Chapter 203

Isabella's composed expression suggested she'd anticipated this collaboration all along.

Dominic didn't dwell on it, assuming Nathaniel had briefed her beforehand. His response was detached. "Looking forward to our partnership."

As they stepped into The Grandeur, just before Isabella and Nathaniel could ascend to their private dining room, Dominic spotted Alexander and Victoria entering through the opposite entrance.

He halted mid-step. "Mr. Whitmore. Ms. Kensington."

The recognition was mutual.

Alexander inclined his head. "Mr. Fairchild. Mr. Graves."

Nathaniel offered a polished yet hollow smile. "Mr. Whitmore."

Before Alexander could respond, Nathaniel smoothly interjected, "You two catch up - we'll proceed upstairs."

With that, he guided Isabella into the waiting elevator.

During their previous encounter at InnovaTech, Dominic had already noted Nathaniel's evident distaste for Alexander.

This time, Nathaniel didn't even bother with pretense - a development that raised Dominic's eyebrows.

While unaware of their history's specifics, Dominic observed Alexander maintained his usual courteous demeanor.

As Alexander and Victoria watched the elevator doors close, Victoria murmured, "If Mr. Fairchild is dining with Mr. Graves, does that mean their contract negotiations concluded successfully?"

Dominic's lips curved. "Indeed they have."

Victoria knew Dominic's initial deal with YodaVision had collapsed after he offended Isabella, prompting Nathaniel's retaliation.

Nathaniel had been adamant about severing ties with Dominic.

She'd assumed Dominic would suffer the same fate as her - losing the YodaVision opportunity because of Isabella.

Yet here he stood, deal secured.

Did this imply that for Nathaniel, business ultimately trumped personal attachments?

Perhaps Isabella held less sway over Nathaniel than Victoria had presumed.

"Congratulations," Victoria offered with calculated warmth.

Dominic acknowledged with a chuckle. "Thank you."

Turning to Alexander, he added, "Incidentally, Mr. Whitmore, there's a project at your company that's piqued my interest. When might you be available for discussion?"

Alexander responded smoothly, "My schedule's clear this week. Feel free to contact my assistant."

With a nod, Dominic excused himself when the elevator arrived, heading toward his reserved suite.

Upon entering, he found Nathaniel and Isabella already perusing the menu.

Nathaniel glanced up. "Finished your chat, Mr. Fairchild?"

Dominic chose a seat deliberately distant from Isabella. Ignoring Nathaniel's tone, he inquired casually, "Some history between you and Mr. Whitmore?"

Nathaniel's mouth twisted. "Not history. An active war."

The glib response confirmed he wouldn't elaborate.

Recognizing the dismissal, Dominic changed tack. Observing their collaborative menu selection, he offered, "The wagyu is my treat. Order freely."

Without looking up, Nathaniel countered, "Naturally. We weren't planning to restrain ourselves."

Dominic's lips pressed together.

After they finalized their selections, Dominic added two modest dishes before steering conversation toward business matters.

When the first courses arrived, Dominic realized Nathaniel's earlier comment wasn't hyperbole.

The table soon overflowed with the restaurant's most extravagant offerings - servers kept replenishing dishes as though catering a banquet.

A dull throb began behind Dominic's temples.

Nathaniel, oblivious to his host's discomfort, piled delicacies onto Isabella's plate. "Take your time, darling. Savor each bite."