Chapter 69

Nathaniel froze. What an unexpected coincidence.

Alexander responded with equal calmness. Indeed.

Nathaniel glanced at their group. Mr. Whitmore, why don't you take this elevator first? We'll catch the next one.

Of course. Until next time.

Until next time.

The doors slid shut, leaving Isabella, Nathaniel, and the others waiting in silence.

When the next elevator arrived, Isabella's phone buzzed the moment they stepped inside. Sophia's name flashed on the screen. Excusing herself, she answered. Hello, sweetheart?

Mom, are you done with work? When are you coming home?

Ever since Isabella had twisted her ankle, Sophia had made it a habit to check in daily. Yesterday, upon hearing her mother had recovered, she'd immediately asked when she'd return.

Work had been too hectic for promises then. Now, hearing the same hopeful question, Isabella softened. Just finished. I'll be home soon.

By the time she hung up, the elevator had reached the lobby.

Maxwell, unable to contain his curiosity, blurted, Ms. Sinclair, you have a child?

Isabella nodded. Yes.

Really? I had no idea.

He'd assumed she and Nathaniel were together. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Nathaniel's attentiveness toward her was impossible to miss.

Arthur mirrored his surprise. Isabella looked far too young to be a mother. Casually, he asked, Is your husband in tech like us?

Isabella paused briefly. In a way.

Maxwell, having debated coding frameworks with her before, knew her expertise rivaled the best. He'd naturally assumed her partner was industry elite too. He nearly asked for a name but stopped when he noticed her closed-off expression. Clearly, she wasn't interested in elaborating.

Nathaniel bit his tongue. The truth—that Isabella's husband was Alexander, their CEO—would've dropped jaws.

But with divorce papers looming, and future collaborations with Maxwell and Arthur inevitable, revealing it now could backfire. Someone might target Isabella to curry favor with Victoria.

Better to stay silent.

After leaving InnovaTech, Isabella and Nathaniel parted ways at the parking lot.

When Isabella pulled into the villa's driveway, Sophia was already waiting on the front steps. The moment she spotted her mother, she sprinted forward and threw her arms around—