Chapter 25

Alexander's phone buzzed to life. Isabella caught a glimpse of the screen flashing "Sweetheart" before she quickly looked away.

She told herself she didn't care anymore. But years of love don't fade in an instant.

That single word burned her vision. She focused on her coffee instead.

Alexander noticed her reaction when he glanced up. Without hesitation, he answered right in front of her. "Yes?" His voice softened noticeably.

Sophia noticed the change too.

In Sophia's memory, her father only used that tender tone with Victoria. Forgetting her mother's presence, she blurted out, "Dad, is that Victoria?"

"Yes." His reply was calm.

Sophia nearly asked to speak with Victoria too. Then she remembered Isabella's dislike for the woman. The words died in her throat, her excitement dimming.

Victoria!

Sophia frowned. If only Mom could get along with-

Victoria must have said something concerning. Alexander's brow furrowed. He abandoned his half-eaten breakfast and left abruptly.

Sophia watched him go with concern. But with Isabella present, she stayed silent.

Her appetite gone, Sophia stood. "Mom, I'm finished. Let's go."

Isabella noted every micro-expression. She knew exactly who occupied Sophia's thoughts.

But she said nothing.

"You barely ate. Take something for the ride."

"I'm not hungry."

Isabella didn't push.

In the car, Sophia immediately texted Victoria.

Isabella saw but didn't comment.

Victoria replied quickly - just a fever, nothing serious. But her raspy voice worried Sophia more. She typed rapidly, promising to visit after school.

Guilt pricked Sophia immediately.

She hadn't had Isabella's cooking in ages. Tonight was supposed to be their mother-daughter dinner. At least she hadn't mentioned it yet.

She stole a glance at Isabella behind the wheel. Seeing her mother focused on driving, Sophia relaxed.

At school, Sophia hugged Isabella tightly. "Bye, Mom!"

"Have a good day."

Sophia missed Isabella's flat tone as she skipped inside.

Back at the office, Isabella received notice: Alexander had postponed the 10 AM meeting. Some urgent matter.

She knew exactly where he'd gone.

Isabella focused on her work.

By 2 PM, Alexander seemed to have returned. Benjamin announced the rescheduled meeting and asked Isabella to prepare Alexander's coffee.

When Alexander entered the conference room, Isabella's fingers stilled on her keyboard.

He'd changed clothes. Not the same outfit from breakfast.

He'd been with Victoria. Maybe just comforting her. Maybe more.

The thought derailed her focus.

Alexander must have mistaken her distraction for something else. When she surfaced from her thoughts, his steel-gray eyes pinned her in place.

That same gaze held nothing but impatience for her, while Victoria received all his tenderness. Isabella's nails bit into her palms as she looked away.

The meeting ended quickly. Benjamin informed Isabella her handover was nearly complete. No need to come in tomorrow.

"I know."

She'd planned to mention it herself after finishing her tasks. At least this saved her a trip.