Chapter 91

Alexander was present too. So Isabella refrained from any impulsive actions or words.

Nathaniel approached, but he bypassed Isabella completely. Instead, he addressed Alexander directly with a practiced smile. "What an unexpected pleasure, Mr. Whitmore. Fancy seeing you here again."

Alexander returned the smile politely. "Indeed. Quite the coincidence."

"I've been meaning to take you to dinner, Mr. Whitmore," Nathaniel continued smoothly. "But my schedule has been rather hectic lately."

"No need for apologies, Mr. Graves," Alexander replied. "I understand how demanding your position can be."

Of course Nathaniel was busy. Otherwise, he would have started working at Whitmore Technologies after their initial meeting a month prior.

Reginald also sought to establish a connection with Alexander. Noticing that Alexander didn't object to Nathaniel ignoring Isabella, he took it as permission to approach.

Beatrice followed his lead. After exchanging pleasantries with Alexander, Reginald turned to Isabella. "Hello, Bella."

Isabella remained silent.

Reginald didn't press further, shifting his full attention back to Alexander. After concluding their conversation, they returned to Alexander's side without acknowledging Isabella.

The group then entered the restaurant together.

Nathaniel watched their retreating figures with growing frustration. "It's like you're invisible to them."

Isabella shrugged indifferently. "Let's go. Our business partner is waiting."

As evening fell, Isabella found herself working late again. At nearly 7:00 pm, Eleanor called to inquire about her return time.

Under normal circumstances, Isabella would have gone home earlier with Eleanor visiting. But her project required immediate attention, and she couldn't bring herself to abandon it now.

After a brief hesitation, Isabella replied, "I'm sorry, Grandma. I have to work late tonight."

Eleanor sighed. "You and Alexander are both so busy. How will you ever move your relationship forward at this rate?"

Did that mean Alexander would be home tonight too?

"I'm sorry, Grandma," Isabella repeated.

"At least promise you'll eat something, no matter how busy you are."

"I will." After hanging up, Isabella's takeout arrived. She worked straight through until 10:00 pm before finally leaving the office.

Having not driven today, Isabella had arranged for her driver half an hour earlier. He should have arrived by now.

Descending to the lobby, Isabella spotted the waiting car - but it wasn't her usual driver. Alexander's vehicle stood there instead, with Alexander himself in the backseat.

When Isabella hesitated, Alexander rolled down the window. "Grandmother insisted I give you a ride."

Accepting the inevitable, Isabella circled the car and took the same seat she'd occupied that morning.

The car merged smoothly into the nighttime traffic. Silence settled between them once more.

Alexander remained engrossed in his phone, paying Isabella no attention until she broke the quiet.

"Did they agree?" she asked.

She was referring to her request about keeping Victoria's uncle from moving in. Alexander's odd expression that morning suggested Victoria had consented.

But what about the others?

Alexander didn't look up from his phone. "They did."

Isabella hesitated before pressing forward. "I want to buy the villa. Is that acceptable?"

This would finally resolve her dilemma.

Alexander paused, then turned to study her. "You may."

Relief washed over Isabella. "Thank you."

Alexander simply nodded. "Of course."