Chapter 401

"No thanks, I already ate." Isabella's voice was polite but firm as she declined the offer.

Sebastian's confession had been unexpectedly touching. Yet...

She'd only answered his call to set things straight once and for all.

"I truly appreciate your feelings," she said with quiet conviction. "But as you said yourself, I'm not ready for any new relationships right now. So I'm sorry. Please don't wait for me."

When she sensed Sebastian about to protest, she didn't hesitate - ending the call with a decisive tap.

Phone still clutched in her hand, she stood frozen, emotions churning.

Finally, a wry smile touched her lips before she turned back toward the private dining room.

Her absence had stretched longer than intended.

Nathaniel had guessed the call's purpose the moment Sebastian's name appeared. Now, the prolonged conversation only fueled his curiosity.

As Isabella returned, he leaned in. "What's really going on between you two?"

She sipped her lemon water calmly. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Nathaniel caught the hint. "Not the right place? I'll ask later."

Isabella remained silent.

Kieran was even more restless than Nathaniel.

While waiting for Isabella's return, he'd messaged a contact about Sebastian. Their shared social circles meant quick answers.

Just as Isabella reentered, his phone buzzed with a reply: "Why the sudden interest in Sebastian Ashford?"

Distracted, Kieran typed a quick "No reason" without catching Isabella and Nathaniel's exchange.

Alexander glanced up when Isabella returned, but after a brief pause, resumed his conversation.

Isabella paid little attention to either man. After exchanging a few words with Nathaniel, she refocused on Theodore's discussion.

Soon, Theodore had a technical question and sought her input.

As she moved toward them, Alexander was typing on his phone.

Theodore stood to make space, accidentally bumping Alexander's arm. The phone clattered to the floor.

Without realizing whose it was, Isabella automatically bent to retrieve it - only to see Victoria's name lighting up the screen.

Alexander's phone.

She averted her eyes immediately, placing it on the table. But Alexander was already reaching out. "Mine. Thanks."

She handed it over without comment, taking the seat beside Theodore.

Twenty minutes later, lunch concluded. Isabella rose with the others.

As they exited, the opposite private room's door opened simultaneously.

Nathaniel murmured, "What a coincidence. Arranged, I presume?"

He meant Alexander and Victoria had coordinated their timing.

Having glimpsed Alexander's messages earlier, Isabella knew Nathaniel was right. Kieran quickly moved to walk beside her. When she asked what he wanted, he realized his slow approach wasn't working - but this wasn't the time.

"Nothing," he said.

Alexander noted Kieran's proximity, gave them a measured look, then turned to Victoria emerging across the hall.

Isabella and Nathaniel didn't bother acknowledging the Shaws or Kensingtons. They certainly had no interest in observing Alexander and Victoria's interactions.

They departed without pause.

Downstairs, after brief work-related conversation, Alexander and Victoria drove off.

Watching Isabella leave earlier with Nathaniel and Kieran, Diana remarked, "Wasn't that girl with Nathaniel Graves? And Kieran Blackwood from Gibson Industries beside her?"

"If something develops there, it'll certainly affect her relationship with Nathaniel, don't you think?"

The Kensingtons knew all about Victoria and Kieran's history. They'd fully supported Victoria's choice of Alexander.

Compared to Kieran, Alexander was clearly more accomplished - and had proven willing to sacrifice far more for Victoria.