Chapter 259

Nathaniel and his group had already disappeared upstairs when Alexander stepped out of his car.

Alexander's sharp eyes scanned the area before landing on Gregory Pembroke.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, their group moved toward the elevator—only to be intercepted by Julian Kensington's arrival.

Gregory's face lit up. "Mr. Whitmore!"

Alexander's expression remained unreadable as his gaze flickered between Isabella and Nathaniel.

He offered Gregory a polite handshake. "Mr. Pembroke. Just arrived?"

"Moments ago," Gregory chuckled. "You mentioned dinner last time. How about tonight?"

"Not tonight," Alexander replied smoothly. "Perhaps in a few days."

"Of course, whenever suits you."

Nathaniel muttered under his breath, "Two weeks of peace, and now this."

Isabella stayed silent.

It had been two weeks since she last saw Alexander.

Even during her visit to Eleanor Whitmore at the hospital last weekend, he hadn’t been there.

Sophia had called her multiple times—especially in the last few days.

Winter break had started, and with Alexander and Victoria too busy to entertain her, Sophia had grown restless.

Isabella never answered.

To his credit, Alexander had kept his word. Whatever he’d told Sophia worked—because despite the ignored calls, the girl never showed up at the Sinclair residence.

A small mercy.

As she mused, Alexander and Gregory wrapped up their conversation. The group entered the elevator together.

Gregory, sensing the tension, shifted uncomfortably.

Isabella felt Alexander’s gaze on her. She lifted her chin, meeting his dark eyes.

Then he spoke. "When are you free?"

She looked away. "Never."

She didn’t need to guess—this was about Sophia.

Two weeks wasn’t a month.

Her schedule had been packed lately. No time for distractions.

Alexander’s lips curved slightly. "The Ember Festival is coming."

Isabella stiffened.

She’d been so busy she’d forgotten.

Still, she shrugged. "I don’t mind skipping a month."

Last month had been enough. What difference did one missed visit make?

Alexander arched a brow but said nothing.

Gregory, lost, glanced between them. "Ms. Sinclair, were you and Mr. Whitmore... involved?"

"No."

Gregory didn’t buy it. They looked like exes mid-argument.

Before he could pry further, his phone rang. The topic died.

After dinner, Isabella and Nathaniel descended to the parking lot—only to collide with Alexander and the Kensingtons again.

Julian’s voice carried. "You’d better treat my sister right! Hurt her, and you’ll regret it!"

This was Julian’s first meeting with Alexander.

Earlier, in the private dining room, he’d been too intimidated to speak up.

Alexander’s presence was overwhelming—clearly not a man to trifle with.

But over dinner, Alexander had been nothing but courteous.

Flattered by his family’s praise, Julian’s bravado had returned.

Now, he delivered his "warning" with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

In truth, Julian approved. Alexander was everything his sister could want—generous, powerful, and devoted to Victoria.

His words were tough, but everyone knew the truth.

Alexander smiled. "Understood."

Victoria beamed.

A picture-perfect moment.

Nathaniel scoffed.

Isabella remained impassive.

Gregory finally connected the dots. "So you weren’t with Mr. Whitmore?"

That stunning woman was Alexander’s girlfriend?

Isabella’s reply was ice. "Correct."

Alexander and Victoria turned at the sound of her voice.

Nathaniel had no interest in lingering. "Mr. Pembroke, the car’s ready."

Gregory, sensing the hostility, simply nodded at Alexander before climbing in.

Isabella and Nathaniel followed.

Within moments, their car vanished into the night.