Chapter 141

Isabella recognized that smirk of Nathaniel's was a veiled dig at Dominic. She gave a slight nod in response.

Victoria noticed how genuinely attentive Nathaniel was toward Isabella, her brows knitting together in displeasure.

Though Dominic and his team had claimed prior commitments prevented them from joining dinner, their business here was concluded. They descended the elevator with Isabella and Nathaniel, preparing to exit InnovaTech headquarters.

Just then, Victoria's phone rang. After a brief conversation, she announced, "Alexander's arriving shortly. I'll depart with your group."

When they reached the lobby, Alexander's luxury sedan was already idling at the curb.

Spotting them, he emerged from the vehicle, exchanging polite greetings with both Dominic and Nathaniel. His gaze flickered over Isabella without acknowledgment.

Victoria immediately positioned herself at Alexander's side as if drawn by magnetism. Together, they epitomized the picture-perfect power couple.

While Dominic made small talk with Alexander, Nathaniel's lips curved into an amused smirk. "Mr. Whitmore," he interjected coolly, "we have dinner reservations to keep. We'll take our leave."

"Safe travels, Mr. Graves," Alexander replied smoothly.

With that, Nathaniel guided Isabella away.

Following their meal with Arthur and the executives, Isabella drove home alone.

The moment her keys hit the foyer table, Julian's call lit up her screen. She hesitated before answering. "Mr. Montgomery."

"The contract's signed," Julian stated without preamble. "Verify with your uncle, then call me back." The line went dead before she could respond. Isabella hadn't anticipated Julian moving this swiftly. Yet trust remained in short supply.

After brief consideration, she dialed Charles. "Uncle, has Sinclair Enterprises finalized the Harper Group partnership?"

"Indeed." Charles sounded pleased yet perplexed. "Isabella, how did you hear about this development?"

"Industry chatter," she deflected, quickly shifting to family inquiries before ending the call.

She immediately redialed Julian, who answered on the first ring.

"I'm available this weekend," Isabella stated.

"Saturday or Sunday?" Julian's tone was all business. "Your preference or mine?"

"You decide."

"Understood."

After hanging up, Isabella showered, then caught up on the latest AI sector breakthroughs until fatigue set in.

Morning brought a light breakfast. As Isabella gathered her things, Julian called again.

"Lily wants to ski this weekend," he informed her. "Do you ski, Ms. Sinclair?"

"Competently," she confirmed.

"Require equipment?"

"I'll provide my own."

"Saturday then."

"Agreed."

At the office by eight, Isabella's day passed routinely until Sophia's afternoon call. "Mom, I'm craving your lasagna!"

That evening found Isabella at the Whitmore estate. Alexander was abroad on business, so she stayed overnight.

While preparing Sophia for school next morning, Isabella remembered the ski trip and retrieved her equipment from the basement storage. No need for last-minute shopping.

"Mom's going skiing?" Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Take me too!" Her recent resort visit with Victoria had left her wanting more.