Chapter 247

Isabella carefully placed the cake box inside the refrigerator.

Sophia had just stepped out of the shower when her phone buzzed.

Alexander's name flashed on the screen.

She swiped to answer. "Dad?"

"Your grandfather just messaged me. He's returning tomorrow afternoon." His voice was brisk. "I'll arrange for someone to pick you up after school. We're having dinner at the manor. Inform your mother."

Richard Whitmore, Alexander's father, held a high-ranking government position.

His demanding schedule left little room for family visits.

When Eleanor took her fall, Richard had rushed home at midnight but departed before dawn.

Now, with her still hospitalized, he'd carved out two days to spend New Year's with her.

Sophia nodded. "Understood."

Then she caught the phrasing - "pick you up" not "pick you both up."

That meant Isabella wasn't included.

Turning to her mother, Sophia asked, "Aren't you coming, Mom?"

Traditionally, Eleanor insisted both Isabella and Sophia attend whenever Richard visited - regardless of Alexander's presence.

The routine had become so ingrained that Sophia automatically associated her grandfather's return with family dinners at Whitmore Manor.

Before Isabella could respond, Alexander interjected, "Your mother has prior commitments tomorrow."

"Okay."

The call had been on speaker. Isabella heard everything.

This marked her first awareness of Richard's return.

With divorce proceedings underway, she had no business attending Whitmore family gatherings.

Alexander clearly agreed.

He'd preemptively fabricated an excuse before she could speak.

Without further discussion, he ended the call.

The following afternoon, Julian arrived at YodaVision with his core engineering team.

His recent cooperation had significantly eased Isabella's workload.

In return, she treated him with newfound courtesy.

She personally greeted him upon arrival, setting aside her tasks.

An hour later, Julian's phone vibrated.

Alexander's name appeared.

Julian excused himself to take the call outside.

After a brief silence, he simply said, "Understood."

As he moved to hang up, Alexander added, "My father's returning tonight. I'll need your assistance."

"Mr. Whitmore's back?"

After a beat, Julian asked, "How long is he staying?"

"A few days, likely."

Returning to the conference room, Julian studied Isabella thoughtfully.

Engrossed in technical discussions, she didn't notice his gaze.

As the meeting concluded and she rose to escort them out, Julian asked, "Working late again?"

"Yes, still some loose ends to tie up," she answered absently.

Julian's expression darkened.

So she wasn't joining Alexander at Whitmore Manor tonight.

Something stirred within him. "Free for dinner?"

Isabella shook her head. "Can't. Too much work."

He nearly offered to order takeout instead.