Chapter 180

Nathaniel's voice was calm. "I'm not in a hurry. You go ahead."

Julian nodded. "Alright."

He walked forward until he stood directly in front of Isabella. "Mr. Graves, Ms. Sinclair."

Nathaniel's smile cooled slightly at his approach. "Mr. Montgomery."

Isabella offered a polite nod. "Mr. Montgomery."

Just then, Dominic Fairchild joined them.

Unlike Julian, he only acknowledged Nathaniel. "Mr. Graves."

Nathaniel's expression grew even more distant. "Mr. Fairchild is here too? My apologies—I was occupied earlier and didn't notice."

Dominic immediately caught the chill in Nathaniel's tone, sharper than during their first meeting. But he wasn't surprised.

His gaze flicked to Isabella, cold and dismissive. He knew she must have poisoned Nathaniel's mind against him.

Unfazed by the hostility, he said, "I visited YodaVision recently. I assume you're aware, Mr. Graves?"

"Of course. Isabella told me." Nathaniel's tone was smooth. "I reviewed your proposal. It's well-structured, but..." He paused. "Personally, it doesn't align with my vision. So I regret to inform you, Mr. Fairchild, that our collaboration won't proceed."

Dominic hadn't expected Nathaniel to be so blatantly biased because of Isabella.

His brow furrowed. "I thought you were a man who kept business separate from personal matters, Mr. Graves."

"Usually, I do." Nathaniel didn't bother masking his disdain now. He smirked. "But exceptions exist."

The implication was clear—when it came to Isabella, impartiality was off the table.

Theodore Fairchild had emphasized securing a partnership with YodaVision for the next two years, signaling the company's untapped potential.

Despite Nathaniel's hostility, Dominic wasn't about to walk away so easily.

"If you have concerns about my proposal, I'll revise it and resubmit," he said coolly.

He glanced at Julian, then added, "Since you're occupied, I won't take more of your time. Goodbye."

With that, he turned and left.

Throughout the exchange, Dominic never once acknowledged Isabella.

But Julian, standing nearby, noticed the deliberate snub. Nathaniel's rejection was clearly tied to her.

He chose not to comment, pretending not to notice. "I've also prepared a revised proposal. Would you both be available for dinner on Monday?"

Given Julian's close ties to Alexander and Victoria Kensington, Nathaniel had never been particularly fond of him, even if his proposals were solid.

But now, seeing Julian set aside personal grievances and even include Isabella in the invitation, Nathaniel's opinion of him shifted slightly.

Still, he remained professional. "Monday? I'll have to check my schedule. If I'm free, I'll let you know."

Julian wasn't fazed. "Understood."

Just then, the banquet host stepped onto the stage, making an announcement.

Moments later, applause and music filled the air as the host and his wife took the floor for the first dance.

Guests soon joined in.

The ballroom glittered with society's most dazzling heiresses and elites.

Then, a strikingly beautiful woman approached Julian, her smile radiant.

"Mr. Montgomery," she said, extending her hand. "May I have this dance?"