Chapter 161

Nathaniel's face lit up with a smile as he immediately greeted Isabella. "Ms. Sinclair."

Isabella smiled and nodded before turning to both him and Maxwell. "Alexander is treating my team to dinner. Would Mr. Graves and Mr. Sterling care to join us?"

She deliberately ignored Victoria.

Maxwell was eager to accept, but he glanced at Nathaniel and Victoria first.

Nathaniel declined without hesitation. "Ms. Sinclair, we appreciate the invitation, but we already have plans."

Isabella frowned. "Mr. Graves—" She hadn’t expected him to remain so firm despite her repeated attempts.

Her gaze flickered toward Victoria, who sat nearby, sipping water.

Victoria met her eyes with a cold stare.

Isabella quickly looked away.

What did Victoria have that made Nathaniel so loyal? Beauty alone couldn’t compare to her own brilliance.

Since Nathaniel refused, Isabella maintained her polite smile. "Another time, then." Without another glance at Victoria or Maxwell, she turned and left.

Maxwell exhaled sharply. "Ms. Sinclair can be quite dismissive."

Isabella had every reason to be confident, but even Alexander, the true head of InnovaTech, treated employees with respect.

Nathaniel shrugged. "I noticed."

Isabella carried herself like she already owned the company. Even without Alexander’s backing, her arrogance was palpable.

Not long after, Alexander—likely informed by Isabella—approached them.

He shook Nathaniel’s hand courteously. "We’re heading out now. Mr. Graves, I hope you’ll join us next time."

Nathaniel hesitated briefly. "Of course."

Alexander smiled, gave Victoria a fleeting glance, then left with Isabella and her team waiting at the entrance.

After lunch, Victoria and Nathaniel returned to InnovaTech.

Isabella’s team didn’t return until much later.

By 6:00 PM, Victoria and Nathaniel wrapped up their work. There was still plenty to handle, but they had time over the next few days. No rush.

Isabella’s team, however, showed no signs of stopping.

Maxwell remarked, "I heard they’re planning to work overtime tonight."

Nathaniel replied, "Hmm."

Victoria said, "Let’s go."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Let me treat you to dinner."

She shook her head. "No need. I have other plans."

Eleanor had asked her to return to Whitmore Manor for dinner.

When she arrived, Alexander and Sophia were already home.

She hadn’t expected Alexander to be back—she’d assumed he’d stay at the office with Isabella.

Alexander barely glanced up from his laptop when she entered.

During dinner, he sat beside her, absorbed in his phone.

Victoria suddenly spoke. "Do you have a moment? There’s something I need to discuss with you."