Chapter 184

Isabella froze momentarily.

Even though Sebastian had asked her to dance again, she sensed no romantic undertones in his invitation.

It was purely an apologetic and friendly gesture.

Recognizing his sincerity, she placed her hand in his.

Julian had already exited the dance floor.

His expression darkened when he noticed Isabella and Sebastian returning to dance together.

Victoria too raised an eyebrow at Sebastian's persistent attention toward Isabella.

Alexander observed them as well.

He smirked slightly before resuming his dance with Victoria as if nothing had occurred.

Moments later, Alexander received a call. He and Victoria stepped away from the dancers.

Coincidentally, Nathaniel also wished to stop dancing.

Thus Nathaniel and Victoria joined Julian, whose gaze remained fixed on Isabella.

Isabella and Sebastian continued swaying to the music.

Nathaniel sipped his drink, watching them. "Sebastian seems quite taken with her. But you know how those elite families are - they'd never approve, no matter how much he likes her."

After all, Isabella was a divorced single mother. Given the Sinclair family's precarious financial situation, the Ashfords accepting her was unthinkable.

Nathaniel didn't voice these thoughts, but Victoria understood perfectly.

Having lived in Salzburg for years, she knew the Whitmores, Montgomerys, Westbrooks, Ashfords, and Fairchilds were among the city's most powerful families.

She'd suspected Sebastian came from privilege - likely the Ashfords.

Her guess proved correct.

Perhaps Sebastian did enjoy Isabella's company, but that didn't imply romantic interest.

As for Isabella marrying into the Ashford family? Impossible.

Just as Victoria pondered this, Sebastian and Isabella left the dance floor.

After a polite nod, Sebastian walked away without hesitation.

Victoria smiled.

Her assumptions had been right.

She knew someone like Sebastian would never fall for a woman like Isabella at first sight.

Nathaniel looked away. "All that dancing made me hungry. Shall we grab something to eat?"

Noticing Isabella and Nathaniel heading toward the buffet, Julian agreed.

Victoria informed Alexander - still on his phone - of their plans before joining Nathaniel and Julian.

As they arrived, several guests approached to greet them.

Some even seized the opportunity to discuss potential business ventures with Julian and Nathaniel.

Victoria stood aside, listening to their conversations.

Then Sebastian and Dominic appeared.

Spotting her, Dominic approached. "Good evening, Ms. Kensington."

Victoria offered a faint smile. "Mr. Fairchild."

"Where's Mr. Whitmore? Isn't he with you?"

"He's currently occupied with phone calls."

Realizing Victoria and Sebastian hadn't been introduced, Dominic took initiative. "Ms. Kensington, may I present my good friend, Sebastian Ashford."

Turning to Sebastian, he added, "Sebastian, this is Ms. Kensington."

Sebastian extended his hand. "A pleasure."

Victoria shook it briefly. "Likewise."

Isabella and Nathaniel were approaching their group.

Nathaniel clicked his tongue in annoyance when he saw them.

The desserts he wanted were just beyond the gathering.

As they moved toward the treats, business associates intercepted them.

Meanwhile, after greeting Victoria, Sebastian turned to Julian and Nathaniel. "Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Westbrook."

Julian gave a curt nod.

Just then, Alexander finished his calls and joined them.

Nathaniel recalled Sebastian and Isabella's extended dance. He cleared his throat meaningfully.

Regardless of circumstances, Isabella remained Alexander's wife.

Julian's expression darkened further.

Alexander, however, appeared completely unbothered.

He initiated conversation with Sebastian. "Mr. Ashford."

Sebastian nodded. "Mr. Whitmore."

Alexander tapped his glass against Sebastian's before sipping. "It's been some time."

Sebastian gripped his glass lightly. "Indeed it has."

Nathaniel nearly rolled his eyes.

His concern had been unnecessary.

The group fell into casual conversation.

Isabella and Nathaniel became engrossed in discussions that lasted quite awhile.

They didn't cross paths with Alexander's group again that evening.

As midnight approached, they bid their host farewell and departed discreetly.

Monday morning found Nathaniel arriving at work to learn Ethan Blackwell from Whitmore Group waited downstairs to discuss collaboration.

Victoria had accompanied Ethan.

Nathaniel sighed internally.

Had Alexander come personally, he'd have refused the meeting.

But he respected Ethan.

With Alexander sending him, refusal wasn't an option.

He had to admit Alexander knew precisely which strings to pull.

Moreover, Ethan had brought Victoria.

A headache began pounding at Nathaniel's temples.

Suppressing his irritation, he went to brief Isabella on the situation.