Chapter 424

The evening air was crisp when Isabella's phone buzzed on the vanity. Sophia had been staying at the Sinclair estate for three days now, and this was the first call she'd received.

"Mom!" Sophia's face lit up as she glanced at the caller ID. "It's Dad!"

Isabella barely had time to acknowledge with a soft hum before Sophia answered, immediately putting the call on speaker. "Daddy!"

Alexander's deep voice filled the room. "Have you eaten dinner yet, sweetheart?"

"I have!" Sophia chirped, swinging her legs where she sat on the edge of Isabella's bed.

After exchanging pleasantries, Alexander got to the point. "I'm sending someone to pick you up tomorrow morning. Remember we have plans with Victoria."

Though Isabella had been occupied with work commitments, these past days with Sophia had been unexpectedly joyful. The child's reluctance to leave was palpable in the way her fingers tightened around the phone.

"Daddy, I don't want to—" Sophia began, then abruptly stopped. A thoughtful expression crossed her face before she continued in a hushed tone, "Okay. But you have to come get me yourself."

Alexander's chuckle was warm with indulgence. "Of course, princess. I'll be there personally."

When the call ended, Sophia launched herself at Isabella, clinging to her arm like a limpet. "Mommy, I don't want to go..."

Isabella understood the unspoken conflict - Sophia's desire to stay warring with her commitment to Victoria. The child had chosen honor over her own wishes, a maturity that squeezed Isabella's heart.

"Start gathering your things," Isabella murmured, stroking Sophia's hair. "Your father will be here soon."

Sophia pouted. "Mommy! I told you I brought extra clothes so I wouldn't have to pack again for summer break. Don't you remember?"

Isabella remembered. She also remembered not agreeing to those summer plans, knowing the divorce would be finalized by then. But she simply said, "I remember," and redirected Sophia to collect her schoolwork.

The headlights of Alexander's car illuminated the driveway sooner than expected. Though the Sinclairs held no affection for Alexander, Margaret and Charles still came out to bid Sophia farewell, their fondness for the child overriding old grievances.

Alexander emerged from the car, his greeting to the elders polite but met with only curt nods. When his gaze found Isabella, she looked away, focusing on straightening Sophia's collar. "Time to go."

Sophia doled out hugs to each family member before climbing into the car. As the taillights disappeared down the drive, Margaret squeezed Isabella's hand. "The divorce proceedings will be finalized soon, yes?"

Isabella nodded silently.

Margaret sighed, her smile bittersweet. "Perhaps it's for the best."

Later, as Isabella settled at her desk, she typed out a message to Alexander: "You should tell Sophia about the divorce soon."

Most children would struggle with such news, but Sophia was resilient. She'd understand.

Alexander's reply came swiftly: "I'll choose the right moment."

Then, before she could set her phone down, another message appeared: "If there are additional terms you'd like included in the agreement, have your attorney contact mine. Within reason, I'll accommodate them."