Chapter 361

Victoria Kensington had anticipated waiting several more days for any developments.

To her surprise, Alexander Whitmore called that very afternoon. "Mr. and Mrs. Graves will be attending an auction tomorrow," he informed her. "Would you like to join?"

A satisfied smile curved Victoria's lips. "Absolutely."

The following evening, shortly after their arrival at the prestigious auction house, Alexander guided Victoria toward Sebastian and Melissa Graves. He made the introductions smoothly.

Though aware of Alexander's relationship with Isabella Sinclair and the ongoing tensions between Isabella and Victoria, the Graves couple maintained impeccable composure. They greeted Alexander warmly, their smiles never faltering. When Victoria was introduced, Melissa extended her hand with practiced politeness. "A pleasure."

The auction hall buzzed with high society's elite.

After initial pleasantries, Alexander and Sebastian drifted into business discussions with other attendees.

Seizing the moment, Victoria maneuvered herself beside Melissa.

After some light conversation, Victoria cut to the chase. "Mrs. Graves, I must confess I came today seeking your assistance."

Melissa's smile remained polished. "Mr. Whitmore is quite accomplished. What could possibly require my intervention?"

"You're too modest," Victoria countered. "This matter concerns Mr. Graves."

Melissa's posture stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Nathaniel?"

"Indeed."

Just as Melissa began to respond, her phone vibrated in her clutch. "Excuse me, I must take this."

"Of course."

Melissa stepped away, putting several paces between them before answering.

When she returned moments later, she offered a polite apology. "My apologies for the interruption, Ms. Kensington."

"Not at all."

"You mentioned an issue regarding Nathaniel?" Melissa prompted, her tone carefully neutral.

Victoria nodded. "Are you familiar with the collaboration between InnovaTech and YodaVision?"

"Briefly. Has there been some complication?"

"A minor misunderstanding, really," Victoria said with a dismissive wave. "Certainly nothing warranting contract termination."

She leaned in slightly. "I've attempted to contact Mr. Graves repeatedly to resolve this amicably. Compensation for any inconvenience is ready."

"But certain parties," Victoria's voice dropped meaningfully, "are exploiting this situation to pressure Mr. Graves into severing ties with InnovaTech."

Melissa's expression darkened. "You're referring to Isabella Sinclair?"

Victoria feigned hesitation before confirming, "Yes."

"Why would she involve herself?" Melissa's fingers tightened around her champagne flute.

"Personal grievances between us, I'm afraid." Victoria sighed. "Termination benefits neither party. Even with compensation, it's a lose-lose scenario."

"InnovaTech values this partnership deeply. Yet despite my efforts, Mr. Graves refuses all communication. He seems determined to proceed with cancellation."

Victoria met Melissa's gaze squarely. "That's why I'm appealing to you, Mrs. Graves. Perhaps you could help him see reason?"

Melissa's gaze dropped momentarily. "I understand."

Recognizing the shift, Victoria pressed her advantage gently. "Your assistance would mean everything."

"You're too kind, Ms. Kensington."

Their conversation concluded when Sebastian returned to his wife's side, leaving the unspoken tension hanging delicately in the air between them.