Chapter 108

Isabella subtly raised her hand to cover her nose for a brief second before stepping back, creating more space between them without being obvious.

Alexander didn't seem to notice her slight movement. He opened the invitation and glanced at it. "70th birthday?"

"Yes." This time, she didn't ask if he was free that evening or beg him to make time. She simply stated, "Please inform your parents."

It was unclear whether Alexander picked up on her changed approach.

He gave her a brief nod, set the invitation aside casually, and said, "Understood." Then he turned and walked into the bathroom.

Isabella watched his retreating figure for a moment before putting away the hairdryer and heading to Sophia's room to help her bathe.

By the time she finished washing Sophia's hair, drying it, and tucking her into bed, nearly an hour had passed. Sophia clung to her arm, snuggling close as she asked, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?" Given the current tension between her and Alexander, the answer was obvious.

Isabella returned to the master bedroom to gather her things. As she prepared to leave, she told Alexander, "I'll be sleeping in Sophia's room tonight."

Alexander was reading a book. At her words, he merely hummed in acknowledgment without looking up, neither questioning her decision nor attempting to stop her.

The next morning after breakfast, Isabella took Sophia to school as requested before heading to the office.

Margaret's birthday was approaching, but Isabella had been so swamped with work over the past month that she hadn't even bought a gift yet.

During lunch, she called Emily and asked her to go shopping that evening to pick out a present. When Emily heard it was for Margaret, she immediately agreed.

Meanwhile, Isabella still hadn't delivered the invitation to Victoria.

After ending her call with Emily, she tried calling Victoria.

The call connected, but no one answered.

Isabella knew Victoria disliked her - in fact, the woman seemed to dislike everyone from the Sinclair family. It was entirely possible she was deliberately ignoring the call.

Still, out of respect for Eleanor, Isabella had to go through the motions.

When the call disconnected, she tried again. This time, it was declined immediately. The message was clear - Victoria was intentionally avoiding her.

Isabella didn't care. She was just following protocol.

She sent Victoria a text explaining the reason for her call and asking when she'd be available to receive the invitation.

After sending the message, she didn't bother checking for a reply and returned to her work.

That evening after dinner, Isabella and Emily spent hours shopping but couldn't find a satisfactory gift.

Suddenly, Emily suggested, "There's a charity auction the night after tomorrow. Maybe we could find something there? But I don't have an invitation..."

She hesitated. The invitations had gone out weeks ago. Getting one now would be difficult. "Unless..."

The implication was clear - she was suggesting Isabella ask Alexander for help.

Around nine, after parting ways with Emily, Isabella returned to Alexander's villa.

When she arrived, she found him already home - busy working in his study.