Chapter 143

Julian stayed close to Isabella and Lily, shielding them from the bustling crowd.

The slopes were unusually packed today.

Within the first hour, two skiers collided with them.

Lily remained unharmed, but Isabella crashed straight into Julian.

His arms instinctively encircled her waist, pulling her firmly against his chest.

Pressed against his muscular frame, Isabella froze momentarily before squirming uncomfortably. She tried pushing away, only to wince in pain.

Julian tightened his grip. "Did you twist your ankle?"

"I think... yes."

He summoned a staff member to assist Lily before scooping Isabella into his arms.

She'd expected him to let the staff handle it. The sudden lift made her gasp. "Put me down—"

"The medic's waiting," Julian interrupted. "Let's get that ankle checked first."

Isabella stopped resisting.

Inside the lodge, Julian carefully set her down.

The examining physician confirmed a minor dislocation. After a quick adjustment, she was cleared.

"Still want to ski?" Julian asked.

"I'm fine." Isabella didn't want to ruin Lily's fun.

Seeing the doctor's approval, Julian didn't object.

Unbeknownst to them, someone watched from a distance.

"Genevieve? What's caught your eye?"

Genevieve squinted. "I think I recognize someone."

The man's profile resembled Julian's. But with a woman and child? Surely not him.

As she stepped closer for a better look, the man replaced his goggles and moved away.

Over the next hour, Isabella and Lily had two more minor collisions, both harmless.

When Julian reached to steady her, Isabella subtly withdrew her hand. "I'm good now."

Only then did he release her wrist.

At lunchtime, they retreated to a nearby restaurant. Julian handed Isabella the menu.

Mid-meal, Lily suddenly asked, "Ms. Sinclair, what's your first name?"

"Isabella. Isabella Sinclair. You can call me Ms. Isabella."

Lily beamed. "Ms. Isabella."

Isabella smiled, gently patting the girl's cheek.

Exhausted from skiing, Lily dozed off before dessert. Julian lifted her, wiping chocolate from her mouth.

Isabella set down her fork. "Shall we call it a day?"

"Alright." Instead of rising, Julian met her gaze. "Can I invite you out again?"

"Sure."

He'd helped today, and Lily clearly enjoyed her company. A few more outings seemed fair.

"Thanks."

"No need."

With Lily asleep and conversation lulling, Isabella excused herself.

Julian watched her car disappear before carrying Lily to his vehicle.

At home, Lily stirred. "Ms. Isabella left already?"

"Yes." Julian suddenly added, "From now on, just call her 'Ms. Sinclair,' okay? And keep her name secret. Don't tell anyone."

Lily nodded obediently. "Okay."