Chapter 402

Kieran Blackwood possessed every quality of an ideal partner, which nearly made Genevieve Kensington bolt from the car in protest.

Absolutely not! What if Mr. Blackwood actually falls for that scheming woman? We'd lose an ally and gain an enemy!

Penelope Kensington merely laughed, unfazed. She tapped her daughter's forehead lightly. "Silly girl. With Victoria glowing like a diamond, how could Mr. Blackwood possibly be swayed by Isabella?"

Over the years, she'd witnessed firsthand how men became utterly powerless against Victoria's charms.

Victoria remained silent.

She wouldn't comment on whether Diana's strategy would work—but like Penelope, she harbored no doubts about Kieran's loyalty.

She knew the depth of Kieran's love for her. That certainty was unshakable.

Eleanor Kensington, though quiet, shared the same conviction that Kieran would never truly be taken in by Isabella.

Having settled that matter, she finally spoke. "Because of the YodaVision debacle, Victoria has suffered significant losses these past months. Meanwhile, Isabella seized that very opportunity to elevate herself—and now her star is clearly rising."

"If we allow her to continue unchecked, letting her maintain ties with Nathaniel, she could establish herself firmly in the AI industry."

"So sabotaging her relationship with Nathaniel and reclaiming the connections with Nathaniel and Frederick that Victoria lost—this must be our immediate priority."

"Otherwise, we stand to lose even more ground!"

The words struck home.

Remembering how Isabella had cost them a $300 million breach of contract, then watching her bask in acclaim following her recent paper publication, Genevieve burned with envy.

After hearing Eleanor's analysis, she stopped objecting.

Instead, she leaned forward eagerly. "Then what's our move? Mr. Blackwood is so devoted to Victoria—he'd never cooperate, right?"

Enhancing Victoria's image while convincing Kieran to play along would require careful maneuvering. But it wasn't impossible.

Isabella, Nathaniel, and Kieran returned to YodaVision's headquarters after lunch.

As the elevator doors opened on their floor, they stepped out. Just as they approached the entrance, they spotted a tall, broad-shouldered figure waiting by reception.

Hearing their footsteps, the man turned.

Isabella froze.

She'd already explained her situation with Sebastian Ashford to Nathaniel during the car ride back.

Nathaniel, ever the gossip enthusiast, had been thoroughly enjoying the drama.

Now seeing the man in question waiting in their company lobby, he let out an amused "Well, well" and raised an eyebrow, thoroughly entertained.

Kieran had never met Sebastian before, but one look told him exactly who this was.

There was no denying it—Sebastian was strikingly handsome, living up to every implication of his distinguished name.

Kieran's expression darkened visibly.

Sebastian turned fully, spotting Isabella and Nathaniel. "You're back."

Isabella hadn't anticipated him showing up at her workplace. She pressed her lips together. "You—"

"Guessed you might be here," he said smoothly, then added politely to Nathaniel, "Mr. Graves, it's been a while."

Nathaniel grinned, shaking his hand. "Indeed it has. First time at YodaVision, right? Since you're here, why not join us for a quick tour?"

"Certainly," Sebastian replied with a smile—casting another glance at Isabella while simultaneously catching Kieran's icy stare nearby.

Though strangers, Sebastian immediately sensed Kieran's hostility.

The way Kieran positioned himself close to Isabella, his posture and expression radiating possessiveness—clearly displeased by Sebastian's presence and protective of Isabella.

Sebastian understood immediately.

He paused, then looked at Kieran. "And this is...?"

Nathaniel waited for Isabella to introduce them. When she remained silent, he had no choice but to intervene. "This is Kieran Blackwood, one of YodaVision's engineers."