Chapter 78

Margaret Sinclair would turn seventy next month.

Isabella Sinclair sat with Charles Sinclair, discussing plans for the birthday celebration.

Margaret had no interest in elaborate festivities. A simple family dinner would suffice.

Caroline Sinclair interjected, "It's her seventieth! We should make it special."

Isabella and Charles agreed.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Margaret reluctantly gave in to their suggestions.

Sophia Whitmore had school the next day. After dinner, Isabella left the Sinclair residence with her daughter.

Upon arriving at Whitmore Manor, Sophia bounded out of the car, her face lit with excitement.

Isabella remained seated. "Take your bath and go to bed early," she instructed. "I have some errands to run."

Sophia's smile faltered. "What?"

She leaned against the car window, brows knitting together. "Are you busy, Mom?"

Isabella kept her expression neutral. "Yes. Focus on your studies. Call me if you need anything."

Sophia's lips pursed in disappointment. "Okay."

With Alexander frequently absent due to work, Sophia assumed her mother's absence was work-related and didn't question further.

Richard Thornton came out to greet them. "Is Dad home?" Sophia asked.

"Yes, he's in his study," Richard replied.

Isabella's voice remained even. "I'm leaving now, Sophia."

"Alright..." Sophia stepped back, confused.

Richard frowned. "Going out again at this hour, Mrs. Whitmore?"

"Just some things to attend to." Isabella turned to Sophia. "It's cold. Go inside."

Sophia waved goodbye and entered the house with Richard.

After watching them go, Isabella reversed the car and drove away.

Inside, Sophia asked, "Where's Dad?"

"Study," Richard answered.

Upstairs, Sophia found the study door ajar. Alexander stood by the window, cigarette in hand, gazing outside.

"Dad?"

He turned. "Hello, sweetheart."

"Mom had to leave again."

Alexander stubbed out his cigarette. "I saw."

Sophia wrinkled her nose. "She's been as busy as you lately."

Alexander chuckled. "True."

Yawning, Sophia announced, "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Dad."

"Sweet dreams."

Isabella went straight to bed after returning home.

The next day, she arrived at work early.

That afternoon, she and Dominic Vega visited InnovaTech for system maintenance with their team.

Neither Alexander nor Victoria Kensington appeared during their visit.

In the following days, including Thursday when she cooked for Sophia, Alexander remained conspicuously absent.

She heard he wasn't traveling—just occupied with unspecified errands that kept him from dinner.

Isabella didn't inquire whether these errands involved Victoria or other obligations. On Friday evening, as she considered dinner options, Sophia called. "Mom, Dad won't be home this weekend. When are you coming back?"