Chapter 291

Frederick's cold demeanor didn't faze Victoria in the slightest.

After acknowledging him with a polite nod, she turned her attention to Walter and his companions. "Good evening, gentlemen," she offered smoothly.

She deliberately addressed them as a group rather than individually - the more appropriate approach given the circumstances.

Walter and his associates were too preoccupied observing Isabella to pay Victoria much mind. Like Sebastian, they'd immediately noticed Isabella's visible discomfort around Reginald and Victoria.

Frederick Langley had done his homework on Isabella Sinclair. He'd recognized the Kensingtons the moment they appeared.

When Victoria greeted them, Frederick merely gave a curt nod before addressing Frederick and Isabella. "Shall we move this inside?" he suggested, already turning toward the restaurant entrance.

Frederick Aldridge agreed silently, leading the group inside.

Richard Fairchild turned to Dominic with a quiet warning. "Keep your wits about you tonight."

"Of course," Dominic replied.

Richard said nothing more, nodding briefly at Victoria and Reginald before following the others.

Dominic didn't join them - Richard's lack of invitation made it clear this was a private discussion. Which made Isabella's presence all the more puzzling.

That thought darkened Dominic's expression momentarily. Shaking it off, he turned to Victoria and Reginald. "Mr. and Mrs. Kensington - business dinner as well?"

Victoria confirmed with a nod. "Indeed. You too, Mr. Fairchild?"

"Likewise."

Reginald seized the opportunity. "I understand your company's launching a new initiative. The Kensington Group would be very interested in discussing potential collaboration when you have availability."

The Fairchild Enterprises project was still in its early stages, nothing concrete yet. But thanks to Alexander Whitmore's assistance and Reginald's recent efforts, the Kensington Group had stabilized. A strategic partnership wasn't out of the question.

Dominic considered this. "Let's arrange a meeting next week to explore possibilities."

Throughout their exchange, Dominic's gaze kept returning to Victoria. At the recent tech summit, he'd witnessed Alexander's conspicuous attention toward Isabella. The urge to warn Victoria had been strong, but he'd resisted - they weren't close enough for such interference.

Besides, Victoria and Alexander's relationship appeared solid. The InnovaTech shares transfer to Victoria spoke volumes.

What Dominic couldn't determine was whether this was planned compensation or damage control. His lingering, thoughtful glances at Victoria suggested unspoken concerns, but when he remained silent, Victoria pretended not to notice.

Her curiosity about Frederick Aldridge's gathering burned, but Isabella's presence suggested it wasn't particularly confidential.

"Our associates have arrived," Victoria announced smoothly. "We should be going up."

"My party's here as well," Dominic offered. "Shall we go together?"

"Certainly," Victoria agreed.