Chapter 174

The Grandeur was buzzing with activity that evening.

After their dinner, Isabella and Nathaniel returned to the headquarters to continue their work.

On Wednesday morning, during an important strategy meeting, Nathaniel's assistant interrupted to announce Julian Montgomery's unexpected arrival.

Nathaniel didn't need to guess the purpose of this unannounced visit.

Given Julian's influential position in the business world, ignoring him wasn't an option.

Nathaniel turned to Isabella. "You handle the rest of this meeting. I'll go see what he wants."

"Of course."

When Nathaniel entered the reception area, Julian was already seated comfortably.

Noticing Nathaniel's solitary entrance, Julian's piercing gaze flickered briefly. He stood gracefully and extended his hand. "My apologies for dropping by unannounced, Mr. Graves."

Nathaniel forced a polite smile. "No need for apologies, Mr. Montgomery."

Once seated, Julian wasted no time, producing a sleek document folder. "I've prepared a proposal for our potential collaboration. Would you care to review it?"

Nathaniel accepted the folder. His expression grew increasingly serious as he scanned the contents.

Finally closing the document, he said, "Your offer is certainly generous, Mr. Montgomery. However, I'll need time to consider all aspects before giving you a definitive answer."

Julian remained perfectly composed. "Naturally. Due diligence is expected in business matters. Should you have any concerns about my proposal, my door is always open for discussion and adjustments."

Their meeting concluded swiftly, with Julian departing after brief pleasantries.

His impeccable manners and professional demeanor left Nathaniel no choice but to personally escort him out.

When Nathaniel returned, Isabella had already concluded the meeting.

"That man operates with frightening efficiency," Nathaniel remarked.

Just forty-eight hours after their phone conversation where Nathaniel had declined his initial offer, Julian had appeared with a fully developed proposal - no small talk, just straight business.

"Honestly," Nathaniel admitted, "his terms are extremely tempting."

Isabella considered this. "Take your time evaluating it. If the partnership truly benefits us, there's no reason not to proceed."

Nathaniel agreed, though it frustrated him that this development would make it harder to maintain his adversarial stance toward Julian.

The realization left him feeling oddly unsettled, as if robbed of an outlet for his lingering resentment.

Around five that evening, Isabella's phone vibrated insistently during her work.

A glance revealed Sophia's name - again.

Her daughter hadn't called for two days, but Isabella still let it go to voicemail, focusing instead on her reports.

Two mornings later, shortly after Isabella finished dressing, her phone rang once more.

She placed the buzzing device face-down on the dresser and moved toward the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Across town, Sophia stared at her silent phone, frustration bubbling up until her eyes grew misty.

Pushing her breakfast around her plate, she addressed Alexander across the table in a small voice. "That was the fourth time. Mom hasn't answered any of my calls since Saturday..."

Alexander sipped his coffee calmly. "Give it more time."

Sophia's fork clattered against her plate. "What if she never answers?"

"Then wait longer," he said simply. "She will eventually."

Sophia brightened slightly. "How long is eventually?"

Alexander considered this. "Two weeks, maximum."

Sophia's face fell. "Two weeks? That's forever!"

Alexander nodded. "It does feel that way sometimes."

Changing tactics, Sophia asked, "I want to go shopping this weekend. Victoria can't go with her injuries. Dad, will you take me?"

Alexander set down his newspaper. "I'm booked Saturday, but free Sunday. If you want to go Saturday, Julian and Lily would be happy to accompany you."