Chapter 118

Emily?

Sorry, Isabella. I need to leave Salzburg tomorrow for an urgent matter, so I can't join you to shop for your grandmother's birthday gift.

It's fine. I've already found something perfect.

She had never stepped foot in this antique boutique before. Coming here was just a whim, thinking if nothing caught her eye, she could always go shopping with Emily the next day.

But fate had other plans.

Emily sounded delighted. Really? That's wonderful!

Isabella smiled softly. Mm.

Then Emily suddenly remembered. Oh, before I forget - you mentioned seeing the Kensingtons recently. I did some digging these past few days.

Turns out they're actually planning to settle down in Salzburg. They've been house-hunting all week.

At the mention of the Kensingtons, Isabella's smile dimmed slightly. I see.

As for Victoria's maternal relatives, I heard they've already purchased a property. They'll be moving in soon. Apparently, they've even started sending out invitations for a housewarming party.

Understood.

After ending the call, Isabella drove back toward the city center.

Next week was Grandmother Margaret's birthday. On Sunday, Isabella took Sophia to the Sinclair estate to discuss banquet preparations with Charles and Caroline.

Alexander didn't return that Sunday, so Isabella stayed overnight at the villa.

He only reappeared on Tuesday.

Knowing she wouldn't be returning to the villa in coming days, she took the two ornate gift boxes with her when leaving.

She had initially assumed the presents left on her dressing table were for her.

But upon opening them, she realized Alexander intended for her to gift them to her grandmother.

After dropping Sophia at school, Isabella headed to the office.

InnovaTech was launching multiple new projects simultaneously, making the week even more hectic for both Isabella and Nathaniel.

Alexander must have returned as scheduled since Sophia hadn't called her in days.

On Wednesday evening, Isabella and Nathaniel were dining with a client.

Just as they entered the private dining area, she spotted Alexander with Victoria, Reginald, Beatrice, and others. This time, both Beatrice and Victoria's mother Eleanor had come to Salzburg. Naturally, as their future son-in-law, Alexander had to show proper hospitality.

How considerate - he'd just returned from a business trip yesterday, yet already made time to entertain them.

He always prioritized Victoria.

Last time, Beatrice's group hadn't noticed her. But tonight, they all saw her.

They hesitated, seeming to want to speak, but perhaps because Alexander was present, they remained silent.

As for Victoria and Alexander, their positioning prevented them from seeing her.

Expressionless, Isabella averted her gaze and walked away.

Beatrice's group watched her leave but didn't follow.

Over an hour later, as Isabella and Nathaniel exited the restaurant, they encountered Victoria's entourage again in the parking lot.

They appeared to be leaving too.

Alexander was noticeably absent - he must have departed already.

Before Isabella and Nathaniel could react, their client Gregory Whitmore spotted Victoria's family and enthusiastically approached.

Ms. Kensington! Mr. Kensington!