Chapter 199

Isabella shook her head. "You two go ahead. I won't be joining."

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Mom, you're not coming?"

"Mmm." Isabella gently ruffled Sophia's hair. "I need to leave first. Enjoy your meal."

"Oh..."

Isabella offered a small smile before turning away without another word.

Alexander watched her retreating figure but made no move to stop her. Instead, he simply said, "Let's go."

"Okay."

No sooner had they settled in the car than Alexander's phone rang. Eleanor's name flashed on the screen.

The moment he answered, her furious voice came through gritted teeth. "Did you approve that joint venture with the Kensingtons and the Pembroke family through Whitmore Enterprises?"

Alexander hummed in confirmation, then chuckled darkly. "You're just finding out now?"

"How dare you!" Eleanor's voice trembled with rage. "What game are you playing? Are you—" She cut herself off, realizing the implication. If he was making moves like this, divorce papers couldn't be far behind.

By openly bringing the Kensingtons into Whitmore business, he wasn't even trying to hide his intentions anymore.

Before he could respond, she snapped, "I won't allow it! If you insist on proceeding, you'll reduce their shares immediately. Otherwise, I'll—"

"Grandmother." Alexander's voice remained calm but firm. "I upheld my end of our agreement before marriage. Now I expect you to honor yours—stay out of my business decisions."

In other words: hands off the Kensingtons.

"You—"

Since Alexander took the helm at Whitmore Enterprises, the company had flourished under his leadership. The board had long since learned that his decisions brought profit and stability.

If Eleanor tried to oppose him now, the shareholders would revolt before he even needed to lift a finger.

The truth was simple: Whitmore needed Alexander far more than he needed them.

Using the company as leverage was pointless. What about emotional blackmail?

As he'd just reminded her, marrying Isabella had already been his concession to family obligations.

Eleanor knew her grandson well—he wasn't one for repeated compromises. Once he set his mind to something, nothing could sway him.

And if pushed too far...

The line went silent. That silence was her surrender.

Alexander casually changed the subject. "Have you eaten lunch?"

The dial tone answered him.

Looking at his phone, Alexander smirked.

Sophia peeked over curiously. "What happened?"

"Your grandmother is upset," he said, setting his phone aside.

"Did you make her mad?"

"Mmm."

"Aren't you going to apologize?" Sophia asked.

"Later." He started the engine. "I'll handle it when the time is right."

"Oh... okay."

Back at the office, Nathaniel noticed Isabella's return but didn't mention the school event. "You're back early. Hungry?"

"Starving."

"Let's grab lunch then."

Isabella smiled. "Sounds perfect."

At the restaurant, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Ethan Blackwell, a senior Whitmore executive dining with his family.

After ushering his family into a private room, Ethan turned to Nathaniel. "I'd hoped we might collaborate again. But now..." He trailed off meaningfully.

Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "I hear Whitmore's new venture is thriving."

"Indeed." Ethan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "With Mr. Whitmore personally overseeing it, failure isn't an option."

"How fortunate." Nathaniel's tone was ice. "I also heard the Kensingtons and Pembrokes secured significant stakes. No objections from your board?"