Chapter 249

Isabella Sinclair froze momentarily. Processing his words, she responded gently, "Don't worry about it. Your family comes first."

Julian Montgomery gave a brief nod.

Once Isabella drove away, he slid into his own car.

Instead of starting the engine immediately, he pulled out his phone. His thumb hovered over Lily Montgomery's contact before he finally dialed.

Isabella was still at the office when the call came through.

Seeing Julian's name flash on her screen, she answered casually, "Mr. Montgomery?"

Julian had words ready, but the background noise made him pause. Instead, he asked, "Working this late?"

"Yeah."

Given the hour, Isabella assumed this wasn't work-related. "I'm free tomorrow. What does Lily want to do?"

Silence.

When he didn't respond, she prompted, "Mr. Montgomery?"

Julian knew how packed her schedule had been this week.

It was past nine, and she was still at her desk.

He didn't need to ask—she had to be exhausted.

Her own daughter had returned to the Whitmore estate, and she wouldn't see her tomorrow. Yet here he was, asking her to entertain someone else's child.

It felt unfair.

"Let's reschedule if you're tired," he said.

But Isabella wasn't particularly drained.

"Tomorrow works."

After a brief hesitation, Julian relented. "Alright then."

Meanwhile—

As the Whitmores exited the restaurant after dinner, they ran into the Fairchilds.

Richard Whitmore, familiar with Dominic Fairchild, greeted him warmly.

Alexander and Simon exchanged pleasantries.

Sophia Whitmore, holding Alexander's hand, looked up with a bright smile. "Mr. Fairchild, hello!"

Dominic nodded. "Hello there."

His gaze swept over the Whitmore family as they stood together.

He recognized everyone present.

But there was no unfamiliar woman who could be Sophia's mother.

Had Alexander truly ended his marriage?

After some small talk, the Whitmores headed to the hospital to visit Eleanor Whitmore.

That night, Richard stayed behind to keep Eleanor company.

Alexander and the others returned to the Whitmore estate.

As soon as they arrived, Henry Whitmore turned to Alexander. "Alex, you didn't forget my idol's autograph, did you?"

Alexander tossed him the car keys. "It's in the glove compartment. Get it yourself."

"Thanks, Alex!"

Henry caught the keys eagerly.

Catherine Whitmore raised an eyebrow. "What's that about?"

Henry froze.

"Nothing important," Alexander said smoothly.

Relieved, Henry dashed outside to retrieve Victoria Kensington's autograph.

Catherine shrugged and didn't press further.

Moments later, Henry returned with a stack of notebooks.

Though they bore Victoria's initials, they weren't the signed poster he'd hoped for.

"Alex, I wanted something I could frame—something to admire every day," he complained.

Alexander smirked. "Not happening."

"Why not?"

It wasn't like he'd do anything weird—just hang it on his wall and glance at it occasionally.

Alexander's amused look said everything.

Henry knew better than to argue.

Still, having his idol's autograph at all was enough to thrill him.

Grinning, he quickly texted Victoria to thank her.

Later, Sophia approached Alexander with her tablet. "Dad, there's a new animated movie tomorrow! The trailer looks amazing. Can we go?"

"Busy tomorrow," Alexander said.

With Richard back, the estate would likely be swamped with guests.

Sophia pouted. "Then can I ask—"

"You can ask your mother."

Lately, she'd been seeing Isabella more often, so she wasn't as clingy as before.

"What about Victoria? Can I—"

"She has a prior engagement. Don't disturb her," Alexander cut in.

Sophia sighed. "Fine. I'll call Mom."

She pulled out her phone and dialed Isabella.

Isabella had just gotten home.

She saw the caller ID but didn't answer.

Setting her phone aside, she headed for the shower.

When Isabella didn't pick up, Sophia assumed she was busy. "Mom's working too..."

Alexander glanced at Henry, who was lounging nearby. "Take your niece tomorrow."

Henry blinked.

He had plans with friends!

But remembering how Alexander had just gotten him Victoria's autograph—and how incredibly kind she'd been—he couldn't refuse.

"Fine," he agreed, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.