Chapter 17

Alexander's words brightened Sophia's mood instantly. She excitedly listed all her favorite foods while he listened with genuine interest.

When she finished, Victoria complimented her appearance.

"Sophia, that outfit looks absolutely stunning on you. The colors are perfect."

"Really?"

Victoria smiled warmly. "Absolutely! How was school today? Did you make any new friends?"

The two engaged in lively conversation while Alexander remained quiet, enjoying his meal at a relaxed pace.

A passing waitress who didn't know their relationship glanced at them and mistakenly assumed they were a family. She shot Victoria an envious look.

Just then, Sophia noticed an incoming video call from Isabella.

It was the call she'd requested that morning. But now, caught up in her animated discussion with Victoria, she hesitated to answer.

Earlier that day, seeing Isabella hug another child had upset her deeply.

However, during class, her teacher had explained that mothers always love their children most, and every child holds a special place in their mother's heart.

This reassurance had comforted Sophia.

When Isabella noticed her unanswered call, concern grew. She decided to contact Elizabeth instead.

Elizabeth was in the children's rest area when she answered. "Sophia's fine. She's video chatting with her father and a woman right now. Should I go tell her-"

"No need," Isabella interrupted.

She could guess Sophia was talking with Alexander and Victoria, probably having lunch together. "It's alright. Let them enjoy their time."

After hanging up, Isabella sent Sophia a text instead, asking about her school day, new friends, and lunch choices.

She also reminded her to listen to her teacher and take her afternoon nap.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, Isabella finally received a voice message from Sophia.

"Got it, Mom."

By late afternoon, after working closely with Olivia all day, Isabella realized her new secretary was outgoing, sociable, and remarkably competent.

Around 6:00 pm, as Isabella prepared to leave, Olivia approached with a dinner invitation to thank her for the guidance.

"That's part of my job. No need for formalities, Ms. Chambers," Isabella replied politely.

Olivia persisted, but Isabella's phone rang unexpectedly.

The caller ID showed Catherine Whitmore - her mother-in-law.

Isabella blinked in surprise.

Catherine had always looked down on her, rarely interacting unless absolutely necessary. In all these years, she could count their conversations on one hand.

Baffled, Isabella answered. "Mother?"

"Henry's been street racing behind our backs. I don't trust him. I'm sending you the address. Go bring him home."

Catherine hung up abruptly. Moments later, a text arrived with a racetrack location on the city outskirts. Turning to Olivia, Isabella said, "I'm sorry, an emergency came up. I have to go."

Over an hour later, Isabella arrived at the racetrack. The massive venue buzzed with activity even at night, engines roaring and crowds cheering.

She called Henry repeatedly, but he didn't pick up.

With no other choice, she began searching on foot.

After nearly twenty minutes of pushing through the crowd, she finally spotted him.

Henry looked stunned when he saw her. "Isabella? What are you doing here?" She explained that Catherine had sent her to bring him home.