Chapter 250

Isabella stepped out just before noon the next day.

It had been ages since she'd seen Lily, and the little girl had been missing her terribly.

The aroma of gourmet food greeted Isabella as she entered The Grandeur. She headed straight for the VIP lounge where Lily immediately spotted her. "Miss Isabella!"

With a warm smile, Isabella embraced the excited child. "It's been too long, sweetheart."

This marked Isabella's first visit to the upscale restaurant.

Every dish surprised her with its exquisite flavors - each one perfectly suited to her palate.

After lunch, they proceeded directly to the cinema where Julian had reserved tickets for the afternoon showing.

Lily insisted on popcorn before entering the theater. Julian started toward the concession stand. "Large or small?"

"Extra large! I'll share with you and Miss Isabella."

Julian chuckled. "As you wish."

Inside the darkened theater, Lily claimed the middle seat.

She balanced the oversized popcorn bucket on her lap, nibbled a piece, then nudged Isabella to join her.

Isabella obliged, selecting a buttery kernel.

Lily then turned to Julian, insisting he partake as well.

Julian had chosen a newly released animated feature specifically for Lily's enjoyment.

Though targeted at children, the film captivated all three with its clever humor and touching moments. Even Isabella found herself engrossed.

At one point, Isabella reached for popcorn just as Julian did the same. His fingers brushed against hers, then lingered a moment too long.

Isabella froze.

Julian stiffened slightly.

To Isabella, it meant nothing - just an accidental contact not worth dwelling on.

As if reading her thoughts, Julian withdrew his hand with a quiet, "My apologies."

"No harm done."

Lily, completely absorbed in the movie, missed the entire exchange.

Noticing only a few kernels remained in Lily's bucket, Isabella stopped eating.

Julian noticed her restraint but misinterpreted it as deliberate distancing.

He lowered his gaze and abstained as well.

Later, Lily needed a restroom break after drinking too much soda. Isabella naturally accompanied her.

There were certain things Julian couldn't assist with, after all.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"Of course."

As they exited the restroom, a boy emerged from the men's side.

He spotted Isabella and Lily but quickly vanished into the crowd as they returned to their movie.

"Mother."

The boy approached Victoria Whitmore. "I'm finished. Let's go."

Victoria acknowledged him absently.

The child was Benjamin Whitmore, Victoria's son.

Having no fondness for Isabella, he'd deliberately ignored their passing.

Victoria, occupied with a phone call, hadn't noticed Isabella either.

Bored during their departure, Benjamin finally mentioned it. "Mother, I saw Aunt Isabella earlier."

Victoria barely reacted. "Did you?"

"Yes. She had some child with her - not Sophia."

Victoria showed no interest. "Is that so?"

Her indifference made clear how little she cared about Isabella's affairs.

Assuming it was just some Sinclair family child, she dismissed it entirely.

They left for Whitmore Manor where Richard Whitmore was already entertaining guests with Alexander.

Still intimidated by Alexander, Benjamin offered polite greetings.

Sophia sat nearby, engrossed in a puzzle.

After acknowledging the adults, Victoria instructed Benjamin to join his cousin.