Chapter 399

The clock struck noon when Isabella and Alexander's group arrived at The Grandeur for lunch following their morning meeting.

As they approached their private dining suite, the adjacent door swung open abruptly.

"Victoria! Alex!" Genevieve's voice rang out deliberately loud enough for everyone to hear.

Spotting Theodore among the group, Reginald flashed a polished smile. "Ms. Sinclair, what an unexpected pleasure to find you dining here."

Nathaniel returned the smile with equal politeness. "Quite the serendipitous encounter."

Though the words suggested chance, this meeting had been carefully orchestrated.

News of Alexander and Isabella's courthouse visit to file divorce papers had spread through both families like wildfire.

Learning of Alexander's lunch plans in the district - and Isabella's presence - Genevieve had specifically requested the private room directly across from theirs.

Thus, this "coincidental" encounter came to be.

The knowledge that Alexander had wasted no time initiating divorce proceedings after finalizing the agreement filled Genevieve with glee.

What thrilled her even more was the thirty-day countdown until Alexander could legally dissolve his marriage to Isabella.

After that, Victoria and Alexander's wedding would undoubtedly follow swiftly.

There would be no place left for Isabella in their world.

Genevieve shot Isabella a look brimming with smug superiority.

While Victoria had never openly pressured Alexander to divorce, her anxiety about the situation had been palpable.

Despite her absolute confidence in their relationship, as long as Alexander remained legally bound to Isabella, their connection lacked proper legitimacy.

Hearing on Saturday that Alexander had finalized divorce terms and scheduled Monday's courthouse visit had filled her with quiet satisfaction.

The sentiment wasn't unique to them - both the Whitmore and Kensington families shared in the celebration.

Eleanor barely glanced at Isabella before dismissing her entirely, while Diana couldn't contain her triumphant smile.

"Go ahead," Victoria told Alexander with practiced grace. "We won't keep you."

"I'll see you shortly," he replied.

"Of course," she smiled.

Their exchange painted the picture of deeply devoted lovers.

Theodore and the others exchanged knowing chuckles.

Isabella and Nathaniel wasted no time with pleasantries, moving directly into their private suite upon seeing the Kensington clan.

"They're putting on quite the performance," Nathaniel sneered.

"Obviously," Isabella agreed dryly.

"Pathetic display from supposedly respectable families."

After brief greetings, Alexander's party entered their room while the Kensingtons retreated to theirs.

Diana's satisfaction wasn't complete, however.

Leaning toward Eleanor, she whispered, "That little tramp landing Nathaniel after leaving Alex is too fortunate."

Nathaniel represented significant status, not to mention his connection to Frederick.

The thought stuck in Diana's throat like an unswallowable bone.

She wasn't alone in this discomfort. Since learning of Isabella's genuine professional growth under Nathaniel's mentorship, both Eleanor and Victoria had grown uneasy.

"That divorce will brand her permanently," Diana continued through gritted teeth. "What makes her think she deserves better?"

The label of divorcée soothed Eleanor somewhat.

"Nothing's final until they're married. There's still time."

Diana knew this intellectually, but couldn't shake her unease. Any possibility of Isabella marrying Nathaniel kept her from true contentment.

In the adjacent room, Isabella remained oblivious to the Whitmores' machinations.

Alexander's party settled into comfortable conversation, the atmosphere deceptively relaxed.

After a brief interval, Alexander stood. "Please continue. I'll return shortly."

His earlier promise to visit Victoria's room explained his departure, prompting knowing smiles.

"Take your time, Mr. Whitmore," Theodore chuckled.

"Indeed, no rush," Walter echoed with amusement.

Alexander smiled and exited.

Isabella and Nathaniel observed the charade with detached interest, barely sparing him another glance.

While Isabella paid little attention to his absence, Nathaniel checked his watch impatiently. "Ten minutes. How presumptuous."

Isabella opened her mouth to respond when Alexander reappeared, cutting off her reply.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes dramatically.

Alexander resumed his seat as if nothing had occurred, rejoining the conversation seamlessly.

Then Isabella's phone rang.

She froze at the caller ID.

Nathaniel noticed her reaction and peered at the screen. "Sebastian? Why's he calling you?"

Though he hadn't spoken loudly, Theodore and nearby guests - including Alexander - all heard clearly.

Remembering Sebastian's previous confession, Isabella found herself at a loss for words.