Chapter 169

Isabella's voice remained steady. "As long as everything's in order, that's all that matters."

Without hesitation, she picked up the pen and signed her name with a swift stroke.

She turned to Jonathan. "I'll leave the rest of the divorce proceedings in your hands, Mr. Blackwood."

Jonathan gave a brief nod. "I have a meeting shortly, but this afternoon, I'll reach out to Mr. Whitmore to finalize the next steps."

"Alright."

It was nearly lunchtime. After sharing a meal with Jonathan, Isabella and Nathaniel returned to her apartment to continue working on her research paper.

Meanwhile, at Whitmore Group, Alexander had just settled into his office when his phone rang.

He answered distractedly. "Who is this?"

"Good afternoon, Mr. Whitmore. This is Jonathan Blackwood, Ms. Sinclair's attorney. She's signed the divorce agreement and has authorized me to handle the remaining formalities. Would now be a convenient time to discuss?"

Alexander paused, then lowered his gaze. "I have back-to-back meetings this afternoon. Come to Whitmore Group tomorrow morning at ten."

"Understood. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Whitmore. Goodbye."

The call ended, and Alexander returned to his documents.

That evening, Nathaniel left Isabella's apartment to attend to other matters.

Isabella had plans to dine at the Sinclair residence, so she grabbed her bag and headed out.

Just as she slid into her car, her phone buzzed—Sophia. She didn’t need to guess why Sophia was calling.

Not in the mood, Isabella ignored it.

Sophia tried twice more before giving up.

By the time Isabella reached the gated community, it was peak traffic hours.

She stopped her car, waiting behind other residents for the automated system to scan their vehicles.

Then, a knock on her window.

She turned.

Julian.

Her breath hitched. She hadn’t expected to see him here. Slowly, she rolled down the window. "Mr. Montgomery."

His gaze lingered on her face, searching for signs of exhaustion or distress—but found none.

A beat of silence.

Isabella broke it first. "Did you need something?"

He shrugged. "I had business in the area. Saw your car and thought I'd say hello."

They weren’t close enough for that.

But he had helped her before. And she’d be seeing him again soon with Lily.

No need to make it awkward. She nodded. "Well, then—"

Before she could finish, Julian cut in. "I heard there’s a famous bakery nearby. I’m not familiar with this area—couldn’t find it. Do you know where it is?"

No reason to doubt him. "There is, but it's not here. About a mile down on the next street."

She pointed the way.

Julian smiled. "Got it. Thanks."

"No problem." The gate lifted for her car. As she pulled forward, she said, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."