Chapter 225

Moments later, Victoria Kensington, Sophia Whitmore, and Dominic Fairchild emerged from the restroom.

Sophia was at that wonderfully curious age where everything fascinated her. She darted from one shop window to another, chattering excitedly to Victoria the entire time.

Victoria responded with patient smiles, indulging the little girl’s endless questions.

Dominic observed them quietly. He couldn’t help but notice how naturally Victoria cared for Alexander’s daughter. It made him realize just how much effort parenting required.

Back at the café, Dominic’s gaze immediately sought out Alexander.

The man sat comfortably at their table, sipping his coffee while flipping through a magazine. He looked completely at ease—like someone who had delegated all responsibilities without a second thought.

Dominic hesitated.

Earlier, on their way to the restroom, he had mentioned meeting a friend here.

Once inside, Victoria turned to him. "Has your friend arrived yet?"

Dominic shook his head. "Not yet."

"Why don’t you join us for a while?" she offered.

"You two are on a date. I wouldn’t want to intrude."

Victoria laughed lightly. "Alexander won’t mind."

So Dominic followed them to Alexander’s table.

The first thing he noticed was the extravagant bouquet of red roses placed beside Alexander’s seat.

No doubt they were for Victoria. Perhaps Alexander wasn’t as indifferent toward her as Dominic had assumed.

"Daddy, we’re back!" Sophia chirped, immediately reclaiming her seat.

Alexander acknowledged her with a hum before turning his attention to Victoria—only then noticing Dominic.

"Mr. Fairchild?"

Dominic nodded. "I ran into Ms. Kensington at the entrance. When I saw you were here too, I thought I’d say hello."

After exchanging pleasantries, Dominic observed their easy dynamic. He decided not to linger. "My friend should be here soon. I’ll leave you to your evening."

Alexander didn’t press. "Next time, then."

Dominic gave Victoria one last glance before finding a nearby table.

The trio spoke in hushed tones, their conversation too quiet for him to overhear.

About twenty minutes later, Alexander stood to leave. Before exiting, he approached Dominic.

"Heading out already?" Dominic asked.

"Yes," Alexander replied simply. "Until next time."

As Alexander walked away, Dominic noticed Victoria and Sophia remained. "You’re not leaving with him?"

Victoria smiled. "He’s bringing the car around from the underground parking."

The café was street-side, while the parking garage was a short distance away. Having Alexander retrieve the car was a thoughtful gesture.

Dominic chuckled.

Victoria tilted her head. "Did your friend ever arrive?"

"No," Dominic admitted.

A knowing glint flickered in Victoria’s eyes, but she didn’t call him out. "Will you keep waiting?"

"No."

After a brief pause, Victoria’s phone buzzed. "That’s our cue," she said.

Dominic nodded. "Safe travels."

As they said their goodbyes outside the café, Sophia suddenly released Victoria’s hand and turned sharply.

"Sophia?"

The little girl was certain she’d spotted Isabella Sinclair this time. But the crowd was too thick, and her small frame couldn’t see past the shifting bodies.

She tugged Victoria’s sleeve. "Victoria, I think I just saw—"

Victoria gently interrupted. "Your father’s waiting. Let’s go."