Chapter 98

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Oliver Westbrook stepped out, catching Isabella Sinclair completely off guard. She hadn't anticipated his presence at the hot springs resort.

Eleanor Whitmore and Alexander Whitmore showed no surprise whatsoever. Clearly, they'd been expecting Oliver all along.

Oliver's gaze landed on Isabella first, one eyebrow arching in silent greeting. Then he turned to Eleanor with practiced charm. "Leaving so soon, Mrs. Whitmore? Won't you stay for lunch?"

The Whitmores and Westbrooks went way back. Eleanor had watched Oliver grow up. She smiled fondly at him. "I'll leave you young people to enjoy yourselves."

They escorted Eleanor to the entrance, watching her car disappear down the winding driveway. Sophia immediately bounced on her toes. "What brings you here, Mr. Westbrook?"

Oliver crouched to pinch Sophia's rosy cheeks. "Your father summoned me. Came straight after seeing your grandmother off. Good friend material, don't you think?"

"Dad called you?"

"Indeed." Oliver's smile widened. "I even alerted Julian and Victoria the moment I heard your grandmother was leaving. They're en route as we speak. Happy?"

His eyes deliberately sought Isabella's reaction.

She met his gaze evenly, recognizing the calculated move.

Sophia's initial excitement faltered as she glanced uncertainly at her mother.

Isabella pretended not to notice. She ruffled Sophia's hair instead. "Have fun with them. I'm heading home."

Without sparing Alexander or Oliver another glance, Isabella turned on her heel and walked away.

Oliver studied Isabella's retreating figure, noting her complete lack of reaction. No discomfort. No concern. Absolute indifference.

With Sophia still present, Oliver couldn't speak freely. He leaned toward Alexander instead. "What's going on?"

Alexander remained impassive. "Did you come alone?"

"Are you kidding? Hot springs demand company. Brought my date, obviously—"

Oliver cut himself off mid-sentence, tilting his head. "Wait. You're changing the subject."

Alexander didn't deny it. "Your date's here."

A statuesque blonde approached them, bathrobe parted to reveal a scandalous bikini beneath.

Back in her room, Isabella changed into comfortable loungewear and settled at the desk. Her laptop screen illuminated with research from the latest tech expo.

Thirty minutes later, compiled data filled her screen. A sudden idea struck.

She dialed Nathaniel Graves. "Got a minute?"

"At a masquerade ball. What's up?"

Isabella outlined her concept.

She could practically hear his expression shifting through the phone. "Give me fifteen. Heading back now."

"Fine." Hanging up, Isabella resumed work until chatter from downstairs interrupted her concentration. Julian and Victoria must have arrived.

Rising, she shut the window against the noise.

Her stomach growled. Room service took her order promptly, promising quick delivery.

When the knock came, Isabella opened the door to find—