Chapter 168

Julian's voice came through the phone. "Oliver? Are you busy?"

"Not at all."

There was a brief pause before Julian continued. "Right—you're coming back on Tuesday?"

A noncommittal hum was all Julian received in response. Before he could say more, Julian took charge of the conversation. "Let's leave it at that for now. Just let me know when you land. I'll pick you up so you can see Victoria."

"Fine," Julian agreed.

The next morning, Isabella rose early for her usual routine. A brisk thirty-minute run through the quiet streets of Salzburg cleared her mind before she returned for breakfast.

By the time she arrived at the law firm, Nathaniel was already waiting.

He lifted a hand in greeting when she walked in.

Jonathan Blackwood, the attorney Nathaniel had recommended, sat across from her. As she settled into her seat, his assistant poured her a cup of steaming tea.

Without preamble, Isabella slid the divorce agreement across the polished mahogany table.

Jonathan accepted it, and Nathaniel—who had known him for years—leaned in to skim the contents.

His eyebrows shot up at the first clause regarding Sophia's custody. His gaze flicked to Isabella, searching.

He remembered Sophia from years ago. Back then, Isabella had spoken of her daughter with nothing but adoration. Every conversation had revolved around the little girl.

But since her decision to leave Alexander and return to YodaVision, Sophia's name had never crossed Isabella's lips again.

Nathaniel had already pieced it together. During Sophia's time abroad with Alexander, she must have grown attached to Victoria—or worse, done something unforgivable.

The fact that Isabella hadn't even mentioned custody in her demands told him everything.

He didn't press. Isabella was gentle, but her emotions ran deep.

For her to willingly let go of her own child meant she had been pushed beyond her limits.

With that realization, he turned his attention back to the document.

A low whistle escaped him moments later. "This much real estate? Damn, Alexander isn't holding back."

Isabella sipped her tea, silent.

Nathaniel flipped through a few more pages before leaving Jonathan to his work. Instead, he shifted closer to Isabella, engaging her in a hushed discussion about her latest research paper.

Their conversation was a rapid exchange of technical terms and theories, leaving Jonathan's assistant utterly lost.

Jonathan, however, remained focused, meticulously reviewing every line of the agreement.

An hour later, he finally looked up. "I've gone through everything. There are no issues here—in fact, it's overwhelmingly in your favor."

Isabella stilled. "Explain."

"The cash settlement is straightforward. The properties listed have no ownership disputes," Jonathan clarified.

"As for the company shares Alexander is transferring to you, the agreement explicitly states you're only entitled to annual dividends. Any legal liabilities, compensations, or obligations fall solely on him. You're completely protected."

Isabella blinked, momentarily stunned.

Nathaniel, however, nearly choked on his coffee. "You're sure you read that right? Alexander Whitmore being this generous?"

Jonathan smirked. "Are you questioning my expertise, Nathaniel?"

"Not at all," Nathaniel muttered. "It's just... hard to believe."

Isabella recovered quickly.

Throughout their marriage, Alexander had been distant, offering her neither warmth nor support.

But she knew him well enough to understand one thing—if he decided to give something, he ensured it came without strings attached.

That was why she'd wanted the agreement reviewed. Not because she distrusted him, but because she needed to be certain there were no hidden pitfalls.