Chapter 374

Several days after the International AI Summit, Isabella found herself at The Grandeur Hotel one evening. She was attending her cousin William's wedding reception.

The elevator doors were about to close when a voice called out, "Hold that!"

A hand shot between the closing doors. Isabella's breath caught when she recognized Julian Kensington.

He seemed equally surprised to see her. Though they'd only met briefly months ago, he gave her a polite nod.

Then Victoria Kensington appeared beside him. Her eyes flickered with recognition before she deliberately looked away, pretending not to know Isabella.

Julian reached for the control panel, noticing the 18th floor was already lit. He opened his mouth to make conversation.

Isabella turned her face sharply to the side, her posture rigid with rejection. Julian swallowed his words.

He wrapped an arm around Victoria instead, who patted his hand with a practiced smile.

Isabella observed them silently from her corner.

When the elevator chimed at the 18th floor, a wave of laughter and chatter greeted them.

Following the Kensingtons out, Isabella found herself in a packed ballroom.

Reginald and Eleanor Kensington stood by the entrance in formal attire, greeting guests for Victoria's 70th birthday celebration.

The realization hit Isabella like a physical blow. Of course - the elegant outfit, the hotel booking. How could she have forgotten?

"Here comes our birthday queen!" someone announced as Victoria entered.

Then eyes turned to Isabella.

"Lady Kensington, is this your granddaughter?" a guest gushed. "No wonder she captured Salzburg's most eligible bachelor!"

"Such striking beauty! She even resembles you in your youth. What a blessing!"

Isabella's fingers curled into fists. She needed to leave, but the crowd was too thick.

The Sinclair family stood nearby, visibly shocked to see Isabella arrive with Victoria.

For a wild moment, they wondered if Victoria had actually invited her.

Impossible.

They quickly realized Isabella must have taken the wrong elevator - a common mistake for first-time visitors.

When another guest commented on Isabella's resemblance to Victoria, her expression turned glacial.

Before she could respond, Victoria cut in sharply, "You're mistaken. She's no relation of mine. I don't know this woman."

At that exact moment, Alexander Whitmore and Victoria Kensington emerged from another elevator.

"Ah, here's the real granddaughter!" someone announced.

All attention shifted to the striking pair.

Given their status, the guests immediately began showering them with compliments.

"Such presence! Only a top scientist's protégé could carry herself like this. Ordinary people simply can't compare."