Chapter 457

After wrapping up her tasks at NovaTech headquarters, Isabella Sinclair finally checked her phone upon arriving home.

The screen illuminated with Alexander Whitmore's belated response - a single word "Got it" sent over an hour after she'd left for work.

For fifteen days since their canceled meeting, that solitary message remained his only communication.

Meanwhile, Sophia Whitmore's calls had flooded her phone five times in the past week alone.

Isabella typed a quick update: "Finished with work. Available Monday."

The message bubble hovered unanswered.

She set her phone aside, deciding not to wait.

As for Sophia's missed calls, nothing seemed urgent enough to warrant an immediate callback.

Nearly two weeks had passed since her last hospital visit.

After freshening up and breakfast, Isabella accompanied her family to see Evelyn Sinclair.

Her mother's condition showed gradual improvement.

"Thank you, Dr. Whitmore," Isabella expressed her gratitude.

Eleanor Whitmore gave a reassuring pat.

"No thanks necessary - it's my duty."

Their visit concluded, Isabella and Margaret Sinclair descended via elevator.

The sliding doors revealed an unexpected trio: Diana Kensington, Victoria Kensington, and Genevieve.

Both Sinclair women paused momentarily before composing themselves and proceeding forward.

The Kensington women's expressions darkened noticeably.

Since Alexander initiated divorce proceedings, Isabella had reportedly cooperated fully.

Their final appointment had been postponed twice due to his business commitments.

They'd expected to conclude matters this coming Monday during Alexander's availability.

Yet Isabella had suddenly become unreachable - skipping work and ignoring calls.

To them, this clearly signaled deliberate avoidance, an attempt to stall past the mandatory thirty-day waiting period.

Genevieve's glare burned with undisguised hostility.

Diana's icy stare matched her niece's intensity.

Isabella met their gazes with equal frost before looking away.

The Kensington women stiffened at her audacity.

Genevieve's temper flared.

"You—"

"Genevieve."

Victoria's calm interjection carried unspoken warning.

Public confrontations served no one's interests, especially with the divorce still pending.

Genevieve clenched her fists, consoling herself with the inevitable outcome.

Once Alexander wrapped up his business, no amount of stalling would prevent their separation.

Her frustration resurged remembering Alexander had taken Sophia abroad for an extended business trip, planning additional vacation days.

"Victoria," she complained, "can't you ask Alexander to return sooner? He can vacation with that girl after the divorce!"

Victoria remained unperturbed.

"Unnecessary. Alexander handles his affairs competently."

Meanwhile, as Isabella settled into her car, her phone finally vibrated with Alexander's response: "Understood. Returning tomorrow."