Chapter 36

Isabella didn't respond, simply ruffling Charlotte's hair. "Promise me you won't tell Sophia I sent you here?"

Charlotte nodded eagerly. "Cross my heart."

Ever since Sophia had snapped at her for hugging Isabella, the little girl had been wary around her. Sophia still seemed upset too - every time they passed each other, she'd glare daggers.

Alexander, Victoria, and Sophia made such a perfect picture together. Isabella watched them for a moment before turning away.

When Alexander and Victoria finally left, Isabella stepped out of the car with Charlotte.

Sophia's teacher recognized Isabella immediately. She'd just witnessed Sophia being dropped off by her father and another woman, so seeing Isabella now with Charlotte confused her. "Ms. Sinclair, you and Charlotte—"

"Mrs. Kensington had an emergency," Isabella explained smoothly. "She asked me to bring Charlotte today."

The teacher exhaled in relief. "Oh, I see. Sophia just arrived too, but—"

"I know." Isabella smiled knowingly.

Though puzzled, the teacher didn't press further. Isabella clearly understood the situation and didn't seem bothered by it.

Back in the car after dropping off Charlotte, Nathaniel called. "What's your ETA?"

"Ten minutes out."

"Perfect."

When Isabella arrived at InnovaTech, Nathaniel was already waiting at the entrance. He pulled her into an embrace the moment she appeared. "Welcome back, darling!"

Isabella returned his hug with a smile.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Holloway stood by a corridor window, phone to his ear. The commotion at the entrance caught his attention - especially when he spotted Isabella.

He quickly looked away as Victoria answered his call. "Morning, Victoria! When are you getting to the office?"

By the end of their conversation, Sebastian's expression had darkened. When he returned to his desk, colleagues immediately noticed. "Everything alright? You look upset."

Sebastian just shook his head silently.

As more employees trickled in, whispers spread. "Mr. Graves just arrived with some stunning woman."

"Really? Like celebrity-level gorgeous?"

"Even better. She's breathtaking!"

Sebastian's mind flashed to the beauty who'd embraced Nathaniel moments ago.

Then came the bombshell: "Heard she's our new hire starting today."

Sebastian froze. Victoria had been his junior at university. When she'd expressed interest in InnovaTech, he'd personally recommended her to Nathaniel.

Their initial meeting had gone well. Today was supposed to be Victoria's first day. But when he'd called to confirm her arrival time, she'd said Nathaniel had withdrawn the offer for "personal reasons."

As Sebastian wrestled with this revelation, Nathaniel entered the office with Isabella by his side.