Chapter 223

"Miss, would you like some chocolate-dipped fruit?"

Isabella turned at the vendor's call.

The glistening strawberries on wooden skewers caught the festival lights perfectly, making her mouth water instantly. She couldn't remember the last time she'd indulged in such a treat.

Her gaze automatically sought out Sophia in the crowd.

Just as expected, the little girl was happily devouring her own chocolate-covered treat nearby.

Victoria stood beside Alexander, clutching an extravagant bouquet of red roses while chatting animatedly. Sophia offered her half-eaten skewer to Victoria without hesitation.

Victoria took a delicate bite directly from Sophia's hand before offering it to Alexander.

He shook his head with an inaudible refusal that made Isabella's chest tighten.

"I'll take the strawberry one," Isabella told the vendor.

Before she could ask Sebastian if he wanted anything, he'd already stepped forward. "Allow me."

In one fluid motion, he scanned his phone, completed the payment, and accepted the treat from the vendor before presenting it to her.

"It's just ten dollars," Isabella protested even as she accepted it.

"My pleasure," Sebastian replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Neither noticed Alexander and Victoria watching the exchange from across the plaza.

Alexander's jaw tightened imperceptibly while Victoria's smile froze in place.

The fireworks display lasted twenty spectacular minutes.

As the grand finale lit up the sky, Sophia tugged at Alexander's sleeve. "Daddy, what are you and Victoria looking at?"

"Nothing important," Alexander said smoothly, while Victoria forced another smile.

When the show ended, Isabella turned to Sebastian. "Thank you for the company - and the strawberries."

"Heading home now?"

"Yes, just need to grab some snacks first."

Sebastian didn't press further. "Goodnight then."

"Goodnight."

Isabella disappeared into the dispersing crowd while Sebastian made his way toward the parking garage.

He'd only taken a few steps when a familiar voice called out. "Sebastian?"

Dominic Fairchild approached with narrowed eyes. "What brings you here?"

"Dinner with a friend," Sebastian answered evenly. "You?"

Dominic shifted uncomfortably. "Same."

"I was just leaving. You?"

Dominic's reply died on his lips as his attention snapped to something behind Sebastian.

Following his gaze, Sebastian spotted Alexander and Victoria entering a nearby café with Sophia.

Dominic's expression darkened. "That child... Could the rumors be true? Does Whitmore really have a daughter?"

Sebastian shrugged. "Possibly."

Dominic stood rooted to the spot, lips pressed into a thin line.

If that girl was Alexander's child, what did that mean for Victoria's position?

And those persistent whispers about Alexander still being legally married...

If Alexander reconciled with his estranged wife because of their child, where would that leave Victoria?