Chapter 390

The golf game ended sooner than expected.

Isabella and her group still had afternoon plans.

Alexander and Victoria had joined midway. Sensing they might be intruding on private arrangements, Alexander gracefully bowed out. "We have another engagement. Don't let us interrupt your day."

Nathaniel and Theodore exchanged glances before nodding. "Another time then."

Alexander gave a polite smile before escorting Victoria away.

Nathaniel visibly relaxed once they left. He leaned toward Isabella. "At least he knows social boundaries."

Isabella simply hummed in agreement.

Once out of earshot, Alexander studied Victoria's expression. "Upset?"

Two embarrassing missteps today had indeed dampened Victoria's mood. Seeing how effortlessly Isabella charmed Nathaniel's circle made her stomach churn.

She knew they were being deceived by Isabella's carefully constructed facade. Yet the bitterness remained.

"I made quite the spectacle today," Victoria forced a laugh. "Clearly I need more practice."

Alexander's gaze softened. "You have qualities she'll never possess. Don't dwell on trivialities." The words lifted Victoria's spirits slightly.

Today's events revealed Isabella's sharp wit and strategic thinking - unexpected traits that clearly impressed Alexander.

But only mildly.

Victoria noticed his admiration held no romantic interest. And despite her poor performance, Alexander's affection for her never wavered. In his eyes, she remained captivating.

Their departure wasn't truly about another engagement. Alexander had sensed her discomfort and orchestrated their exit to spare her further distress.

This realization dissolved her remaining gloom.

That afternoon around three, after tea with Nathaniel's group, Isabella returned to the Whitmore estate.

Sophia came running the moment she heard the door. "Mommy!"

Isabella caught her in a hug. "I'm back."

Earlier that morning, Sophia had pouted when left behind. But she seemed perfectly content now, having enjoyed her day without Isabella.

Just as Sophia began chattering, her phone rang.

Alexander's name flashed on screen. "Daddy?"

Isabella couldn't hear his words, but Sophia's response was enthusiastic. "Okay! I'll be ready!"

Hanging up, Sophia turned with mixed emotions. "Daddy's taking me to the new amusement park. His driver's coming soon."

Isabella's expression remained neutral. "Have fun."

Sophia hesitated, torn between staying and the promised adventure. When the car arrived, excitement won out.

After her departure, Isabella retreated to her office.

On Tuesday, Isabella arrived at Whitmore Technologies representing Nathaniel.

Benjamin personally greeted her and Victoria in the lobby. "Ms. Sinclair, right this way."

Isabella followed silently.

Instead of a conference room, Benjamin led her directly to Alexander's office - a space she knew intimately from her brief tenure as his secretary.

Less than a year had passed, yet it felt like another lifetime.

Alexander looked up from his documents as they entered. "You're right on time." He gestured to the seating area. "Please."