Chapter 410

Julian Montgomery stood beside Isabella Sinclair, but Alexander Whitmore didn't acknowledge him. Instead, he spoke directly to Isabella. "Long time no see."

Isabella offered a polite nod. "Keeping busy these days?"

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks. "Quite. Just returned from Salzburg this morning."

Though he'd been traveling, news had reached him within hours - Isabella and Nathaniel Graves were finally proceeding with their divorce formalities.

Six months had passed since they'd signed the separation agreement last year. Now, at last, the legal dissolution of their marriage was imminent.

Twenty-three more days until the decree absolute. Then he could finally—

Noticing Nathaniel still engaged in conversation with Isabella, Alexander schooled his expression. After exchanging brief pleasantries with the pair, he tactfully withdrew.

Oliver Westbrook was deep in discussion with Victoria Kensington and Genevieve. When Oliver gestured him over, Alexander hesitated momentarily before joining them.

Victoria greeted him coolly. "When did you return?"

"This morning."

Oliver interjected, "What about Nathaniel? He's been away nearly a week—when's he due back?"

As if on cue, Victoria's phone chimed.

She glanced at the screen, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Speak of the devil," she announced, holding up her phone. "He just landed."

As she typed her response, Alexander sipped his champagne, his gaze drifting back to Isabella. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

At that precise moment, Isabella looked up from her conversation. Their eyes met across the crowded room.

Seeing his apparent good humor, she offered a polite nod before turning her attention elsewhere.

Thirty minutes later, the gala was winding down.

Isabella and Nathaniel prepared to take their leave from host Richard Ashford. As they made their way toward the exit, they crossed paths with Alexander's group.

Being VIP guests, Richard insisted on personally escorting both parties downstairs.

During the descent, though Isabella and Victoria had both spoken at the event, not a single word passed between them.

Genevieve, unable to conceal her irritation, glared daggers at Isabella's back the entire way.

Richard, initially oblivious to the tension, gradually became aware of the charged atmosphere but wisely refrained from comment.

Upon reaching the lobby, just as Isabella and Nathaniel were about to depart, a sleek black sedan pulled up.

Richard chuckled. "Mr. Whitmore, I thought you were occupied tonight. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

Genevieve cut in loudly, casting a pointed look at Isabella. "He just flew back from Europe! Came straight here to collect Victoria!"

Richard laughed. "Ah, young love."

Nathaniel gave Isabella a subtle nudge toward their waiting car.

She offered Alexander a final, perfunctory nod before turning away.

Once inside the vehicle, Nathaniel considered making a remark about the encounter but thought better of it. With the divorce proceedings underway, there seemed little point.

Just then, Isabella's phone lit up with an incoming call.

Sebastian Ashford.

She stared at the screen for a long moment before declining the call.

Nathaniel couldn't resist commenting. "Sebastian's a decent man. You're nearly divorced—are you really not going to give him a chance?"

Isabella set her phone aside. "I don't have those feelings for him. Starting something just because he's interested would be unfair to us both."

"But shouldn't you at least try? Feelings can develop over time."

She shook her head firmly. "If that happens, we'll address it then."

Nathaniel sighed. "Your call."

The following morning, barely an hour into her workday, Isabella's phone began vibrating incessantly.

She froze when she saw the notifications—a rapid succession of bank transfers.

All originating from Alexander Whitmore.

As the staggering sums continued appearing, realization dawned—Alexander was executing their divorce settlement ahead of schedule, transferring the liquid assets specified in their agreement.

They hadn't even filed the final paperwork yet, and he was already fulfilling his financial obligations?

Her suspicions were confirmed minutes later.

Jonathan Blackwood called promptly at 10:15 AM. "Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Whitmore has initiated the asset transfer process."

"The liquid portion—his attorney confirms it's already been deposited into your accounts. Regarding the real estate holdings, all documentation has been processed."

"I'll collect everything this afternoon and deliver the paperwork to you personally."

Isabella nodded absently. "Fine. I'll be at The Grandeur after three."

"Understood," Jonathan replied before ending the call.