Chapter 177

Dominic Fairchild finished his statement with a curt nod. "I have other matters to attend to, Ms. Sinclair. Until next time."

Isabella Sinclair had already picked up on Dominic's subtle disdain. Though he maintained perfect professionalism in the meeting room, his indifference was palpable.

Business was business. She wasn't here to make friends—only to secure a profitable partnership.

She flashed a practiced smile. "Of course. Until next time."

Turning to Nathaniel Graves' secretary, she said, "Ms. Chambers, please escort Mr. Fairchild out."

Dominic left without another word.

Downstairs, he spotted a familiar face. "Ms. Kensington?"

Victoria Kensington and her father, Reginald Kensington, hadn't left.

Victoria Chambers had informed them Nathaniel was away on business, but they'd chosen to wait, suspecting it was just an excuse to avoid them.

Instead of Nathaniel, they saw Dominic.

It had been two weeks since Victoria's injury. Though not fully healed, she could function normally again.

Last week, Dominic had visited InnovaTech but hadn't seen her. Upon inquiring, he learned she'd been hospitalized.

The injury had been severe. Even now, her complexion was still pale, her energy visibly drained.

Dominic felt a pang of concern—until he remembered she'd gotten hurt saving Alexander Whitmore. The thought made his jaw tighten.

Reginald studied Dominic's refined demeanor and asked, "Victoria, who is this?"

Victoria didn't miss the flicker of worry in Dominic's eyes. Her tone was cool. "Dominic Fairchild."

She introduced him. "Mr. Fairchild, this is my father, Reginald Kensington."

Dominic offered a polite nod. "A pleasure, Mr. Kensington."

After brief pleasantries, Victoria asked, "Did you come to YodaVision to discuss a partnership with Mr. Graves as well?"

Dominic nodded. "And you?"

"Yes." She tilted her head. "Did you meet with him?"

"No. He's away."

Reginald chuckled dryly. "So he really is gone. I thought he was just avoiding us."

Dominic frowned. "You weren't invited upstairs?"

Victoria shook her head. "His secretary told us to leave."

Dominic's expression darkened.

Victoria noticed. "What's wrong?"

"Mr. Graves is indeed away," Dominic said coldly. "But I was received by Ms. Sinclair—the woman we met at InnovaTech. She claimed to be handling all matters for YodaVision in his absence."

Whether Isabella truly had that authority didn't matter. What did matter was that she'd met with Dominic—but refused Victoria. That was deliberate.

Reginald stiffened.

Victoria merely shrugged. "I see." She turned to her father. "Let's go, then."

Reginald's lips thinned, clearly displeased, but he nodded.

Dominic opened his mouth to speak—just as Isabella descended the stairs.

She froze at the sight of them.

Before she could speak, Victoria's phone rang. She answered, her voice softening. "Alexander? You're here? I'll be right out."