Chapter 387

The evening meal concluded, Sophia trailed behind Isabella back to the Sinclair estate.

That night, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Walter, extending an invitation for her and Nathaniel to join him for golf the following morning.

Isabella accepted without hesitation. Yet when the location details arrived, her fingers froze mid-scroll.

The golf course happened to be Whitmore property. She'd walked those greens before.

Still, commitments were commitments. Backing out now would be poor form.

Saturday dawned bright and early as she pulled out of the driveway precisely on schedule.

Upon arrival, she spotted Walter, Theodore, and Richard already waiting near the clubhouse.

Walter's face lit up at their approach. "Right on time."

Isabella offered a polite nod.

"Ever swung a club before?" Walter asked, eyeing her athletic frame.

"I've had some lessons," she admitted.

After exchanging pleasantries, they moved onto the course, clubs in hand, conversation flowing easily between swings.

Just as Isabella was securing her driver back in the bag, two familiar figures materialized in the distance.

Alexander and Victoria.

Normally inseparable from Julian and Oliver, today the pair walked alone.

Having heard of Walter's presence from staff, they'd come to exchange greetings.

Victoria's step faltered upon recognizing Isabella and Nathaniel among the group.

Alexander, ever the diplomat, greeted Walter first. "Mr. Ashford."

Their families moved in overlapping circles. Though Richard Whitmore had been based overseas for years, business kept their connection alive.

"Alexander!" Walter clapped him on the shoulder. "Early bird catches the worm, eh?"

"Just keeping active," Alexander replied smoothly.

Both Theodore and Richard recognized the Whitmore family's ownership of the course. They'd played here often enough, yet rarely crossed paths with Alexander.

The coincidence of today's encounter didn't escape them.

Aware of the complicated history between Isabella and Alexander, they relaxed only when her expression remained neutral.

Nathaniel's jaw, however, had gone rigid.

While Alexander conversed with Walter's group, Isabella and Nathaniel maintained silence.

Unexpectedly, Alexander turned to Nathaniel. "Graves."

Nathaniel's response came through gritted teeth.

Walter, sensing tension, deftly changed course. "How's the InnovaTech collaboration progressing?"

Nathaniel's lips curled slightly. "Still ironing out the kinks."

Alexander smiled. "From our end, everything appears smooth. Should any issues arise, we welcome your feedback."

Nathaniel's grip tightened on his club. "The technical teams work well enough. It's the blurred lines between professional and personal that complicate matters." His gaze locked onto Alexander. "You understand my meaning."

The unspoken challenge hung in the air.

Victoria's fingers twitched at her sides.

Recognizing the precarious turn, Nathaniel added, "This isn't the place for shop talk. We'll address any concerns Monday."

"Of course," Alexander conceded.

Walter, ever the peacemaker, swiftly steered the conversation toward safer waters.