Chapter 210

Genevieve's eyes widened in shock as she saw Julian Montgomery engaged in conversation with Isabella Sinclair. She couldn't resist tugging at Oliver Westbrook's sleeve. "Why is Julian talking to her?"

Before Oliver could respond, she started marching toward them.

Eleanor Kensington swiftly caught her arm. "They're discussing business matters."

"Business?"

"Yes."

Genevieve pressed her lips together in frustration, though her gaze remained locked on Isabella and Julian.

Isabella wore a simple winter dress today, yet even without elaborate styling, she radiated effortless elegance.

Standing beside Julian, they created an unexpectedly harmonious picture.

Though Genevieve knew nothing could possibly exist between them, unease twisted in her stomach. She pulled Oliver's sleeve again. "Oliver, what could they possibly be discussing for so long?"

Her feelings for Julian were painfully obvious.

Having known Julian for years, Oliver understood perfectly that Julian had no interest in spoiled, willful women like Genevieve.

Besides, Julian had already rejected her quite clearly.

Oliver chuckled lightly. "Just socializing. It happens."

"Couldn't business wait for office hours?"

Oliver wasn't interested in arguing. He wanted to go inside for tea, but Julian hadn't returned yet.

Just then, Alexander Whitmore and Victoria Kensington finally arrived.

Oliver immediately waved them over. "Here!"

Seeing them, Reginald Kensington and the others broke into smiles. "Alexander! Victoria! You're here!"

Alexander nodded, about to speak when his gaze landed on Isabella and Julian nearby.

The Kensingtons and Shaws watched him closely, anticipating his reaction. After only a brief glance, Alexander turned away and simply said, "I'll go greet them."

Diana Kensington and Eleanor exchanged subtle glances as Alexander walked away.

Victoria, however, smiled gracefully. "Mrs. Whitmore Senior maintains good relations with them. Even divorced, he wouldn't burn bridges unnecessarily."

So a polite greeting in public was expected. Anything beyond that? Impossible.

Hearing this, Diana and the others relaxed. For a moment they'd wondered...

Victoria glanced toward Isabella, then casually looked away.

Isabella faced Reginald's group, so she'd naturally noticed Alexander and Victoria's arrival.

What surprised her was Alexander approaching her.

Her brow furrowed slightly.

"Madam Sinclair." Alexander greeted Margaret first.

Margaret's warm expression turned frosty upon seeing him. "Mr. Whitmore."

Unfazed by her cold tone, Alexander gave Isabella a brief nod as well.

Isabella turned her face away, ignoring him completely.

As Victoria had said, he'd only come for pleasantries. Mission accomplished, he prepared to leave.

Before departing, he glanced at Julian, silently asking if he wanted to join him.

Julian turned to Margaret and Nathaniel. "I have matters to attend to. We'll continue another time." Nathaniel waved dismissively, clearly unimpressed.

Margaret remained polite. "Let's talk again when you're free."

With that, Julian and Alexander returned to the Kensingtons and Shaws.