Chapter 364

Isabella Sinclair? How could Melissa possibly approve of her?

If Oliver's words held truth, then when she'd spoken with Victoria yesterday...

Remembering how abruptly the conversation had ended, Victoria's heart sank.

Noticing her shift in mood, Alexander turned with concern. "What's wrong? You look pale."

Victoria forced a smile. "It's nothing."

That evening, she broke the news to her family.

The Kensington and Pembroke families reacted with shock upon hearing Melissa Graves' apparent acceptance of Isabella - a married woman with a child from humble origins - for her distinguished son Nathaniel.

"Impossible," Genevieve scoffed. "The Graves family would never allow such a match. Perhaps Mr. Westbrook misunderstood? Or that woman lied about her past?"

Victoria couldn't comprehend it either.

Maybe Isabella had concealed her marital status. That would explain everything.

Originally, Victoria had considered the lawsuit a manageable risk if private negotiations failed.

But if Melissa had recorded their conversation... the lawsuit would collapse.

Unless Isabella had indeed hidden her marriage. Then there might still be hope.

Acting quickly, Victoria dispatched someone to investigate Melissa's true stance.

Her connections through Alexander made finding willing informants effortless.

By next afternoon, her agent approached Melissa directly. "Mrs. Graves, I heard Ms. Sinclair - who's close to your son - is already married. Is this true?"

Melissa smiled serenely. "Quite correct. You're well-informed."

The confirmation reached Victoria immediately. The Graves family knew about Isabella's marriage.

Which meant they likely knew her husband was Alexander.

Penelope's voice turned acidic. "Knowing she's married and still approving? The Graves have gone mad."

Victoria remained silent, her expression darkening.

Sophia's fencing competition spanned two days.

Mid-afternoon, while reading, Isabella received another call from Sophia.

After brief hesitation, she answered.

Sophia, fresh from her tournament victory, bubbled with excitement. "Mom! Did I catch you at a good time?"

Isabella replied neutrally, "Mm. What is it?"

"I took second place in the finals!"

"Impressive," Isabella offered genuine praise.

Sophia's enthusiasm grew. "I've only trained briefly, so second place is amazing! Next time, I'll win gold!"

"Don't push yourself too hard," Isabella cautioned, though pleased.

"Mom... are you busy? Could you come home for dinner tonight?"

Isabella's tone cooled. "I have commitments."

"Oh. Of course." Sophia's disappointment was palpable, yet she'd grown accustomed to such responses. That Isabella had answered at all was victory enough.

After brief chatter, they disconnected.

Moments later, photos arrived - competition shots, podium moments, Sophia radiant in her fencing gear, trophy held high.

"Dad took these," Sophia texted. "Do you like them?"

Isabella replied, "Beautiful."

So Alexander had attended the entire event.

His devotion to Sophia was undeniable.

As a father, he excelled.

This knowledge brought Isabella some peace.

Come Monday, as Isabella and Nathaniel returned to work, their lawyer reported receiving notice from Victoria's legal team that...