Chapter 148

The moment Isabella stepped through her front door after lunch, her phone buzzed with Nathaniel's call.

When she explained Frederick's request to meet, Nathaniel responded instantly. "Richard and Walter? Of course I know them."

He added with a scoff, "That Dominic is actually Richard's son. With such an accomplished father, it's baffling how the son turned out so incompetent at his age."

Isabella hadn't expected Dominic's lineage, but it hardly mattered to her.

Tuesday arrived with InnovaTech's autonomous vehicle prototype testing.

Isabella and Nathaniel arrived at the tech campus at dawn. Dominic, Simon, and their entourage were already present when they arrived.

The group offered curt nods before deliberately looking away.

Nathaniel couldn't be bothered with pleasantries either, guiding Isabella toward the testing preparations.

Noticing everything was ready but the test hadn't commenced, Nathaniel frowned. "Why the delay?"

Maxwell answered, "Mr. Whitmore wants to observe personally. We're waiting for his arrival."

Then Maxwell glanced around. "Where's Ms. Kensington today?"

Hadn't Victoria claimed she was coming to InnovaTech for training? Why had she vanished after mere days?

Maxwell chuckled. "Ah, Ms. Kensington wanted skill enhancement, right? Mr. Whitmore said the fastest improvement comes from leading a project team."

"Last week he revived a shelved project. She's been assembling her team upstairs in meetings all morning."

Nathaniel's jaw dropped. He shot Isabella a look, but she was absorbed in reviewing previous test data, showing no reaction to Alexander creating a team for Victoria.

With a sigh, he playfully ruffled her hair.

Isabella swatted his hand away. "Stop that." Her tone was even—clearly unaffected. Nathaniel relaxed.

Alexander arrived then, flanked by Julian and Oliver.

Both men visibly startled upon seeing Isabella, their shocked gazes lingering.

Isabella remained impassive, barely acknowledging them before turning away.

Alexander greeted the group politely. "Appreciate everyone's efforts."

"Shall we begin, Mr. Whitmore?" Maxwell inquired.

"One moment—we're expecting someone else." Alexander checked his watch. "I'll check upstairs. Please wait."

He departed.

Isabelle didn't need to guess—Alexander was waiting for Victoria. Meaning they couldn't start until she finished her meeting.

Nathaniel clenched his fists, barely suppressing his irritation.

Soon Alexander descended with Victoria. And trailing behind them—Genevieve.

Genevieve showed no surprise at Isabella's presence. Victoria had warned her.

Seeing Alexander's wife reduced to waiting like staff while Victoria made her grand entrance, Genevieve's smirk dripped with smug satisfaction.

Isabella didn't bother questioning Genevieve's professional attire at InnovaTech. She simply looked through her.

Victoria offered a gracious apology. "Sorry for the delay."

Her tone was sincere. Yet when she spoke, her eyes acknowledged Dominic's group and Nathaniel—never once glancing at Isabella.