Chapter 379

Isabella's communicator buzzed sharply, cutting off whatever Sebastian was about to say.

She glanced at the screen and immediately stood. "Emergency at the data center. I have to go."

The next morning found her leaving the military base behind.

After a day of rest at her apartment, she returned to The Grandeur headquarters.

The company had just formalized its partnership with Whitmore Technologies. Coincidentally, Nathaniel was scheduled for a meeting there on her first day back.

Unlike previous contract negotiations where she could delegate to Nathaniel or Joseph, this project demanded her direct involvement.

Today's agenda focused on core technology integration between the two corporations. Isabella accompanied Nathaniel to Whitmore Group's headquarters, with Kieran and other engineers in tow.

They reached the conference room just as Alexander approached from the opposite corridor with his assistants and Benjamin.

Alexander exchanged polite greetings with Nathaniel.

Benjamin hadn't seen Isabella since her departure from Whitmore Group, though Daniel had mentioned her new position at The Grandeur.

While Nathaniel had visited several times recently, this marked Isabella's first return.

Alexander's gaze slid over Isabella and Kieran without recognition, his expression carefully neutral as he ushered Nathaniel inside.

Kieran seemed equally disinterested in acknowledging any prior acquaintance.

Isabella offered Benjamin a small smile. "Mr. Hayes. It's been a while."

"You know each other?" Kieran asked.

"I used to work here," she replied simply.

Before further conversation could develop, Walter Pembroke entered - the Yardley University professor consulting on Whitmore's project.

"My apologies for the delay."

"We just arrived ourselves," Nathaniel assured him.

Walter's attention immediately locked onto Nathaniel. "Mr. Graves! Your reputation precedes you. I've been hoping for this introduction."

"You flatter me, Professor Pembroke."

The meeting commenced promptly at 9 AM, stretching until noon. Discussion of technical specifications flowed between Nathaniel, Alexander's team leads, and Walter while Isabella's group took meticulous notes.

Afterwards, Alexander invited everyone to lunch.

As they exited, Walter turned to Alexander. "I haven't seen Victoria in months. With her studying under Professor Langley in Salzburg now, opportunities will be even scarcer. Might we invite her to join us?"

Nathaniel gave a noncommittal nod. "No objection here."

"You're acquainted?" Alexander asked.

"I mentored her during undergrad," Walter explained. "Even then, her aptitude was extraordinary. Studying under Frederick Langley only confirms her potential."

Alexander pulled out his phone. "I'll arrange it."

Thirty minutes later at the restaurant, Victoria arrived with Genevieve and Penelope.

"Professor!" Victoria greeted Walter warmly before her gaze flickered to Nathaniel.

"Mr. Graves, you and Victoria must be well acquainted by now?" Walter prompted.

Nathaniel's response was curt. "We've met."

Walter beamed. "Two rising stars in the field! You should exchange ideas more frequently."

Victoria's smile tightened at Nathaniel's indifferent expression.

She'd expected recognition after he learned of her connection to Frederick Langley - some acknowledgment of their shared professional sphere. Yet his demeanor remained unchanged, his eyes skating over her with the same detached politeness as always.