Chapter 21

Alexander returned to the Whitmore estate close to 1 AM after celebrating Victoria's competition win.

Richard noticed Alexander carrying a drowsy Sophia and frowned. "You're back quite late, Mr. Whitmore?" Alexander merely hummed in response, offering no explanation.

After tucking Sophia into bed, Alexander entered his bedroom and flicked on the lights. The empty space where Isabella should have been made him pause. "She didn't come home tonight?" he asked Richard.

"Mrs. Whitmore? No, sir."

Alexander's eyebrow arched slightly in surprise.

Isabella had been absent more frequently these past few days. Unusual behavior for someone who rarely spent nights away. Had something happened with the Sinclair family?

Morning sunlight streamed through Sophia's curtains as she woke up grinning, still buzzing from yesterday's adventures with Victoria. Clutching her favorite stuffed unicorn, she skipped toward the master suite.

"Mommy! Mommy!" she called cheerfully.

The room stood empty.

Sophia's smile faltered.

Just then, Alexander emerged from the walk-in closet, fully dressed in his signature tailored suit.

"Where's Mommy?" Sophia asked, tilting her head.

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks casually. "Not home."

"Huh? Why not?"

"Ask her yourself."

Sophia immediately dialed Isabella.

Isabella had just finished her morning run when Sophia's call came through. She swiped to answer.

"Mommy! Where are you?" Sophia's eager voice filled the line.

Instead of answering, Isabella deflected. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Did you need something?"

Only Emily knew about Isabella's temporary apartment. She cherished her newfound independence and wasn't ready to disrupt that peace yet.

She had no intention of telling Sophia her current whereabouts.

With the phone on speaker, Sophia flopped onto the king-sized bed and whined, "I miss you. Can you take me to school today?"

"My place is too far. I wouldn't make it in time. Maybe next time, okay?"

Sophia's face fell. "Okay..." Then perking up, she added, "But you have to take me tomorrow! Promise!"

Isabella hesitated. Returning to that house filled her with unease.

"Mommy?"

Alexander overheard every word. Isabella's uncharacteristic hesitation caught his attention. Normally, she'd jump at any chance to spend time with Sophia.

After a beat, Isabella suggested, "Why don't you ask your father to take you?"

Sophia's lower lip trembled. "No..." Her eyes welled up. "You haven't taken me in forever!"

Relenting, Isabella sighed. "Alright, I'll take you."

"I love you mostest!"

Her agreement stemmed from duty, not sentiment. She'd brought Sophia into this world - that responsibility remained, regardless of circumstances.

Sophia's tears instantly transformed into a radiant smile.

As Alexander fastened his watch, he noticed Sophia still chatting away. "If you don't eat breakfast soon, you'll be late."

Sophia gasped. "Oh no! I haven't brushed my teeth yet! Bye, Mommy!" She hung up abruptly.

Setting her phone down, Isabella finished her breakfast before heading to Whitmore Corporation.