Chapter 194

Isabella waved casually. "See you around." Without another word, she drove off, tires crunching on the gravel.

Back at the Sinclair estate, Isabella headed upstairs while Thomas excitedly recounted the day's events to Margaret.

When the elderly woman learned Julian Montgomery had been Isabella's companion all day, her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Julian and Alexander had been childhood friends, yet Isabella had never shown particular interest in him before. What changed so suddenly?

Charles stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Now I understand why the Montgomery Group suddenly proposed that joint venture last week. Julian's been unusually courteous too."

Caroline gasped. "You think it's serious then?"

But Margaret knew her granddaughter better. "Isabella isn't officially divorced yet. She wouldn't cross that line. Let's not meddle."

"Understood."

The next morning, Isabella woke in her childhood bedroom. She'd just finished breakfast when her phone buzzed.

Alexander.

She stared at the screen, letting it ring out.

A text appeared moments later: Sophia's school has a parent event tomorrow. Be there.

Isabella typed back: Can't make it.

The phone rang again.

She powered it off completely.

After finishing her work, she turned the phone back on to find another message: Are you at the Sinclair residence?

Four simple words laced with threat - if she didn't respond, he'd come find her.

Her fingers tightened around the device as she replied: What time?

Thirty agonizing minutes passed before his response: 9 AM.

She didn't acknowledge it.

That evening, Sophia called.

"Mommy, why aren't you home yet?" The little girl's voice trembled.

Alexander had promised Sophia her mother would return for tomorrow's event, but it was already past nine and no sign of Isabella.

"I'm staying here tonight. I'll meet you at school tomorrow."

"Oh." Sophia's disappointment cut deep.

"Go to sleep now, sweetheart."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Isabella texted Nathaniel she'd be late to the office.

Monday morning found her pulling into the school parking lot right on time.

"Mommy!" Sophia jumped up and down beside Alexander, waving frantically.

Isabella approached. Alexander nodded. "You came."

Remembering his veiled threat, she ignored him, instead opening Sophia's tablet to review the event schedule.

Soon, they took their seats.

Elizabeth Moore spotted Isabella and brightened noticeably. "Ms. Sinclair! You made it."

Isabella offered a warm smile. "Wouldn't miss it."

Sophia returned with the floral wreath meant for mothers, handing it to Alexander with expectant eyes.

Isabella intercepted it. "I've got this."

Alexander relinquished the flowers without argument.

Their striking looks made them stand out among the other parents, drawing curious glances.

Abigail Winslow had heard from Charlotte about Isabella's marriage and daughter. Now seeing them in person, she approached. "Is this... your husband?"