Chapter 28

Isabella's face froze. "Victoria? You mean Victoria Kensington? The one who just came back from Salzburg?"

Nathaniel nodded, surprised. "Yes. Do you know her?"

"She's my half-sister."

Nathaniel was stunned. Though he knew bits about Isabella's family background, this coincidence shocked him.

Isabella's eyes turned icy. "She's also Alexander's mistress."

The car tires screeched as they came to an abrupt stop.

Nathaniel's jaw dropped. "You—"

Isabella shook her head calmly. "I'm fine. I just don't approve of her joining our company."

Nathaniel agreed instantly. "Your decision stands."

A warm feeling spread through Isabella. "Thank you."

After a beat, she added, "But you'll be losing a brilliant mind."

Nathaniel chuckled and nudged her shoulder. "She might be an algorithm prodigy, but compared to you? She's nothing special."

Isabella blinked in surprise. She thought he was exaggerating, but his expression was dead serious. "Just stating facts."

This wasn't what she'd expected. After a moment's thought, she asked, "It's been weeks since her interview. Why hasn't she started yet?"

Nathaniel shrugged. "Said she had personal matters. Didn't press for details."

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived.

Noticing her pensive expression, Nathaniel asked, "What's troubling you?"

"I can't figure out why she'd choose our company."

Their firm was successful, but larger corporations existed. With Victoria's pedigree and education, she had better options.

Though Isabella was a major shareholder, her identity remained confidential. Victoria likely didn't know their connection, ruling out personal motives.

Nathaniel stroked his chin, then grinned. "During our chat, she mentioned being fascinated by our programming language - particularly Aurora."

Aurora was the coding language Isabella had co-created at seventeen.

Initially dismissed as ordinary, it had become their company's crown jewel in recent years.

Countless experts had tried to decode it without success. Now an industry benchmark.

Victoria clearly had her sights set on Aurora.

"Come to think of it," Nathaniel added, "we've recruited many talents because of Aurora these past years."

This realization struck Isabella anew.

Nathaniel tousled her hair affectionately. "That's why I say she doesn't compare to you."

Having worked together for years, he knew Isabella's genius firsthand. Before her arrival, he'd been considered the prodigy in their field.