Chapter 183

Isabella's first instinct was to shove Alexander away the moment she realized what had happened.

"Relax," Alexander murmured casually.

His grip around her waist tightened slightly, as if he'd anticipated her reaction.

"You!"

She couldn't break free without causing a scene.

People always had motives.

He must have something important to say, she reasoned, which explained this sudden switch.

She stopped resisting. "What do you want?" she asked coldly.

Alexander studied her frosty expression but remained unfazed. "When are you planning to answer Sophia's calls?"

"Soon."

His lips curved. "Which means about ten days?"

Isabella hesitated briefly. "Yes."

Even though their divorce was final and she didn't have custody of Sophia, she still had maternal responsibilities.

She'd decided to dedicate one day each month exclusively for her daughter.

Ten days would mark a full month.

"Alright," Alexander acknowledged.

There was nothing left to discuss between them.

Isabella shot him a pointed look, demanding he release her.

Instead, Alexander held firm. "How have you been lately?"

Her lips pressed together. What game was he playing now?

"None of your concern."

Her wellbeing wasn't his business anymore.

When she didn't elaborate, Alexander didn't press. Before she realized it, he'd steered her off the dance floor and disappeared.

The sudden dance partnership between Alexander and Isabella left everyone stunned.

Victoria bit her lip hard.

But she quickly composed herself.

If Alexander had ever been interested in Isabella, it would've happened years ago.

Not now.

When she saw Alexander returning, she intercepted him. "What did you say to her?"

"Just about Sophia."

Victoria relaxed. Of course - Alexander wouldn't approach Isabella without reason.

Smiling, she extended her hand. "Dance with me again?"

Alexander led her back onto the floor.

Meanwhile...

Nathaniel was still processing Isabella's dance with Alexander.

Hearing it was just about Sophia eased his tension. "Try to avoid him when possible."

Isabella nodded. "I will."

Just then, Sebastian approached. "Ms. Sinclair, my apologies for the unplanned partner switch."

He'd noticed Isabella's dark expression during the exchange. She clearly hadn't wanted anything to do with Alexander.

The realization hit him - Alexander was Victoria's boyfriend.

Given Victoria and Isabella's history, Sebastian assumed Alexander had approached to discuss - or defend - Victoria.

Isabella shook her head. "It's fine. Not your fault anyway. I'd have done the same in your position."

Her tone was calm and sincere.

Sebastian could tell she genuinely bore no ill will.

During their earlier dance, he'd noticed she wasn't particularly talkative or socially adept.

Quiet and reserved, she'd regarded him simply as a temporary dance partner without ulterior motives.

Sebastian extended his hand. "May I have this dance then?"