Chapter 480

Alexander seemed to sense Isabella's reluctance to engage.

After she finished ordering, he brought up Sophia's upcoming event.

"Sophia has a major competition in Geneva next Thursday."

"Will your schedule allow you to attend?"

"Please, Mom? Can you come with me?"

Since it was in another country, the trip would require at least two days.

NovaTech, Velotra, and Whitmore Group all had pressing matters demanding her attention.

Isabella hesitated, weighing her commitments.

Before she could respond, Sophia read her expression perfectly.

She'd lost count of how many times Isabella had postponed their plans due to work obligations.

Even on weekends, and during visits to her great-grandmother, quality time with her mother remained scarce.

Sophia fiddled with her spoon, tracing the rim of her teacup.

She lowered her head before Isabella could speak.

"During my last training match abroad, all the other children had their parents cheering them on."

"I was the only one..."

Initially, she hadn't minded Alexander's absence.

She was accustomed to traveling with just the household staff.

But watching other families support their children together made her feel profoundly alone.

She had tried calling Isabella during the competition, but her mother hadn't answered.

Fortunately, Alexander had picked up.

Isabella's lips parted slightly, but no words emerged.

Her silence spoke volumes, functioning as a rejection.

Sophia's nose tingled with unshed tears.

She pressed her lips together tightly, turning her face away.

There was a time when Isabella would rearrange her entire schedule to attend Sophia's events.

But now...

She had resolved to create distance.

Yet seeing Sophia's distress made her resolve waver.

She took a deep breath and turned to Alexander.

"You're unavailable that day as well?"

"After Grandmother's identification, I rescheduled numerous appointments."

"Tuesday is my absolute deadline—I must be in Edinburgh."

Isabella frowned, her hands clenching silently beneath the table.

Watching them negotiate her importance, Sophia's eyes instantly reddened.

She tossed her spoon onto the table with a clatter.

"Since you're both too busy, forget it."

"I'll go alone!"

She spun around and bolted toward the private room door.

In all her years, Isabella had rarely seen her daughter this upset.

She froze momentarily, stunned by the outburst.

By the time she reacted, Alexander was already moving.

He crossed the room in swift strides, intercepting Sophia before her hand could touch the doorknob.

He bent down and scooped her into his arms effortlessly.

Sophia struggled against him angrily.

"Let me go."

Alexander remained perfectly calm.

He gently pinched her cheek.

"Have I ever missed an important moment when I had any choice in the matter?"

Her sobs hitched slightly at his words.

Nestled in his embrace, she clutched his shirt without responding.

Her sidelong glance, however, was directed at Isabella—who had risen but then stopped upon seeing Alexander's intervention.

Sophia knew exactly who truly caused her pain.

She was merely taking her frustration out on Alexander.

The real source of her anger... was Isabella.