Chapter 127
Nathaniel held up a hand. "Could we pause for a moment, Mr. Sinclair? There's another guest arriving in ten minutes."
Charles knew exactly how Nathaniel and Isabella were connected.
Nathaniel had always looked out for Isabella like family.
That's why Margaret and Charles were deeply grateful to him.
Hearing this, Charles asked, "Is he coming alone? We've got space at the head table if he'd like to join us."
"He'd be honored," Nathaniel confirmed.
"Excellent."
Charles nodded to the staff, instructing them to serve the other tables first while holding their main course.
As the appetizers arrived, Nathaniel checked his phone. He leaned toward Isabella. "Our guest is here. I'll go greet them."
Isabella nodded. The moment she turned, a familiar baritone voice cut through the chatter. "No need. I'm already here."
Isabella spun around. "Mr. Aldridge?"
Frederick gave a curt nod.
The other guests gasped when they recognized the tech mogul. Some rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
It was Frederick Aldridge in the flesh - the billionaire genius who dominated business headlines.
Who wouldn't know that striking profile and commanding presence?
Rumors swirled about his powerful connections, but his brilliance alone made him legendary.
Finding him at Margaret's birthday celebration was beyond shocking.
Margaret and Charles froze when they saw him.
They scrambled to their feet the moment they regained composure.
Despite his icy reputation, Frederick showed proper respect to elders he valued.
He'd met Margaret before.
In three long strides, he reached her side, gently guiding her back into her chair. "Please, don't trouble yourself."
Margaret sat, flustered. "This is such an honor, Mr. Aldridge."
"The honor is mine, Mrs. Sinclair." Frederick took the seat beside her. "My apologies for not visiting sooner."
He signaled Nathaniel, who handed him an elegant gift box. "This was rushed - I hope you'll forgive the lack of preparation."
Margaret beamed. "Your presence is gift enough."
After exchanging pleasantries, Frederick noticed Isabella and Nathaniel hovering awkwardly behind him like misbehaving students.
One sharp glance sent them scrambling into adjacent chairs.
Margaret spoke again. "Thank you for guiding Isabella all these years."
"Hardly worth mentioning," Frederick said. "Her recent research breakthroughs prove her talents weren't wasted. You've no cause for concern."
Neither Frederick nor Margaret had stopped Isabella when she abandoned her studies for Alexander.
They believed facing consequences was crucial for growth.
Some lessons could only be learned through personal mistakes.
The real tragedy would be letting failures define one's future.
Fortunately, Isabella had chosen to rebuild herself.
Margaret had worried, especially after Evelyn's example.
But she knew overprotecting would backfire. Sometimes, people needed to find their own path.
Hearing Frederick's words, Margaret relaxed. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."