Chapter 24

The guests exchanged knowing glances.

For years, rumors had circulated about Alexander Whitmore's marital status. Some claimed he'd been secretly married for ages, while others insisted he remained stubbornly single. The truth remained as elusive as the man himself.

Now that Alexander had casually mentioned having a daughter during dinner, the room buzzed with unspoken questions. Yet no one dared press for details.

After the meal, Sophia continued waiting for Isabella Sinclair's return.

By 9:00 pm, freshly showered and in pajamas, Sophia still hadn't heard her mother's arrival. She perched near the window, straining to hear any approaching vehicles. When headlights finally illuminated the driveway at 10:00 pm, she bolted downstairs.

"Mom—"

Her excited greeting died when Alexander walked through the door instead.

"Dad?"

Alexander handed his coat to Richard and immediately noticed Sophia's fallen expression. "What's wrong?"

"I thought it was Mom..."

Unfazed by the typical parental preference, Alexander paused. "She hasn't returned yet?"

Sophia shook her head.

He shrugged. "Must be tied up with that Rodriguez family matter. Didn't she promise to take you to school tomorrow? Get some sleep—you'll see her in the morning."

This reassurance brightened Sophia's mood slightly. "Okay."

Alexander retreated to his study to handle paperwork. By midnight, he assumed Isabella must have returned during his work session.

But their bedroom remained empty when he arrived.

Something was definitely happening with the Sinclair family.

The thought barely registered before Alexander stepped into the shower.

Morning arrived with Isabella waking early to fulfill her school run promise. She grabbed a quick breakfast before heading out.

As her car entered the familiar gated community, Isabella experienced a strange disconnect.

Seven years of memories lived in these streets, yet twenty days away had created an inexplicable distance. The unchanged scenery somehow felt foreign.

Richard spotted her immediately. "Mrs. Whitmore, you're back."

Isabella hesitated at the title but let it pass with a nod. "Where's Sophia?"

"Still asleep, ma'am."

Time was tight. If Sophia didn't appear soon, breakfast would be rushed. Rather than fetching her personally, Isabella sent Margaret upstairs.

"Mrs. Whitmore, would you care for breakfast?" Richard offered. "Everything's prepared."

Isabella offered a polite smile. "No thank you, I've eaten."

At that moment, Alexander descended the staircase.

Their eyes met briefly before Isabella offered the barest nod of acknowledgment.

Before Alexander could speak, Sophia came barreling downstairs and launched herself into Isabella's arms.

Isabella smoothed her daughter's sleep-tousled hair. "We're running late—go eat your breakfast."

"Okay!"

Just as Alexander predicted—morning had brought Mommy home.

Sophia buried her face in Isabella's sweater, inhaling her familiar perfume. Satisfied, she tugged Isabella toward the dining room. "Sit with me while I eat?"

"I already ate, sweetheart."

"Then just talk to me?"

As mother and daughter chatted, Alexander took his seat at the table.

Unable to refuse, Isabella sat opposite him.

Richard brought her water as she listened to Sophia's animated retelling of yesterday's school events. She pointedly ignored Alexander's presence.

The shift in Isabella's demeanor didn't escape Alexander's notice. She'd behaved identically during their last encounter at Whitmore Manor.

Frowning, Alexander set down his fork.