Chapter 363

The morning sun painted golden streaks across the sports hall as Alexander, Sophia, and Victoria arrived early for Sophia's competition.

They'd barely settled in when Julian and Lily Montgomery made their appearance.

Sophia spotted them first. "Mr. Montgomery, Lily, you made it!"

Lily strode forward, grasping Sophia's hand. "The competition starts soon. Nerves kicking in yet?"

Sophia remained composed. "Not at all."

Julian had pressing matters to attend to, merely dropping Lily off.

Alexander recognized Julian's urgency. "I'll look after Lily. Go handle your business."

Julian gave a curt nod. "I'll join you all for lunch later."

"Understood."

Their camaraderie appeared unchanged. But beneath the surface...

Victoria's gaze flickered between Alexander and Julian. If Alexander discovered Julian's growing feelings for Isabella, would their friendship survive?

Julian caught her stare and acknowledged her with a slight nod before departing without a word.

Watching him leave, Victoria's lips twisted into a bitter smile. Ever since Julian fell for Isabella, his indifference toward her had become increasingly apparent.

Meanwhile, Isabella received an unexpected call from Nathaniel while resting at home.

"Having lunch with my parents today. They've been asking about you constantly. Care to join us?"

It had been weeks since Isabella last saw Sebastian and Melissa Graves. She agreed readily.

By noon, she was pulling up to the restaurant just as Nathaniel and his parents arrived.

Melissa immediately clasped Isabella's hands. "Darling! You grow more radiant each time I see you."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Miles Westbrook exited his vehicle nearby. Spotting Isabella with Nathaniel and his parents, he froze momentarily.

Isabella noticed him, her smile faltering briefly before she deliberately looked away.

Recovering, Miles greeted the Graves family politely before entering the restaurant alone. Once inside, he dialed Alexander immediately.

Alexander answered on the first ring. "What is it?"

"Guess who I just saw?" Miles teased.

Alexander didn't play along. "Who?"

Miles sighed. Of course Alexander already knew.

"Isabella. With Nathaniel and his parents. They looked... cozy. Melissa was practically glowing while holding Isabella's hand, calling her 'Bella' like she's already family. Are we witnessing engagement preparations here?"

Alexander's response was ice. "Fascinating." His disinterest was palpable.

Given Alexander's history with Isabella, his indifference wasn't surprising.

Changing tactics, Miles asked, "How's Sophia's competition going?"

"Morning session went well," Alexander replied tersely.

"Good to hear," Miles said before hanging up.

Undeterred, Miles decided to share his gossip in their group chat, knowing Victoria and Julian remained unaware.

At that moment, Alexander and Victoria were arriving at the restaurant with Julian joining them shortly after.

Both Julian and Victoria checked their phones simultaneously upon seeing Miles' message.

Victoria's lips curled into a satisfied smirk when she read about Isabella's lunch with the Graves family. Her conversation with Melissa yesterday must have worked.

This meeting was clearly a warning to Isabella, wasn't it?

Then Miles dropped the bombshell:

"Melissa couldn't stop smiling while holding Isabella's hand, calling her 'Bella' with such affection you'd think she was her actual daughter."

"Remember at Mrs. Whitmore's birthday when Melissa said she'd arrange Nathaniel and Isabella's wedding whenever they were ready? She wasn't joking! This is happening!"

Victoria's smirk vanished. The blood drained from her face as comprehension dawned.