Chapter 147

Of course, that was merely playful banter. Nathaniel would never actually allow Isabella to foot the bill.

He also feared Alexander might discover he'd taken her drinking at a bar. After settling the payment discreetly, they left together.

At noon the next day, Isabella arrived at Frederick's residence to pick him up.

"Mr. Aldridge, where are we headed?" she asked as he slid into the passenger seat.

Frederick provided an address.

Thirty minutes later, they entered an upscale restaurant where a waiter escorted them to a private dining room.

Two distinguished middle-aged men rose from their seats upon their arrival. "You made it."

With his usual detached demeanor, Frederick introduced them. "Richard Fairchild, Walter Ashford. My protégé, Isabella Sinclair."

Isabella recognized them immediately - one a high-ranking military official, the other a prominent political figure.

Despite their status, both men greeted her warmly, extending their hands. "We've heard so much about you."

Though momentarily surprised, Isabella maintained her composure, shaking their hands respectfully. "The honor is entirely mine."

Richard and Walter chuckled, gesturing for her to join them at the table.

As she settled into her seat, Richard remarked, "We've been wanting to meet you for years. Frederick kept postponing introductions until today."

"Recently, our team has been studying your revolutionary system," Walter added. "With some free time finally available, we insisted on this meeting."

After initial pleasantries, the conversation turned serious - discussing advanced systems, semiconductor technology, and renewable energy solutions.

Frederick remained characteristically silent throughout, sipping his tea and sampling dishes without participating.

An hour later, Richard poured Isabella a fresh cup of tea, which she accepted graciously.

Setting down the teapot, he studied her with keen, experienced eyes. "If I recall correctly, you're in your twenties?"

Isabella nodded. "Twenty-five."

"So young," Richard mused. Walter immediately picked up on his colleague's implication. "Are you seeing anyone?"

Isabella hesitated briefly. "I'm married." Though divorce papers were already drafted.

Given the company, she refrained from elaborating on personal matters. Both men showed visible surprise, but their professionalism never wavered.

A fleeting shadow crossed Isabella's eyes when mentioning her marriage - subtle yet revealing to these seasoned observers. The unspoken tension suggested marital troubles, meaning divorce might be imminent.

This presented an opportunity for their eligible sons.

Normally, even daughters from elite families struggled to enter the Fairchild and Ashford circles, let alone a divorcée.

But Isabella represented an exception - her brilliance transcended conventional social barriers.

With YodaVision's cutting-edge technology, the company's trajectory appeared unstoppable.

More importantly, Frederick's position would likely pass to her eventually. Her potential was simply limitless.

Beyond her professional achievements, they admired her humility and grace - rare qualities in someone so accomplished at such a young age.

Their admiration grew with each passing moment.

Frederick, who had remained silent throughout this exchange, finally lifted his gaze, shooting them a warning look sharp enough to cut glass.