Chapter 173

The moment Isabella Sinclair spotted the Kensington and Fairchild families entering the restaurant, her face remained an unreadable mask.

Nathaniel Graves muttered under his breath, "Fate has a twisted sense of humor."

The Kensington clan visibly brightened at the sight of Nathaniel.

Reginald Kensington approached with an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Graves, what an unexpected pleasure."

Nathaniel responded with minimal courtesy. "Indeed."

Reginald pressed on, "Since we've crossed paths, perhaps we could share a meal together?"

Earlier phone conversations had already revealed Reginald's eagerness to court Nathaniel's favor. This chance encounter seemed like divine intervention to him.

Nathaniel's refusal was polite but firm. "Another time. This is a private engagement."

Disappointment flashed across Reginald's face before he recovered. "Of course. Another time then."

With a curt nod to Isabella, Nathaniel signaled their departure. "Shall we?"

Isabella fell into step beside him, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the Kensington entourage.

As they ascended the staircase, Beatrice Kensington frowned. "Victoria mentioned Nathaniel's been keeping her at arm's length because of Isabella. Do you think he'll block our bid for the VisionTech project?"

Given Nathaniel's frosty demeanor, the concern seemed valid.

Eleanor Kensington offered measured optimism. "The VisionTech tender hasn't closed yet. Nothing's decided."

Lawrence Kensington chuckled. "Exactly. Look at Alexander and Victoria - everyone thought Eleanor Whitmore would prevent their relationship, but now the divorce is happening regardless. Miracles do occur."

He referred, of course, to Alexander Whitmore's impending separation from Isabella.

Diana Kensington's face lit up at the reminder. "Alexander's wanted this divorce for ages. Now that Victoria nearly died saving him, he's finally standing up to his grandmother. His devotion is touching."

"Victoria's patience is finally being rewarded," Eleanor agreed. "Her happiness is assured."

The group shared satisfied smiles.

Then Diana's expression darkened as she glanced toward the departed couple. "But what if Isabella refuses to sign? She clearly doesn't want this divorce."

Beatrice waved away the concern. "Alexander makes his own decisions. He was only waiting for the right moment to avoid upsetting Eleanor Whitmore."

"His mind's made up," Lawrence added. "Especially after Victoria's sacrifice. He won't let her suffer any longer."

Diana remained uneasy. "I still worry Isabella might create complications. Perhaps someone should... speak with her."

This suggestion hung in the air as the group exchanged meaningful glances.

Upstairs, Nathaniel and Isabella stepped off the elevator only to encounter three imposing figures approaching.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "What cosmic joke is this today?" he muttered under his breath.

Isabella studied the trio - Dominic Fairchild accompanied by two others, one of whom looked vaguely familiar yet unplaceable.

The men greeted Nathaniel with forced cheer. "Nathaniel! Small world."

Nathaniel manufactured a smile. "Remarkably so."

Dominic had actually called earlier hoping to arrange a business dinner. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, he gestured expansively. "Since we're all here-"

Simon Fairchild chimed in, "It's been ages since we shared a meal."

Nathaniel's refusal was immediate. "Not tonight. Prior engagements."

His gaze shifted to the third man. "Sebastian. Didn't expect to see you here."

Sebastian Ashford's chiseled features remained impassive. "Taking personal days."

Nathaniel nodded curtly before steering Isabella away. "We'll reschedule."

Sebastian acknowledged this with a silent nod.

Once inside their private dining room, Simon sipped his whiskey thoughtfully. "Nathaniel's star keeps rising. Those two projects could make him unstoppable."

Sebastian's response was characteristically blunt. "He was Zachary Aldridge's protégé. His research aligned perfectly with market needs. Success was inevitable."

Then he turned to Dominic. "Simon mentioned you once pursued the woman with Nathaniel. Yet now you won't even look at her. What changed?"

Dominic's jaw tightened at the reminder of his past infatuation with Isabella. The memory clearly rankled. "Drop it," he snapped. "Let's order."

With a shrug, Sebastian let the matter rest.