Chapter 265

The Grandeur banquet was held three nights after the Montgomery Corporation's event.

Julian arrived unusually early that evening.

With Alexander, Dominic, and Simon absent, the Grandeur banquet proceeded without major incidents. The guest list was impressive that night.

Isabella and Nathaniel were swamped with hosting duties, barely finding time to acknowledge Julian's presence.

It wasn't until midway through the event when they spotted Julian conversing with Charles that they realized he hadn't left yet.

After all, the Kensington family was hosting their own gala that same evening.

They'd assumed Julian's early arrival meant he'd leave halfway to attend the Kensington affair. But surprisingly...

Nathaniel nodded approvingly. "Now this is how you show commitment to a business partnership. Textbook professionalism. Unlike that Dominic Fairchild - I don't even want to discuss him."

Isabella raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Since Julian was demonstrating such respect, it would be rude for them not to reciprocate.

They approached him politely. "Mr. Montgomery, please forgive any oversight in our hospitality tonight with so many guests to attend to."

Throughout the evening, Julian's gaze had kept drifting toward Isabella - though no one seemed to notice.

He raised his champagne flute, clinking it lightly against theirs. "No formalities between friends," he said after taking a sip.

Though their business collaboration had been smooth, Nathaniel never considered them actual friends. He dismissed Julian's words as mere social niceties.

Still, he appreciated Julian's ability to prioritize business over personal grievances.

While Julian appeared to be speaking to Nathaniel, his attention remained fixed on Isabella.

Tonight's banquet primarily honored Nathaniel and Isabella.

Despite Nathaniel's protective presence, Isabella had still consumed considerable alcohol.

Her cheeks glowed pink, eyes slightly glassy - softening her usual sharp demeanor into something almost... adorable.

Julian's grip tightened momentarily on his glass before he deliberately looked away.

Though she'd been drinking, Isabella remained far from intoxicated.

As the event wound down, she escorted Julian to the exit.

He paused at the threshold.

A winter breeze swept through the doorway as his gaze dropped to the sliver of bare leg visible beneath her flowing gown.

"No need to see me out further."

Isabella nodded. "Safe travels."

Julian studied her, seeming to wrestle with unspoken words before finally turning away without another word.

After the key guests departed, Isabella finally entered Charles' car and left the venue. Julian, however, remained.

He'd been concerned about her safety after drinking.

Only after watching Charles' car disappear down the street did he tell his driver, "We can go now."

The next morning, Isabella ate breakfast while Caroline and Margaret discussed Ember Festival preparations.

Tomorrow was Ember Festival Eve. Starting today, the company officially closed for holidays.

"I'll join you both," Isabella announced.

Margaret beamed. "Perfect! We'll make a day of it."

Then, hesitating slightly, she asked, "Is Sophia spending the holidays with the Whitmores this year?"

At the mention of Sophia, Isabella's smile dimmed. "I believe so."

That day when she'd received Gregory, she'd encountered Alexander in the elevator. He'd subtly hinted about hoping she'd look after Sophia.

But since then, neither Alexander nor Sophia had reached out.

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