Chapter 162

Alexander didn't glance up from his phone as he muttered, "Fine."

Hearing his agreement, Isabella felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

Eleanor was chatting with the housekeeper and missed their exchange, but seeing them engaged in conversation, she beamed with satisfaction.

After dinner, Eleanor had someone bring Isabella's herbal medicine.

Alexander excused himself to take a call in the dining room.

Isabella had just finished her medicine and stepped out when she heard the roar of an engine outside.

She froze. Was he leaving?

"Where's he off to?"

Eleanor huffed in irritation. "Who knows? He rushed out like the house was on fire."

Isabella's brow furrowed. Was he running to Innovatech to rescue Victoria again? But he'd promised to talk tonight.

She hoped he'd return. He didn't.

Innovatech had been chaotic lately.

After breakfast at Whitmore Manor, Isabella met Nathaniel at Innovatech's entrance. Victoria's team was already there.

"You're here early," Nathaniel remarked. "Didn't you pull an all-nighter?"

Henry chuckled. "Deadlines wait for no one. They came straight from the lab."

Nathaniel didn't press further. Isabella focused on her work.

An hour later, as she headed to the restroom, Alexander arrived—but not for Victoria.

After a distant nod to Victoria, he strode toward them.

"Mr. Whitmore," Nathaniel said coolly. "What can we do for you?"

Alexander folded his arms. "I reviewed your system. Impressive work. I have some enhancements to discuss."

Nathaniel glanced at Isabella before responding, "We're listening."

Isabella hesitated. "Excuse me, I need the restroom. You two go ahead."

Both men nodded.

On her way back, she was steps away when a shriek pierced the air from the conference room.

"Ms. Kensington!"

Chaos erupted.

Isabella turned just as Alexander's face went pale.

He barreled past her, his shoulder slamming into hers with enough force to send her stumbling. Pain radiated through her collarbone.

Nathaniel caught her. "You okay?"

Clutching her shoulder, she whispered, "Fine."

Across the room, Alexander swept Victoria into his arms and vanished.

Henry blinked. "What happened to Ms. Kensington?"

"Fainted," Victor muttered. "Probably exhaustion."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Watching Alexander prioritize Victoria over noticing he'd nearly knocked Isabella over made his blood boil. "She's not dying!"

Henry winced. "Mr. Whitmore was just concerned—"

"Shut it," Nathaniel snapped.

Henry clamped his mouth shut.

Isabella touched Nathaniel's arm. "Really, I'm fine. It barely hurts now."

Nathaniel studied her. "Want to go home?"

She shook her head. "I'm not made of glass. Let's work."

"Alright." He hesitated. "It's been months. Why hasn't Alexander signed the divorce papers?"

Isabella sighed. "I wish I knew."

Last night, she'd planned to ask him—when they'd finally end this farce.

He'd left. Forgotten. Again.

Nathaniel gritted his teeth. "Get it done."

"I will."

At lunch, Victor informed them Victoria was resting at home—with Alexander.

Isabella still hadn't finished her herbs. That evening, she returned to Whitmore Manor.

Alexander didn't come home.

She called. No answer.

The next morning, after handling YodaVision business, they returned to Innovatech. By afternoon, their work there would be done.

"Never coming back," Nathaniel declared in the car. "I refuse to be treated like this."

Isabella laughed. "Deal."

Victoria was back at work, busy as ever. Neither cared. They just wanted out.

By 5 PM, they were done.

In the lobby, the elevator doors opened to reveal Alexander and Victoria.

Alexander approached. "The system's flawless. Excellent work, Mr. Graves."

Nathaniel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just doing my job."

"I hope we collaborate again."

"Flattered," Nathaniel lied. Innovatech was already blacklisted.

As they walked to the parking garage, Alexander started to speak—

A figure lunged from the shadows, blade glinting—