Chapter 212

Isabella responded with polite grace. "That's very generous of you."

Alexander glanced at the group with a teasing smirk. "Seems like you all need to catch up."

Just then, Walter arrived with Nathaniel Graves and Margaret Sinclair in tow.

He turned to Alexander. "Father, allow me to introduce the youngest Graves. His company, VisionTech, has shown exceptional growth and is now on the government's priority list for future funding."

Walter continued, "This is Isabella Sinclair, the lead technical developer at VisionTech and a rare talent in the industry. The company's success owes much to her brilliance."

The older generation often prioritized the nation's future above all else.

Hearing Walter's words, Alexander's expression softened. "Impressive. With minds like these, the future looks promising."

Walter then took the opportunity to introduce Evelyn to Alexander.

Soon, Alexander and Evelyn were deep in conversation about art.

Raised in an aristocratic household, Evelyn had practiced calligraphy and painting for years. Though not on Alexander's level, she had a refined understanding of the craft and spoke with genuine insight.

Their discussion stretched on for quite some time.

Victoria noticed how Walter's praise for Isabella echoed Nathaniel's words from the previous banquet. She assumed Walter admired Nathaniel and was merely repeating his sentiments.

As Isabella and Evelyn basked in the Ashford family's favor, Diana and the Kensingtons struggled to hide their discomfort.

Having missed the last banquet, Diana and the others had no idea Nathaniel had already spoken highly of Isabella before.

Surprised by Walter's glowing remarks, Penelope pulled Victoria aside and whispered, "Is Isabella really that remarkable?"

Victoria shrugged. "Hardly."

She repeated Nathaniel's exact words about Isabella from the banquet.

"She only joined VisionTech recently. How could its current success have anything to do with her? But Nathaniel clearly favors her—enough to share credit."

Penelope blinked. "Oh. I actually thought she was brilliant."

Victoria smirked. "She's just an undergraduate."

"True. Whether it's her education, credentials, or anything else, she's nowhere near your caliber. The way Mr. Ashford praises her, you'd think she surpassed Nathaniel himself."

Eleanor's expression, which had briefly faltered, quickly returned to its usual icy composure after hearing Victoria's words.

Moments later, Alexander returned.

His gaze flickered toward Isabella and Evelyn, who had unexpectedly moved to the front, but after a brief glance, he looked away.

Victoria noticed him and smiled. "Business call?"

"Just some overseas matters."

"About the expansion?"

Alexander nodded.

Seeing them engrossed in conversation, Julian averted his eyes, settling instead on Isabella standing nearby.

He realized she wasn't even looking at Alexander or Victoria.

It was as if she no longer cared about Alexander at all.

The Sinclairs, however, were beaming.

After all, no matter how much favor Isabella and Evelyn gained from Alexander, it wouldn't elevate the Sinclair family's standing.

There was no way the Ashfords would consider pairing Isabella with Sebastian.

It simply wasn't plausible.