Chapter 226

Isabella Sinclair scanned her surroundings once more. Confirming Victoria Kensington was nowhere in sight, she departed with Sophia Whitmore.

Dominic Fairchild watched their retreating figures, preparing to leave when he suddenly spotted Isabella standing nearby.

His steps faltered.

Recognizing her, he initially decided to ignore her completely. But then he noticed Isabella's piercing gaze fixed on Victoria and Sophia.

Her expression was glacial, her eyes even colder. The intensity of her stare made it seem like she was looking at an enemy rather than just another person.

That predatory glare made Dominic suspect Isabella might actually intend harm toward Victoria.

He observed her silently, convinced she still harbored resentment. So he approached.

Isabella was laden with purchases - two potted plants and several decorative pieces. The ornaments had been an impulse buy.

Since moving into her new apartment, she'd been too preoccupied to properly decorate, leaving her living space feeling stark and empty.

She'd only intended to buy plants today, but spotting a nearby store selling cabinet decor, she'd picked up a few items.

Just as she was leaving, she'd unexpectedly encountered Victoria and Sophia again.

After they left, she was about to continue her errands when Dominic intercepted her.

"What are you plotting?" he demanded.

Isabella stopped mid-step. "Excuse me?"

Dominic's voice turned icy. "She doesn't even acknowledge your existence. Yet you're still nursing this grudge? How pathetic."

"She doesn't acknowledge me?" Isabella's gaze turned arctic. "You really worship the ground she walks on, don't you?"

To Dominic, Victoria was perfection incarnate.

Before he could respond, Isabella continued, "So? What's your point? Came to warn me not to touch your precious Victoria?"

That was precisely his intention.

Isabella let out a derisive laugh. "Not even Alexander Whitmore has dared say that to me. Yet here you are, Mr. Fairchild, rushing to her defense. What gives you that right? Are you Victoria's secret admirer?"

Dominic made no effort to conceal his feelings for Victoria in Isabella's presence.

At her taunt, he retorted coldly, "So what you're saying is - I should go remind Mr. Whitmore to keep an eye on you?"

He recalled that gala where Alexander had asked Isabella to dance. Both he and Sebastian Ashford had assumed it was merely a warning to leave Victoria alone.

"Or," he added pointedly, "do you think Alexander's previous warning wasn't strong enough?"

Isabella didn't respond immediately. She simply studied him with faint mockery in her eyes.

Then she suddenly asked, "Are you really Richard Fairchild's son?"

Her limited interactions with Richard had shown her a man of warmth and wisdom, a true leader. Aside from superficial resemblance, she saw none of Richard's qualities in Dominic.

Then again, perhaps Dominic was simply too blinded by his obsession with Victoria to think clearly.

Dominic stiffened at the mention of his father. Her tone suggested familiarity - but how could she possibly know Richard?

His expression darkened. "What are you implying?"

Isabella ignored the question. "Weren't you going to have Alexander warn me? Fine. I'll be waiting."

With that, she turned and walked away without a backward glance.