Chapter 19

Even Alexander, usually so composed and restrained, couldn't hide his look of admiration. Beside him, Sophia and Oliver jumped from their seats, cheering wildly.

The race intensified to its peak. Henry raised the binoculars again, completely unaware that Alexander's group was also watching.

During a brief pause in the competition, Victoria momentarily took the lead.

Isabella asked Henry for the binoculars.

Henry grinned excitedly. "You've become a fan of VC too, haven't you? I told you - no one can resist her charm!"

Isabella gave a faint smile but didn't respond.

Her mind wandered to calling Alexander. She wanted to see his reaction, but quickly dismissed the idea, knowing he'd likely reject the call as usual.

Still, just this once, she thought.

Against her better judgment, Isabella dialed Alexander's number and lifted the binoculars again. Through them, she watched as he glanced at his phone and immediately declined the call before refocusing on Victoria.

His eyes held only Victoria.

Isabella took a deep breath, smiled to herself, and handed the binoculars back to Henry. She didn't watch the rest of the race or look in Alexander's direction again.

When the race concluded, Victoria had claimed first place.

Henry was overjoyed. He and his friends excitedly discussed approaching Victoria for an autograph.

"But VC's a billionaire heiress with a doctorate from Cambridge. Racing is just her passion project. She doesn't entertain fans or give autographs. She always leaves immediately after races. It's practically impossible to get one."

"True, and since this was an invite-only event, we had better odds. But the racers have private exits, and we don't have any connections to get backstage. Damn..."

As Henry and his friends lamented, news spread that Victoria had already left with her entourage to celebrate. Catherine called to check in, and Isabella declined Henry's plea to join his friends, insisting on taking him home.

Before leaving, Isabella stopped by the restroom.

On her way out, she accidentally collided with someone.

"Sorry," they both apologized simultaneously, stepping back.

Isabella looked up and froze.

It was Julian, one of Alexander's closest friends.

Julian recognized her too, and his already indifferent expression turned even colder.

Isabella noticed immediately.

She'd known Alexander since she was ten, but Julian and Alexander had been childhood friends, inseparable since their school days. Their bond remained unbreakable.

Yet Alexander had always excluded her from his inner circle, even after their marriage. So despite knowing Julian and Oliver for over a decade, they were barely acquaintances.

But Victoria, whom Alexander had known for only a short time, had already been introduced to all his friends.