Chapter 102

The bonfire feast tonight featured hearty stew, perfectly charred grilled chicken, and sizzling barbecue skewers.

Aromatic steam rose from the simmering chicken stew. The marinated chicken pieces were already skewered and ready for grilling. Beside the roaring fire, a long banquet table displayed an impressive spread of premium ingredients - all prepped and waiting.

Flames danced brightly in the night.

Alexander and his companions had already taken their seats around the fire pit.

When Julian and Victoria returned, Victoria immediately claimed the spot beside Alexander.

Oliver couldn't resist temptation and had already started nibbling on the marinated chicken skewers.

Seeing the group assembled, he was about to officially begin the feast when he suddenly remembered Isabella.

Turning to Sophia, he said, "Sophia, go ask your mother to join us. Tell her we have amazing food down here."

He fully expected Isabella to decline, just like she had at lunch. But appearances had to be maintained.

Victoria understood the gesture too. The invitation was merely a formality - whether Isabella came or not was her choice.

"Go ahead, Sophia," Victoria added.

Sophia frowned, reluctant to move. Secretly, she didn't want her mother joining them. But with everyone watching, she had no choice.

Just as she set down her drink, Alexander spoke up. "I'll go."

His words brought instant silence.

Alexander stood and left without another word.

Oliver blinked, then chuckled awkwardly. "Well... having Alexander invite her personally does show more sincerity."

Sending a child to fetch Isabella every time had been rather thoughtless.

Victoria nodded in agreement.

This was clearly just another attempt to appeal to Eleanor. Alexander's gesture meant nothing.

He'd never shown any real affection for Isabella before. That certainly wouldn't change now.

But Sophia pressed her lips together anxiously. If her father went to call her mother... she might actually come down.

Her mother had never been able to refuse Alexander anything.

Meanwhile upstairs, Isabella had returned to her room, ordered room service, and opened her laptop.

She'd barely started working when the door opened.

Startled, she turned to see Alexander entering with his key card.

Assuming he'd returned for something, she merely glanced at him before refocusing on her screen.

Then she heard his deep voice. "There's a bonfire party downstairs. It's quite lively. Why don't you join us?"

She paused. Like Oliver and the others, she assumed this was just another performance for Eleanor's benefit.

It meant nothing. And even if it did, she no longer cared.

"I have work," she said flatly. Then, turning slightly, she added, "Don't worry. If Eleanor asks, I'll cover for you."

Alexander chuckled at her words, his dark, unreadable eyes studying her.

Under his gaze, Isabella's fingers tensed slightly on the keyboard.

After all these years together, she still couldn't decipher him.

She'd never truly understood what went on behind those enigmatic eyes.

Once, she might have tried to unravel the mysteries of his heart. But now...

Isabella pressed her lips together firmly. "Thank you for asking, but I'd rather stay here."