Chapter 431

Alexander said, "I haven't been directly involved in the company's recent development."

Hearing this, Benjamin looked at Victoria in surprise. "So Victoria, you're actually the driving force behind it?"

Victoria shook her head modestly. "Not at all. The real credit belongs to our engineering team. Most of them were already established professionals when I joined. The company's current success is, as Alexander mentioned, largely due to his initial vision. My contributions have been minimal."

Benjamin smiled warmly. "You're being too humble."

Initially, when Benjamin learned that Victoria only had her business because Alexander handed it to her, he had assumed she wasn't particularly remarkable and perhaps not quite on Alexander's level.

But observing their dynamic now - how they supported and acknowledged each other's strengths - he realized Alexander must consider Victoria an AI specialist superior to himself. That would explain why he entrusted the company to her care, believing it would thrive under her leadership. It perfectly aligned with Alexander's generous and humble nature.

Victoria waved off the compliment. "Really, I'm not just saying this out of modesty..."

Soon the conversation shifted to lighter topics as they shared amusing anecdotes from their time studying in Salzburg.

Having all been international students there, they found plenty of common ground.

Victoria, with her natural charm and social ease, made the dinner surprisingly enjoyable despite this being her first meeting with Benjamin. At times, she even engaged Benjamin more actively than Alexander did.

Benjamin was visiting the country on a business trip with his father and would be departing the next day. As dinner concluded, he excused himself for another engagement.

Before leaving, he shook Victoria's hand warmly. "Victoria, it's been a genuine pleasure meeting you today. You're remarkably intelligent and delightful company."

He glanced meaningfully at Alexander, hesitating as if to say more, but Victoria smoothly interjected, "You flatter me, Benjamin."

As Benjamin waved goodbye and turned toward his car, he suddenly spotted Isabella Sinclair emerging from the restaurant with Nathaniel Graves and several business associates.

Benjamin didn't recognize the others, but Isabella's face sparked recognition. He pointed in surprise. "That woman... Isn't she—?"

Alexander remained silent.

Isabella, noticing the gesture, had initially intended to ignore Alexander's group entirely. But as she turned away, realization struck - she remembered Benjamin from years ago when he'd visited Alexander during their time together in Salzburg.

That single meeting had ended somewhat awkwardly, though the memory was faint now.

Her business companions were speaking to her, so she quickly refocused on their conversation, deliberately avoiding any further glance toward Alexander's table.

Benjamin noted Isabella's cold demeanor.

His gaze shifted between Alexander and Isabella, both now with new partners, and understanding dawned. He tactfully chose not to comment further.

Besides, he was pressed for time. With final goodbyes to Alexander and Victoria, he entered his waiting car.

Victoria wasn't surprised Benjamin knew Isabella. She had only glanced briefly at Isabella and Nathaniel when they appeared, paying them little mind.

Though her initial interaction with Benjamin had been slightly awkward, she now found him quite pleasant.

"He's genuinely kind and authentic," she remarked to Alexander. "Very easy to be around."

Alexander smiled in agreement. "That he is."