Chapter 205

Isabella returned to the private dining room. Moments later, Dominic arrived as well.

They had finished their meal by then, so they left the restaurant together.

Dominic went back to his company to prepare documents while Isabella and Nathaniel headed to The Grandeur.

Around 3:00 pm, Julian showed up at The Grandeur almost simultaneously with Dominic.

They'd shared meals before during the autonomous vehicle trials at DataWing Inc.

Recognizing Julian, Dominic greeted him first. "Mr. Montgomery, have you finalized your collaboration with The Grandeur?"

"Indeed. Does this mean Mr. Fairchild is also ready to sign?"

"Correct."

Julian raised an eyebrow in surprise. At the previous gala, Nathaniel had outright rejected Dominic without hesitation.

He never expected they'd end up working together after all. What changed? Just then, Isabella and Nathaniel entered the conference room.

Though Nathaniel wasn't particularly fond of either Julian or Dominic, his attitude toward Isabella was noticeably warmer compared to Dominic.

So during business discussions, Nathaniel let Isabella handle negotiations with Julian while he dealt with Dominic.

Dominic had no objections to this arrangement. But Julian...

He simply smiled and said, "I'll be in your capable hands, Ms. Sinclair."

Isabella responded professionally, "You flatter me, Mr. Montgomery. This way, please."

Their technical discussions with Julian's team lasted until dusk.

As they exited the meeting room, Julian asked casually, "Care to join me for dinner, Ms. Sinclair?"

"I have prior commitments," Isabella declined politely. "Perhaps Nathaniel—"

Nathaniel emerged from the adjacent room just then. "Dinner? Excellent idea." He turned to Isabella. "Go ahead with your plans. I'll handle this."

Isabella nodded, exchanged pleasantries with Julian, ignored Dominic's lingering gaze, and left.

Julian couldn't protest.

Nathaniel glanced at Dominic. "Mr. Montgomery's treating us. Care to join, Mr. Fairchild?"

"I'll come," Dominic agreed.

After leaving The Grandeur, Isabella returned to the Sinclair residence.

She needed to discuss business with Charles.

Currently, The Grandeur was preparing two major projects, each divided into multiple outsourced segments.

She'd specifically reserved one segment for her uncle.

Charles was clearly interested. "Will Nathaniel approve?"

"He won't object. We've already discussed it."

"Good." Charles hesitated before adding, "But my liquid assets are running low..."

"I have over 100 million," Isabella stated. "If that's insufficient, we can auction those birthday gifts Alexander gave Grandma Margaret."

During Margaret's birthday celebration, two major projects were nearing final confirmation.

Isabella had taken those extravagant gifts home, already planning their use.

Since she and Alexander were divorcing, selling his gifts wouldn't raise objections.

However...

"Alexander has extensive connections. If we auction those gifts and he finds out—"

"He won't care."

Reassured by her certainty, Charles nodded.

With her 100 million plus approximately 100 million from the auction, supplemented by his own funds, they could raise around 500 million—enough for the project.

If more was needed...

Isabella glanced meaningfully at the villa across the street.

The following afternoon, Charles discreetly delivered the items to the auction house.