Chapter 128

Isabella sat quietly beside Frederick.

He was still engrossed in conversation with Margaret, not once glancing her way.

She turned slightly toward Nathaniel. "I appreciate this, Nathaniel."

Margaret's mood had visibly lifted since Frederick's arrival.

"No thanks necessary." Nathaniel shrugged. "Mr. Aldridge simply responded about that project proposal you drafted recently. When I mentioned this event, he insisted on coming. Really, you should be thanking your own brilliant mind."

Before Isabella could respond, someone mentioned Alexander's name.

Her breath caught as she turned toward the entrance.

All eyes followed Alexander's confident stride toward Margaret. "Happy birthday."

He presented an elegant gift box. "In case the first gift didn't suit your taste, I brought an alternative. I hope this one pleases you."

Margaret hadn't expected Alexander's attendance.

His presence brought no joy.

While the Kensingtons were shameless, without Alexander's backing, they'd never dare act so boldly in Salzburg.

With perfect social grace, Margaret accepted the gift. "How thoughtful," she said coolly before instructing a waiter, "Please set another place at the table."

Alexander remained unfazed by her chill. Noticing Frederick, he nodded. "Mr. Aldridge."

Frederick returned the brief acknowledgment.

When Alexander's gaze met Isabella's, he held it deliberately. He directed staff to place a chair between her and Frederick before seating himself.

News of Frederick's attendance at Margaret's birthday spread like wildfire.

Within minutes, it reached the Kensingtons.

Their guests reacted with shock.

"The Sinclairs have connections this powerful?"

"Is that Nathaniel Graves in the photo? And the stunning woman beside him is actually Charles Sinclair's niece? He's never mentioned her before. This explains everything."

"What do you mean?"

"They attended the tech expo together recently. Clearly something's developing between them."

The Graves family's prestige combined with YodaVision's success made Nathaniel a rising star under Frederick's mentorship.

If Charles' niece and Nathaniel became involved, the Sinclairs' influence would skyrocket.

Neither the Kensingtons nor Sinclairs anticipated Frederick's appearance at Margaret's celebration.

Watching guests reassess the Sinclairs' standing due to Nathaniel and Frederick's presence, the Kensingtons couldn't mask their displeasure.

Genevieve, uninformed about tech circles, knew Victoria sought mentorship but hadn't bothered learning the name.

"Is Frederick Aldridge important? Why the fuss?" she asked.

Victoria answered flatly, "He's a globally renowned AI pioneer who advises governments. My ideal mentor."

Genevieve gaped. "That's... impressive."

After a pause, she added, "So this is why Uncle Reginald was furious with Isabella for costing you that meeting?"