Chapter 73

Isabella's cheeks burned crimson with embarrassment. She hastily straightened the collar that Lily had pulled askew.

Julian's expression darkened instantly. When he regained composure, he turned away sharply.

The nanny standing nearby looked equally mortified.

Thankfully, no one else witnessed the incident - it would have been unbearably awkward.

The nanny quickly assisted Isabella in adjusting her dress.

Isabella was naturally reserved. No man except Alexander had ever seen so much of her bare skin.

Making matters worse, this man happened to be Alexander's closest friend. The discomfort twisted in her stomach.

Once properly dressed, she spoke stiffly, "I should go. There's something I need to attend to."

Only then did Julian turn back to face her. "My apologies."

Lily, realizing her mistake, gazed at Isabella with tear-filled eyes. "Ms. Sinclair, I'm so sorry..."

Knowing it wasn't intentional, Isabella softened. "It's alright, sweetheart. I know you didn't mean to."

She forced a smile and waved at the child before stepping into the elevator.

Julian watched the doors close, then spoke firmly to Lily in his arms. "We don't do that to people, understand?"

The little girl nodded solemnly. "I understand."

Isabella left the group activity early at 4 PM to attend dinner at Whitmore Manor. Nathaniel walked her to the parking lot. "Drive safely," he reminded.

"I will."

Their conversation was interrupted by an approaching vehicle.

At first, Isabella didn't notice the car. Then the rear window rolled down, revealing Lily's beaming face. "Bye, Ms. Sinclair!"

Isabella managed a small smile. "Goodbye, Lily."

Her smile faltered when she met Julian's intense stare. She gave him a curt nod, which he returned. His gaze flickered to Nathaniel before looking away.

Nathaniel rubbed his chin as Julian drove off. "Did you see how he was looking at me?"

Isabella shrugged. "Why would he?"

Nathaniel couldn't explain it - just an unsettling feeling of being scrutinized.

Hesitantly, he suggested, "Maybe he thinks there's something between us? Keeping an eye out for Alexander?"

Isabella's smile vanished. "Trust me, that's not it."

Julian was just as close with Victoria.

Undoubtedly, he'd prefer seeing Alexander with Victoria.

Both Julian and Oliver probably wished Isabella would find someone else and leave Alexander alone. Why would they care if she was unfaithful?

Isabella got in her car and drove off.

Night had fully fallen when she arrived at Whitmore Manor.

Only Eleanor and the staff were present.

Eleanor came to greet her, but her smile faded when she saw Isabella alone. "Where's Sophia?"

It was common for Alexander to arrive separately, so Eleanor didn't ask about him.

But Sophia always came with Isabella.

Since recovering from her ankle injury and their vineyard lunch, Sophia hadn't contacted her.

Isabella had no idea where Alexander and Sophia spent this weekend, or who accompanied them. She didn't ask.

"They should be here soon," Isabella lied smoothly.

In truth, she doubted they'd show. Hadn't they pulled this same disappearing act during the hot springs trip?

Eleanor didn't press further, assuming Isabella knew their schedule.

They chatted until 7:30 PM with no sign of Alexander or Sophia.

Eleanor frowned. "Where could they be?"

Remembering the hot springs incident, her displeasure grew. "Isabella, call them."

Isabella reluctantly dialed Alexander.

He answered immediately, anticipating the reason. "We'll be there in twenty minutes."

Before she could respond, Sophia's voice came through. "Bye, Victoria!"

Isabella's gaze dropped.

Of course they were with Victoria.

Then Victoria's voice: "Goodbye, Sophia."

Followed by her soft words to Alexander: "I should go now."

"Alright," he replied.

Alexander's cold tone snapped her attention back. "Anything else?"

"No."

He hung up before she could.

Isabella sighed.

Eleanor demanded, "What now? Is he canceling again? That boy—"

"No," Isabella forced a smile. "Just traffic. They'll be here soon."

Eleanor's expression softened slightly but remained displeased. "Let's eat. He can have leftovers."

Richard reminded gently, "Ms. Whitmore is coming too..."

Eleanor relented. "Fine. For Sophia's sake."

Isabella smiled silently.