Chapter 206

The phone rang in Alexander Whitmore's study.

He glanced at the caller ID before answering. The auction house. His expression remained impassive as he listened. "Understood."

The voice on the other end hesitated. "Shall we reserve these two items for you, Mr. Whitmore?"

"No." His tone left no room for further questions. The line went dead.

At the breakfast table, Victoria Kensington noticed his brief distraction. "Trouble at the office?"

Alexander pocketed his phone. "Auction house."

Victoria smiled, about to comment, when Sophia Whitmore piped up. "What's an auction house?"

Alexander sliced into his steak. "A place where rare items are sold to the highest bidder."

"Rare items? Like what?" Sophia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is it exciting?"

Victoria chuckled. "It can be quite thrilling. You've never attended one, Sophia?"

The girl shook her head. "Never. Are there lots of treasures there?"

"Yes."

"Then I want to go!" Sophia clapped her hands. "Can we, Daddy?"

Victoria started, "But—"

"The selection might not be—"

Sophia's face fell instantly.

Alexander set down his cutlery. "You could participate in the bidding."

"Bidding?"

He pulled up an educational video on her tablet, explaining auction mechanics in simple terms.

Sophia watched, enthralled. Within minutes, she was bouncing in her seat. "I want to try! Daddy, take me?"

"Next time I'm free. We'll bid on whatever catches your eye."

"Promise?"

Victoria sipped her coffee, observing the exchange silently.

Dawn barely broke when Dominic Fairchild arrived at InnovaTech.

Both Alexander and Victoria were already in the conference room.

Dominic paused at the threshold. "Ms. Kensington. I didn't expect you here."

"Projects under my leadership remain my responsibility."

"Of course." Dominic masked his surprise. Given her family's recent... complications, he'd assumed she'd withdrawn completely.

Alexander gestured. "Have a seat, Mr. Fairchild."

As Dominic sat, the memory flashed—Alexander holding Isabella Sinclair protectively at The Grandeur. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the contract details.

Victoria stayed for the initial discussion but excused herself halfway through.

An hour later, she returned for coffee—a special blend Alexander's secretary kept stocked for her.

Alexander's phone buzzed. He stepped out to take the call.

Dominic's gaze flickered between the empty doorway and Victoria. That image of Alexander embracing Isabella resurfaced.

"Something on your mind, Mr. Fairchild?" Victoria noted his hesitation.

Dominic shook his head. "Merely observing how exceptionally Mr. Whitmore treats you."

The unspoken words hung heavy. Reviving stalled projects. Introducing high-profile contacts. Launching entire initiatives under Whitmore Group—all for her benefit.

Dominic knew his limits. He could never match such devotion.

Best to leave certain observations unvoiced.