Chapter 92

Eleanor Whitmore was still awake when Alexander and Isabella returned home. Only after confirming they'd arrived together did she finally retreat to her chambers, visibly relieved.

Upstairs, Isabella immediately called Charles with updates. The moment she ended that call, Nathaniel Graves' number flashed on her screen.

Thirty minutes later, Isabella hung up and entered the master suite. Alexander had already showered and was reclining against the headboard, engrossed in a leather-bound novel.

His gaze flickered upward briefly when she entered, then returned to the pages without comment.

Isabella averted her eyes. She took an unusually long shower, meticulously applying her favorite jasmine-scented conditioner. By the time she finished her nighttime routine, the clock showed midnight.

She stole another glance at Alexander.

Before, his cold indifference had become familiar territory. Sharing intimate spaces with him never unsettled her.

But after his unexpected assistance today, the dynamic shifted slightly. This new ambiguity left her uncertain how to navigate their interactions now.

Still, she reminded herself, nothing would fundamentally change between them.

With that thought, Isabella slipped silently into bed. The moment her head touched the pillow, Alexander closed his book and switched off the lights.

Had he been waiting for her just to perform this small courtesy?

The realization startled her. She dismissed it as imagination and soon drifted into uneasy sleep.

Morning brought another attempt from Eleanor to orchestrate a shared ride. "Alexander should drive you to work again today."

"I'm meeting a client," Isabella lied smoothly. "Having my own car will be more convenient."

Eleanor's frown deepened as she shot meaningful looks at Alexander, silently demanding he offer to chauffeur Isabella personally.

Alexander continued eating his omelet, deliberately ignoring his grandmother's pointed stares.

Isabella noticed and quickly lowered her gaze to her coffee.

Recognizing defeat, Eleanor dropped the subject.

Truthfully, Isabella had no client meetings. She simply couldn't bear another awkward car ride with Alexander. Nor did she wish to accumulate more debts of gratitude.

With little actual work, she remained at YodaVision until past nine. Returning home, she was surprised to find Alexander already there - unusual for someone who typically worked late.

The bedroom was empty when she entered. Setting down her purse, she noticed an unfamiliar document on her vanity.

This was odd.

Though they shared a bedroom, strict boundaries divided their spaces. His belongings stayed to the left, hers to the right. Neither trespassed into the other's territory.

Personal items - wallets, watches, skincare products - always remained in designated areas. Nothing was ever out of place.

Which meant this document couldn't have appeared by accident.

Curious, Isabella approached. The embossed seal on the folder made her pulse quicken. She flipped it open with trembling fingers.

As suspected - the deed to the villa across from Charles' office. Her name alone graced the ownership papers.

Before she could process this, Alexander's footsteps sounded in the doorway. She turned, clutching the documents. "I saw the deed. Thank you."

He opened his mouth to respond, but she continued hurriedly, "I don't have the full amount right now. Please give me time to-"