Chapter 175

Sophia nodded. Alright. As long as she wasn't left alone, she could manage.

Alexander made a quick call to Julian, requesting him to look after Sophia on Saturday.

Julian agreed without hesitation. Of course.

Come Saturday, Julian took Sophia and Lily to Sunshine Park.

The amusement park boasted thrilling rides and colorful attractions. Yet none seemed to capture Sophia's interest today. Her usual spark was missing.

She seemed distant. Lost in thought.

Julian handed them both ice cream cones - strawberry for Lily, vanilla for Sophia.

Studying her features that bore traces of Isabella's elegance, he asked gently, "Sophia, what's troubling you today?"

Perched on a swing, Sophia took small licks of her melting ice cream. "I miss Mom," she whispered.

Back in Salzburg, there were months when she wouldn't see her mother. But daily calls kept them connected.

Recently, even with Isabella's hectic schedule, she always answered Sophia's calls. Sometimes even rushing home to cook her favorite meals.

Now? Nothing. Not a single returned call. This silence was new. Terrifying.

Julian knew about the finalized divorce. Knew custody had been granted to Alexander.

But he didn't know the current dynamics between them.

"Did something happen?" Julian probed carefully.

Sophia confessed about the unanswered calls.

Julian realized she still didn't know about the divorce.

He hesitated. Chose his words carefully. "Your mom would never ignore you intentionally. She's probably swamped with work. It'll pass."

Sophia nodded. "That's what Dad said too."

Julian fell silent. What more could he say?

Noticing Sophia's sadness, Lily chimed in. "I miss Aunt Isabella too! But Uncle Julian says important people get super busy. She'll call soon!"

Sophia managed a small smile. "Okay."

Truth was, Julian hadn't reached out to Isabella either. Not because she was busy - but because he understood the divorce, especially losing custody, must be devastating.

Asking her to babysit now felt cruel.

At 5 PM sharp, Alexander called. "Where are you?"

Julian shared their location. Within twenty minutes, Alexander arrived.

"Dad!" Sophia's entire demeanor brightened. No comparison to how she'd been with Julian.

Alexander, dressed in a tailored navy suit (his overcoat left in the car), scooped her up effortlessly. "Did you have fun with Julian and Lily?"

Sophia, now cheerful, nodded vigorously. "So much fun!"

She clung to Alexander like a koala, refusing to let go.

Alexander carried her into The Grandeur, only setting her down in their private dining room. He turned to Julian. "Thanks for today."

"No trouble," Julian replied. "They mostly entertained themselves. Honestly, it was easier than expected."

With the girls distracted, Julian lowered his voice. "I know you have custody, but what about visitation?"

Alexander's lips curved knowingly. "You think I'm keeping Isabella away?"

The unspoken tension hung heavy between them.