Chapter 190

Isabella headed upstairs at 7:00 sharp.

Sophia was already awake.

When she noticed Isabella returning, Sophia quickly minimized her WhatsApp chat window.

Isabella pretended not to see it. "Go freshen up and change," she said casually.

"Okay!"

As Isabella packed her belongings, she saw Margaret gathering last night's pajamas to wash.

"Don't bother washing those, Margaret," Isabella said. "Just throw them away."

"Actually, dispose of everything here. I won't be needing any of it anymore."

The divorce from Alexander would be finalized soon.

Even if she met Sophia in the future, she wouldn't step foot in this house again, much less stay overnight.

These items held no meaning for her now.

There had always been tension between Isabella and Alexander.

Her rare visits over the past few months had already signaled their deteriorating relationship.

When Alexander had cleared her things from the master bedroom earlier that month, it was the final confirmation.

Now, with Isabella's words, Margaret had no remaining doubts.

Margaret hesitated before murmuring, "Understood."

Carrying her bag downstairs, Isabella nearly collided with Alexander returning from his morning run.

"Good morning," he offered first.

Isabella gave a curt nod. "Morning."

She placed her bag on the sofa and headed to the kitchen while Alexander went upstairs.

With breakfast still being prepared, Margaret handled the final touches. Isabella settled in the living room with a book, waiting for Sophia.

Time was running short. When Sophia still hadn't appeared, Isabella remained seated and asked Margaret to hurry her along.

In the past, Isabella would have gone upstairs herself.

Now she behaved more like a guest, showing less concern for Sophia's routines.

Margaret noticed the change but simply nodded and went upstairs.

"New book?"

Isabella was so absorbed she didn't realize Alexander had come downstairs.

She nodded.

"Mind if I take a look?" He extended his hand.

Isabella hesitated. "Don't you have your own copy?"

It was the latest AI research journal.

Early in their marriage, when Isabella was still unfamiliar with AI, she'd noticed numerous AI-related books in Alexander's study.

Naturally, he subscribed to all the leading journals in the field.

"Been too busy lately to check the latest issue."

He reached for the journal just as Sophia's footsteps approached.

Since breakfast was ready, Isabella handed it over.

Sophia bounded downstairs, spotted them, and grabbed Isabella's hand. "Breakfast ready, Mom?"

"Yes."

Isabella headed to the dining room. Sophia followed but turned back to Alexander, still holding the journal. "Aren't you joining us, Dad?"

"In a minute," he replied.

Once Isabella and Sophia were seated, Alexander arrived.

He'd barely started eating when his phone buzzed.

Setting down his utensils, he checked the notification.

Isabella ate quietly. Finishing first, she returned to the living room and retrieved the journal Alexander had left on the coffee table, tucking it into her bag. When Sophia finished, they left without another word to Alexander.