Chapter 57

The moment the announcement was made, a wave of people surged toward the front rows.

Those seated in the back struggled to push forward, but by then, Frederick was already encircled by the elite figures who had occupied the front seats.

Isabella stood among them, yet she made no move to approach Frederick.

Nathaniel noticed her hesitation and urgently gestured for her to come over.

She obliged, walking toward him. "Aunt Beatrice."

Understanding his unspoken concern, she preempted his question. "Mr. Aldridge is surrounded by VIPs right now. Even if I fought my way in, I'd barely get a word in. Alexander suggested waiting for a private opportunity later."

Nathaniel nodded, realizing his own impatience. "You're right."

The crowd around Alexander consisted of industry titans they rarely had access to. Eager to expand Isabella's network, Nathaniel nudged her forward. But she remained composed. "I've already met them all."

Thanks to Alexander, these executives had treated her with utmost respect.

Nathaniel, aware of Alexander's high regard for Isabella, relaxed with a smile. "Good."

After a brief exchange, Isabella returned to Alexander's side.

The area was packed, yet the crowd parted effortlessly for her. Everyone recognized her as Alexander's companion.

Some executives, having finished their conversations with Frederick, shifted their attention to business discussions among themselves.

Noticing Isabella's return, one smiled warmly. "Ms. Sinclair is as brilliant as she is beautiful. Alexander, you've got exceptional taste."

These magnates valued merit over pedigree. Isabella's credentials spoke for themselves—graceful, poised, and sharp-witted. Her calm demeanor set her apart from the rest.

Their compliments were genuine.

Alexander responded with a faint smile while Isabella graciously acknowledged, "You flatter me, Mr. Thornton."

Their pleasant exchange was cut short when Frederick announced his departure, citing urgent matters.

No one dared detain him. Given his government connections, his business was unquestionably important.

And just like that, he was gone.

Meanwhile, Isabella and the tech teams from various companies were deep in discussion.

She and Nathaniel hadn't bothered fighting through the crowd to speak with Frederick earlier. They didn't need to.

Meeting Frederick wasn't easy, but it wasn't impossible either.

Sure enough, shortly after Frederick left, Nathaniel received a message.

He immediately whisked Isabella away from the hall to the parking lot, where they found Frederick.

He was typing on his phone when he noticed their approach and looked up.

Isabella stopped in her tracks. "Mr. Aldridge—"

Frederick gave a curt nod. "Hmm."

Then, in his trademark icy tone, he remarked, "I saw your exhibit. It was... adequate." His gaze swept over them dismissively. "Three years, and this is all you've achieved?"