his phone without comment.

Meanwhile, Isabella was finishing breakfast at the Sinclair estate when Alexander's call came through.

She froze. Unlike before, his name on her screen no longer sparked joy.

After a beat, she answered. "Hello?"

"Grandmother wants us at Whitmore Manor tonight," Alexander stated.

"Understood," Isabella agreed.

"Pick up Sophia on your way," he added.

Isabella had no desire to return to his house. Even if she did, Sophia wouldn't be thrilled to see her.

Why subject herself to that?

"Have the chauffeur bring her," she countered. "I'll drive separately after work."

During rush hour, this made practical sense.

Yet Isabella had always insisted on personally handling Sophia's transportation before. Her detached response gave Alexander pause.

Still, it was trivial. "Fine," he said, hanging up.

This time, Sophia recognized the caller. "Was that Mom?"

"Yes."

"So she's coming to Nana's tonight?"

"Yes."

Sophia's face clouded briefly before smoothing. It wasn't that she didn't miss Isabella—she hadn't seen her in weeks, and this was the longest they'd gone without contact.

The thought tugged at her heart. But Isabella's return meant less time with Victoria.

Learning Isabella was away on business after their return had delighted Sophia—more Victoria time.

Now that arrangement would end. Her mood soured.

She'd already secured Victoria's promise to take her to school tomorrow. What now?

"Dad," she ventured.

"Yes?"

While Isabella could handle school drop-off, Sophia was determined to attend Victoria's racing championship tomorrow night.

Clutching Alexander's arm, she pleaded, "You promised to take me to Victoria's race tomorrow. Mom won't allow it. Don't tell her? If she asks, make something up?"

"Fine."

Reassured, Sophia brightened slightly.

After breakfast, Alexander left for work.

Isabella arrived at Whitmore Group that morning without crossing paths with him.

At noon, Margaret invited her to lunch at The Grandeur. Since it was nearby, Isabella agreed.

Approaching the entrance, familiar voices made her freeze.

"Alexander, without your help, I'd never have landed this contract. My deepest gratitude."

Her father, Reginald.

Alexander's unusually warm reply followed: "Think nothing of it, Mr. Kensington."

Isabella's fists clenched. That tone was reserved for people he valued—and she knew his regard for Reginald had nothing to do with her.

Not after Reginald had divorced Evelyn, cutting ties with Isabella entirely. These days, he only acknowledged Victoria as his daughter.

Sure enough, Reginald continued, "Victoria's alone here. Her mother and I worry. Please look after her."