Chapter 142

Isabella stopped mid-step and turned to Sophia. "When were you thinking of going?"

Sophia bit her lip, hesitating.

Isabella understood immediately. The girl was waiting for a time when Alexander and Victoria wouldn't be available, so she'd have no choice but to ask her instead. But predicting their schedules was impossible, hence the hesitation.

Looking away, Isabella said, "It's fine. Just tell me when you want to go. If I'm free, I'll take you."

Sophia's face lit up. "Promise?"

Work kept Isabella busy all week.

Friday evening came early. She'd just arrived home and was contemplating dinner when her phone buzzed - Sophia calling. Isabella hesitated before answering.

"Mom! I'm free tomorrow! Let's hit the slopes!"

Isabella had indeed promised. But tomorrow wasn't convenient.

Her schedule was packed with obligatory social engagements. She couldn't afford distractions.

"Not tomorrow," she said firmly. "Pick another day."

Sophia's voice turned whiny. "But I really want to go Saturday! Please, Mom?"

"This Saturday won't work. Next week, if you still want to go."

Sophia tried another tactic, voice dripping with sweetness. "Mommy..."

Isabella remained unmoved. "Next week. And eat properly - no picking at your food." She ended the call.

Sophia didn't call back.

Knowing the girl, she was probably sulking. Isabella shrugged and headed to the kitchen.

The next morning, Julian called as she was getting ready. "Should I send a car?"

"No need."

After breakfast, she drove to the resort. Julian and Lily were already waiting.

Julian nodded in greeting while Lily broke into a run. "Ms. Sinclair!"

Isabella caught the girl in a gentle hug.

She studied Lily's beaming face. "You've grown. And those cheeks!" She pinched them lightly. "Even prettier now."

Lily nodded eagerly. "I've been eating all my veggies!"

Isabella smiled. Before she could respond, Lily produced a small object from her pocket. "This is for you!"

A delicate crystal keychain - a miniature pink purse with a white kitten inside.

It looked strikingly similar to the one Sophia had on her backpack recently, just a different color.

Given Julian's frequent outings with Alexander's group, matching accessories between the girls weren't surprising.

Isabella didn't comment.

"It's lovely," she said instead. "Thank you, Lily."

Pleased, Lily grabbed her hand. "Let's go skiing!"

"Alright."

As they walked inside, Julian asked, "Did you eat? We brought breakfast."

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Suit yourself."

Gear on, goggles adjusted, they headed for the slopes.

Lily was still learning, but Isabella - an experienced skier - guided her patiently.

The resort was packed that weekend.