Chapter 58

A chill ran down Isabella and Nathaniel's spines.

Nathaniel spoke quickly. "We're already developing a new prototype. It should be ready by next year."

Frederick Aldridge responded with indifference. "Until it's completed, don't waste my time with meetings."

"Understood."

"Submit your technical analysis of today's expo by midnight."

Isabella and Nathaniel immediately realized he wanted a comprehensive report on all the showcased technologies.

"Understood."

Nathaniel hesitated before adding, "Mr. Aldridge... completing it in one night might be challenging."

That was putting it mildly. The task was nearly impossible.

He tried negotiating. "Would... a month be acceptable?"

With hundreds of exhibits to analyze, the report would require at least fifty thousand words. Maybe more. An overnight deadline was absurd.

Frederick didn't respond. His piercing gaze said everything.

Though always impeccably dressed and composed, his stare could make even seasoned professionals sweat.

Nathaniel straightened immediately. "Understood! It will be done!"

Isabella remained silent. The conversation was clearly over.

Then Frederick turned his attention to her.

She instinctively stiffened under his scrutiny. "Mr. Aldridge..."

"Look at your choice!"

He spat the words with icy contempt before striding away.

Isabella stood frozen.

Nathaniel murmured, "He meant your husband."

The implication was clear - How could someone like you marry such a man?

Isabella understood. But...

"Did they say something to him?"

During the conference, they'd been seated far from the front row.

They'd seen Alexander and Victoria approach Frederick after his speech.

But the actual conversation remained a mystery.

Nathaniel shook his head. "No idea."

As they processed this, Victoria and Beatrice emerged outside.

They witnessed the tense exchange with Frederick.

Watching Frederick leave, Beatrice told Victoria, "It doesn't matter. She lacks your expertise. Even knowing Frederick means nothing. She'll never qualify as his protégé."

Victoria nodded. "I know." Then added, "Let's go."

Isabella and Nathaniel had only stepped out briefly. They weren't leaving yet.

This conference offered invaluable networking opportunities. Leaving now would be wasteful.

After Frederick departed, they returned to the exhibition hall.

Later, they crossed paths with Alexander again. Neither approached the other.

To observers, they appeared as complete strangers.

Victoria's group remained too.

When Isabella had encountered Reginald at the jewelry store, he'd initiated conversation, claiming he still cared.

Today, despite multiple encounters, he never glanced her way. Not a single acknowledgment.

The contrast made Isabella scoff. But she understood perfectly.

With Victoria present, everyone knew he was her father now.

If he acknowledged Isabella, and people discovered she was Alexander's wife... what would that do to his precious reputation?