Chapter 67

The afternoon negotiations stretched for hours. By sunset, the two companies had laid the foundation for a promising partnership.

Two days later, Isabella Sinclair and Nathaniel Graves arrived at InnovateTech to finalize the contract terms.

Maxwell Sterling and Arthur Pembroke greeted them at the entrance.

Arthur arrived slightly late. "My apologies," he said as he entered the conference room. "I was in a meeting with Mr. Whitmore upstairs."

So Alexander was here?

Isabella noted this silently as they exchanged handshakes. "No problem," she replied.

The contract discussions resumed with Arthur's arrival.

Moments later, the door opened again.

At first, neither Isabella nor Nathaniel paid attention, assuming it was just another employee. But when Maxwell and Arthur immediately stood, they took notice.

"Ms. Kensington."

Isabella froze.

Her gaze lifted to meet Victoria Kensington's.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed.

Victoria gave Isabella a brief glance before addressing the executives. "Don't mind me. Carry on with your meeting."

Both men nodded deferentially, instructing Rosalind to serve Victoria coffee with utmost care.

Their behavior made one thing clear - they treated Victoria like the future lady of the company.

"Mr. Graves," Victoria acknowledged Nathaniel.

"Ms. Kensington," he nodded in return.

Victoria accepted the coffee and settled into the chair they brought for her. After taking a sip, her attention shifted to the contract documents.

"May I?" she asked.

"Of course," Arthur smiled.

Noticing Isabella and Nathaniel's glances, Arthur explained, "Ms. Kensington is Mr. Whitmore's partner. He shares all business matters with her."

The implication was obvious - Victoria had full access to confidential information.

Nathaniel smiled. "That's reassuring."

Isabella kept her eyes downcast.

The home office had always been forbidden territory for Isabella. Richard Thornton had made that clear on her first day at the villa.

In all her years there, she'd never been permitted inside.

Yet Victoria could freely review sensitive company documents, and this was common knowledge at InnovateTech.

The contrast highlighted the depth of Alexander and Victoria's relationship.

Victoria noticed their reactions. She knew their concern wasn't just about confidentiality - they were stunned by her privileged position.

After reviewing the documents, Victoria glanced at the silent Isabella, who avoided eye contact. Smiling, Victoria took another sip of coffee.

Her demeanor was that of a woman who belonged in the boardroom.

During a lull while Arthur amended a contract clause, Nathaniel asked, "Ms. Kensington, don't you work at InnovateTech?"

Victoria set down her cup and met his gaze directly.

"Alexander offered me a position here," she said. "But I prefer making my own way. No shortcuts."

Before Nathaniel could respond, Arthur chuckled.

"You're too modest, Ms. Kensington. Your AI expertise is renowned. Nobody would consider it a shortcut. Frankly, we'd be more efficient with you on board. Won't you reconsider?"