Chapter 94

Isabella slipped her phone into her pocket and descended the stairs. She informed Eleanor that Alexander wouldn't be joining them for dinner.

The entire night passed without Alexander returning home.

By morning, Eleanor was fuming. "Unbelievable! I know his work keeps him occupied, but to not come home at all?"

Isabella merely offered a knowing smile. Alexander could have returned if he'd truly wanted to. Everyone needed sleep, after all.

The memory of Victoria's voice on the phone last night resurfaced. Alexander must have found better company elsewhere. That explained his absence.

Meanwhile at YodaVision Co., the major projects for the next two years had been outlined. Isabella had completed the framework in just two days, but Nathaniel insisted they refine their concepts. He sent documents to Frederick for feedback, expecting a lengthy delay.

Frederick was notoriously busy and unpredictable. They anticipated waiting days, possibly weeks, for his response.

To their astonishment, Frederick called within hours. "Impressive work."

His brief approval carried immense weight. Coming from someone with Frederick's exacting standards, those two words were high praise indeed.

Frederick continued, "Your foundation in AI development and historical context is flawless. Competent work."

His words were clearly directed at Isabella, making her eyes sting unexpectedly.

Before she could respond, he added, "However, you're becoming complacent. Without continuous improvement, you'll stagnate. Frankly Isabella, you're slipping."

"I understand, Mr. Aldridge," Isabella replied immediately. "I'll dedicate myself to catching up on recent advancements."

"Good." Frederick never wasted words. The call should have ended there.

Noticing his unusual availability, Isabella ventured, "Are you free for dinner tonight, Mr. Aldridge? My treat."

Nathaniel perked up at the suggestion. It had been ages since they'd shared a meal with Frederick. "Yes, join us if you can."

Frederick's response was typically blunt. "Prior engagement."

Their disappointment was palpable. Isabella was about to ask when he might be available when Frederick dropped his bombshell.

"Alexander made the arrangements." The statement left them stunned.

Nathaniel recovered first. "Why would Mr. Whitmore contact you?" His voice held barely concealed curiosity.

"Apparently he wants to introduce someone." With that, Frederick terminated the call.

Nathaniel turned to Isabella. "You don't think he's introducing Victoria, do you?"

Until recently, Nathaniel hadn't known about the Kensington family's tech interests. Victoria had sought employment at YodaVision specifically for access to Cuap programming language.

Public knowledge credited Frederick with creating Cuap alongside his team of developers.

With her YodaVision opportunity gone, Victoria likely sought direct access to Frederick - possibly even an apprenticeship.

The realization made Nathaniel curse violently. "That conniving bitch!"