Chapter 220

That look on his face spelled trouble.

They clearly wanted to speak with Isabella about something.

Reginald started first. "Bella, I—"

Before Isabella could respond, Nathaniel cut in with a dry chuckle. "Mr. Kensington, here to make some grand announcement about your relationship with Bella?"

Reginald's smile stiffened before he forced an awkward laugh. "Mr. Graves, I just need a private word with Bella. Could you—"

Nathaniel didn't let him finish. "If you're so eager to broadcast your relationship status, feel free to say whatever you want."

Reginald knew better than to provoke Nathaniel further.

With no other choice, he left with Beatrice in tow.

But before exiting, he turned back to Isabella. "I'll call you tonight. Don't ignore it."

Isabella remained silent.

She couldn't care less about his threats.

As for that call? Not happening.

Nathaniel clenched his fists. "I swear, one of these days I'm going to punch that smug face of his."

Isabella understood the sentiment all too well.

The problem was, with Alexander's accusations still hanging over her, she'd never been able to clear her name.

If she confronted the Kensingtons directly, Alexander and his cronies would twist it to protect Victoria.

She knew exactly how the Whitmores operated—they'd turn this against her in a heartbeat.

Her mother remained confined in that nursing home, completely at their mercy.

While talking with Nathaniel, Isabella noticed Alexander's group had abandoned their chess game.

Night was falling, so they decided to join Margaret.

Margaret and Harry had just concluded their art discussion.

Spotting some acquaintances, Harry excused himself to greet them.

Not wanting to impose, Margaret prepared to leave just as Isabella approached.

Upon learning of their departure, Harry insisted on gifting Margaret the painting she'd admired earlier—Silent Peaks.

After exchanging pleasantries, they left.

Outside, Alexander and Victoria still occupied the pavilion, deep in conversation.

They noticed the departing group.

Alexander's gaze flickered to Isabella before returning to Julian, Oliver, and the others.

Victoria caught the glance and smirked, deliberately looking away.

Julian gave Isabella a polite nod.

Isabella and Nathaniel returned the gesture before leaving without hesitation.

The next morning brought another hectic day at YodaVision.

With new projects launching, their workload tripled overnight. They dove in without pause.

The following days blurred together in a haze of nonstop work.

Then one afternoon, colleagues started handing out gingerbread cookies.

Isabella blinked in surprise. "Christmas already? Where did the time go?"

Her coworker stretched with a grin. "The city's all decked out. My friends and I are hitting the holiday markets later. Any plans?"

Isabella shook her head with a smile. Tucking the cookies aside, she returned to her screen.

After work, remembering her dying houseplant, she detoured to the mall.

The moment she stepped inside, Christmas assaulted her senses—glittering trees, oversized Santas, exactly as described.

The festive atmosphere was undeniable.

Shoppers packed the corridors, everyone paired up or in groups.

Taking in the cheerful chaos, Isabella suddenly froze mid-step.