Chapter 132

Alexander gave a curt nod. "Fine."

Nathaniel acknowledged him before turning to Isabella. "Are you heading home tonight?"

Isabella had been replaying the exchange between Nathaniel and Alexander in her mind. When addressed directly, she hesitated briefly before answering, "No."

Nathaniel stood abruptly. "Understood. I'll collect Sophia myself then."

His departure was imminent.

Isabella responded icily, "Very well."

Without another word to her, Alexander approached Margaret. "Madam Sinclair, I must take my leave now."

Margaret remained seated, her tone equally frosty. "Don't trouble yourself."

The dismissal didn't faze him. He nodded slightly at Charles in silent farewell before exiting the banquet hall.

Outside the Grandeur, Julian had just stepped from his car when Alexander emerged. His movements faltered momentarily.

Alexander entered his vehicle without hesitation and drove off.

Julian watched the taillights disappear but made no move to follow.

The event concluded with Frederick and Nathaniel departing together.

Meanwhile, Sophia had overindulged in sweets earlier. When dinner was served, she'd barely touched her meal before escaping upstairs to play video games.

After most guests had left, Isabella finally went to retrieve her.

Seeing her mother enter, Sophia removed her headphones. "Finished already?"

"Yes." Remembering Alexander's earlier words, Isabella added, "Your father's coming to get you tonight. Call him to confirm the time."

Excited about tomorrow's playdate with Victoria, Sophia eagerly agreed. "Okay!"

The call connected instantly. Moments later, she announced, "Dad says fifteen minutes."

"Pack your things then. We'll wait downstairs."

Sophia nearly asked for help packing - her mother usually assisted. But sensing Isabella's mood, she thought better of it.

When the time came, Isabella escorted her downstairs.

In the elevator, Sophia swung their clasped hands. "Mom?"

Isabella glanced down. "Hmm?"

"You're quieter lately." She'd noticed the daily check-ins had stopped, along with her mother's usual stream of questions.

Strangely, she preferred this change. But now she realized the silence extended beyond phone calls - even in person, her mother spoke less.

Like she'd... withdrawn.

Isabella knew her daughter wasn't oblivious. That it took this long for Sophia to notice only proved one thing - she'd grown accustomed to being ignored.

"Just tired," Isabella deflected.

The night wind cut like knives.

Exiting the lobby, the icy gusts stung their faces.

Sophia shivered violently, digging her heels in. She buried her face against Isabella's midsection. "Too cold, Mommy. Carry me."

At nearly six, Sophia was heavy.

Though it strained her, Isabella bent and lifted her anyway.