Chapter 68

Victoria Kensington's lips curved into a knowing smile. Time would tell.

The unspoken message was clear - she could walk into Alexander Whitmore's company whenever she pleased.

Isabella Sinclair had grown accustomed to the special treatment Alexander showed Victoria.

She reached for her water glass just as movement caught her eye. Through the glass door stood Alexander.

Her fingers froze around the stemware.

Their eyes met briefly before his gaze slid away.

Turning back, Isabella caught Victoria's subtle smile directed at the doorway - a silent greeting meant only for Alexander.

Victoria turned to Arthur Pembroke. "I should be going now."

Only then did Arthur and Maxwell Sterling notice Alexander's arrival.

With noon approaching, his purpose was obvious - taking Victoria out for lunch.

As Maxwell and Arthur rose to greet him, Alexander waved them off. "Don't mind me. Carry on with your work."

They nodded and resumed their seats.

Alexander addressed Nathaniel Graves politely. "Apologies for not hosting you personally. Work demands kept me occupied."

"You're too kind, Mr. Whitmore," Nathaniel replied smoothly. "I completely understand the pressures of your position."

Alexander's brief glance at Isabella held no particular meaning before he exited with Victoria.

Given Alexander's numerous business ventures, Nathaniel wasn't surprised to find him at InnovaTech. Victoria's presence, however, was unexpected.

Nathaniel gave Isabella's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

She shook her head slightly. She was fine.

Coming to InnovaTech, she'd braced herself for possible encounters with Alexander. Victoria's involvement was the real surprise.

Maxwell had mentioned Victoria visiting before, but Isabella assumed it was occasional. She hadn't realized Victoria moved through Alexander's company like she owned it, familiar with every employee.

The contract negotiations delved deep into technical specifications, ensuring clarity for future collaboration. Each clause required thorough discussion.

By the time terms were finalized, the clock showed well past five.

After Nathaniel signed, Arthur personally took the documents upstairs for Alexander's signature. "Mr. Whitmore is still in his office?" Nathaniel asked.

"Indeed," Maxwell confirmed. "He's immersed in another project."

Or was he?

Too busy - or deliberately avoiding Isabella?

The possibility crossed her mind.

Maxwell, being a fellow tech expert like Nathaniel, lowered his voice after the formalities concluded. "Ms. Kensington's been here all day. Rumor has it she's been with Mr. Whitmore the entire time. Their relationship appears quite... established."

Seated beside Nathaniel, Isabella couldn't help but overhear.

Arthur soon returned with the executed contract.

Nathaniel declined the dinner invitation, citing personal commitments. Arthur and Maxwell escorted them downstairs without pressing further.

As they waited for the elevator, fate intervened - bringing them face-to-face with Alexander and Victoria.