Chapter 496

Alexander paused when he saw Kieran approaching.

He recognized Kieran immediately.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the situation.

Isabella stood in her robe, hair still damp from her shower.

Alexander's gaze lingered on her for a moment before turning away.

He didn't say a word as he walked down the hallway.

Kieran watched Alexander's retreating figure with a thoughtful expression.

He then turned his attention back to Isabella.

His brows furrowed as he put the pieces together.

Alexander had clearly been visiting her.

But why would Alexander Whitmore be here at this hour?

There shouldn't be any business between NovaTech and Alexander personally.

Even if there were, it should have been Sebastian from Whitmore Group contacting Nathaniel.

Not Alexander himself showing up at her hotel room.

Isabella noticed the questions in Kieran's eyes.

She could guess what he was thinking.

But she offered no explanation.

Instead, she simply asked, "It's late. Did you need something?"

Kieran snapped out of his thoughts.

"I had some ideas about the project," he said. "Wanted to discuss them with you."

Isabella nodded and stepped aside. "Come in."

Her suite was spacious and elegant, with a separate work area.

Kieran settled on the sofa but couldn't contain his curiosity.

"Why was Mr. Whitmore here so late?" he asked.

Then quickly added, "Not that it's any of my business. I was just surprised."

He had seen them together moments earlier.

Neither had looked uncomfortable or guilty.

That suggested nothing improper was happening.

Still, he couldn't understand Alexander's presence here.

Isabella opened her laptop, her expression neutral.

"It was a personal matter," she said quietly.

Kieran froze for a moment.

Then he remembered Victoria.

Of course. Isabella and Victoria had their history.

Was Alexander here to mediate between them?

The thought made Kieran reflect on his own reasons for joining NovaTech.

It had been connected to Victoria too.

But now, it all felt like distant history.

Isabella redirected the conversation to work matters.

Kieran had never considered any connection between her and Alexander.

Knowing her character, he couldn't imagine her involved with someone else's partner.

Since she called it personal and didn't elaborate, he assumed she didn't want to discuss Victoria.

He let the matter drop and focused on work.

Kieran had genuinely come with project ideas.

But if he claimed no personal motives, that wouldn't be entirely truthful.

As they discussed the technical details, his eyes kept drifting toward her.

Her wet hair clung to her neck in dark strands.

Tiny water droplets traced paths along her skin.

He felt his throat tighten.

Abruptly, he looked away and cleared his throat.

"Perhaps you should dry your hair first?" he suggested.

Isabella nodded. "Alright. Organize the notes from our discussion. I'll be right back."

She disappeared into the bedroom.

The sound of a hair dryer soon followed.

When she returned, they had just resumed their conversation when her phone chimed.

She picked it up and glanced at the screen.

A message from Alexander: "Sophia says you haven't replied to her yet."

Only then did Isabella remember Sophia's earlier call.

She typed a quick response: "Got it."