Chapter 389

Alexander turned to Nathaniel with an easy smile. "Since you're here, why not stay awhile?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Of course."

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Alexander shifted his attention back to Walter, Theodore, and the others. "Where did we leave off?"

Theodore answered smoothly, "We were discussing protocol for foreign probes entering our territory."

At this, Victoria Kensington found herself drawn into contemplation as well.

Alexander's gaze flickered toward Isabella Sinclair, warm with approval. "Thoughts, Isa?"

Earlier, Theodore and Isabella hadn't had time to fully consider the scenario before Nathaniel and Victoria arrived.

Now, both paused briefly to gather their thoughts.

Hearing Alexander address Isabella so familiarly, Victoria stiffened.

Isa? Since when were they on nickname terms?

And the way Alexander looked at her—soft, admiring, as if she were someone extraordinary.

Victoria's fingers curled slightly.

Just then, Isabella spoke up. "We could take control of the probe and return it to them."

The moment the words left her lips, Alexander and Jonathan Sterling burst into laughter.

Theodore's eyes lit up with realization, and he gave Isabella an approving nod.

Alexander didn't immediately comment on the suggestion. Instead, his voice was warm with amusement. "That confident in your skills?"

Isabella tilted her head. "It shouldn't be too difficult?"

Walter Ashford chuckled. "Spoken like someone who truly knows what they're capable of."

Alexander grinned. "Exactly."

Salzburg had always advocated for peaceful relations with neighboring nations.

Whether the probe's entry was intentional or accidental, returning it would prevent unnecessary conflict.

On the surface, it was a diplomatic gesture.

In reality, it was a quiet but undeniable display of technological superiority.

If they could seize control of another nation's probe without triggering its security protocols, it would prove Salzburg's dominance in the field.

The other side would be furious—but also far more cautious in the future.

At first, Victoria didn't grasp the brilliance of Isabella's answer.

But as Alexander and the others dissected the technical implications, it clicked.

Isabella's solution wasn't just clever—it was a power move.

Victoria's lips pressed together.

She hadn't even considered that angle.

And yet—

Was Isabella truly capable of pulling it off?

Or had the international praise for her research paper gone to her head, making her overestimate herself?

Victoria's gaze flickered toward Nathaniel—only to catch the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

As if he, too, admired Isabella's idea.

Her stomach twisted.

Did he actually believe she could—

Theodore's voice cut through her thoughts. "Nathaniel, seems you and Isa are on the same wavelength?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Yes."

Before Victoria could process that, Theodore continued, "Care to elaborate on the advantages?"

Nathaniel did, breaking down the strategic and technical benefits with effortless precision.

Only then did Victoria fully grasp the depth of the plan—the layers of diplomacy, deterrence, and sheer capability woven into it.

Meanwhile, Theodore, Alexander, and Nathaniel had understood instantly.

She had needed it spelled out.

Theodore's amused voice snapped her back to the present. "Ms. Kensington, you've been frowning this whole time. Something unclear?"

He'd noticed her delayed comprehension—and called her out on it, though his tone was light.

Heat rushed to Victoria's cheeks.

Still, she forced a composed smile. "Just catching up with the discussion."