Chapter 264

Dominic Fairchild's voice cut through the air like ice. "What were you two discussing?"

Alexander Whitmore flashed a charming smile. "We hadn't even started our conversation yet."

Before Dominic could respond, Isabella Sinclair walked right past him without acknowledgment, her heels clicking decisively against the marble floor.

Dominic's eyes followed her retreating figure before snapping back to Alexander. That's when he noticed the two cocktails in Alexander's hands. "Those are...?"

"Custom blends," Alexander replied smoothly. "Care to try one, Mr. Fairchild?"

Dominic hesitated. "Is the other one for Ms. Kensington?"

"Yes."

Just as Dominic opened his mouth to speak, Alexander suddenly said, "Excuse me for a moment. Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Fairchild."

Dominic's brow furrowed as he tracked Alexander's movement across the room. His gaze landed on Victoria Kensington standing near Nathaniel Graves, with Isabella approaching them.

Dominic froze.

Was Alexander rushing over because he feared Victoria might face hostility from Isabella and Nathaniel?

The thought made Dominic's frown deepen as he followed.

Victoria had just arrived and barely exchanged greetings with Nathaniel when Isabella returned.

Victoria barely glanced at Isabella. Treating her like air, she addressed Nathaniel directly. "Mr. Graves—"

"You're back?" Nathaniel completely ignored Victoria, his attention fixed on Isabella. "Everything alright?"

He'd seen Alexander heading their way earlier. He would have intercepted too, but Victoria had blocked his path.

Isabella shook her head. "I'm fine."

As Alexander had said, their conversation hadn't even begun before Dominic appeared. Nothing had transpired.

At that moment, both Alexander and Dominic arrived.

Alexander handed the second cocktail to Victoria. "What were you discussing?"

Victoria's expression softened at his approach. Accepting the drink, she smiled. "I wanted to consult Mr. Graves about something, but we haven't had the chance yet."

Alexander nodded, then turned to Nathaniel. "Mr. Graves, when might you be available for dinner?"

The unspoken offer to arrange a private meeting between Victoria and Nathaniel hung in the air.

Isabella's expression turned glacial.

Nathaniel merely scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Sorry. I'm booked—indefinitely."

Without waiting for a response, he turned to Isabella. "Bella, let's go."

Isabella nodded, not sparing them another glance as she left with Nathaniel.

Dominic had initially suspected something between Alexander and Victoria.

But seeing Alexander's obvious concern for Victoria—even attempting to broker a meeting with Nathaniel—made Dominic realize he'd overthought things.

There was no real enmity between Nathaniel and Victoria. Nathaniel simply stood as Isabella's staunchest ally.

If Alexander succeeded in mending relations between Victoria and Nathaniel, Isabella would lose her greatest advantage.

For Victoria, this could only be beneficial.

Further away, Nathaniel clicked his tongue. "You sure you're okay?"

Isabella nodded. "Perfectly fine."

Compared to past events, this was nothing.

Nathaniel asked, "Leaving now?"

They'd planned to depart earlier. This little scene had been an unexpected delay.

Isabella nodded. "Yes."

Before leaving, they went to bid farewell to Julian Montgomery.

Julian seemed surprised by their early departure but recognized Isabella's distaste for socializing. Rather than press her, he simply said, "Let me walk you out."