Chapter 325

Julian Montgomery still refused to acknowledge Genevieve Kensington's presence.

At that moment, an acquaintance approached to greet him. Recognizing both Isabella Sinclair and Nathaniel Graves, the four engaged in lively conversation.

Genevieve stood frozen, utterly excluded. Her face flushed with humiliation until she had no choice but to retreat.

Oliver Westbrook observed the scene from a distance. "Julian seems quite close with them," he remarked, referring to Isabella and Nathaniel.

Victoria Kensington nodded in agreement.

After all, if Julian and Nathaniel were merely business associates, a brief exchange would have sufficed at such an event.

Yet they were deep in conversation.

This suggested genuine friendship was developing.

Victoria assumed Julian valued Nathaniel's professional connections. As for Isabella? She was just decoration.

Hearing Oliver's comment, Alexander Whitmore glanced toward the group but remained expressionless.

Victoria turned away - only to spot Kieran Blackwood entering the grand ballroom.

Alexander followed her gaze.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, Kieran appeared more striking than usual, his aloof demeanor intact.

When Victoria looked his way, their eyes briefly met.

She smiled and started toward him, but Kieran deliberately turned away, entering through a side entrance with his colleagues, completely ignoring her.

Victoria halted mid-step, sighing before turning to Alexander. "He's still upset about me informing his family of his whereabouts. Won't answer my calls. Now he's giving me the cold shoulder in public."

Alexander shrugged. "Youthful temper. It'll pass."

Victoria nodded.

Kieran remained oblivious to their assumptions.

While greeting the host, he caught sight of Isabella and Nathaniel from the corner of his eye.

His grip tightened around his champagne flute.

He hadn't anticipated their attendance.

Isabella wore an exquisite light blue gown that accentuated her figure, the intricate embroidery complementing her quiet elegance. She looked ethereal - pure, flawless, breathtaking.

This marked Kieran's first time seeing Isabella in formal attire. His gaze lingered.

His companion noticed and followed his line of sight. "Damn. Who's that vision?"

Kieran blinked. "Isabella Sinclair."

"No way! That's Isabella? Didn't expect such beauty."

Without responding, Kieran set down his glass and strode toward them.

"Mr. Graves. Ms. Sinclair."

They turned, equally surprised to see him. After brief acknowledgments, Julian inquired, "And this is...?"

Nathaniel performed introductions. "Kieran Blackwood." He summarized Kieran's background before adding, "This is Julian Montgomery."

Recognition flashed in Julian's eyes at the prestigious Blackwood name. "Mr. Blackwood."

Kieran returned the greeting.

As conversation flowed, Kieran's attention repeatedly drifted to Isabella. His expression when looking at her...

Julian noticed. His fingers tightened around his glass. Lips pressed thin, he fixed Kieran with a piercing stare.

Kieran met his gaze.

In that charged moment, mutual understanding passed between them regarding Isabella.

An abrupt silence fell as their eyes locked.

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