Chapter 274

The clock had already struck noon when they departed.

Returning home to cook didn't feel appropriate. None of them were truly in the right state of mind.

Truth be told, lunch was the last thing on their minds.

Yet sustenance was necessary.

Isabella broke the silence first. "Let's dine out."

Margaret gave a quiet nod. "Whatever you prefer, dear."

No sooner had Isabella and Alexander stepped out of their vehicle than they spotted the Kensingtons and their entourage.

Fate had led them to the same establishment.

As they approached, someone recognized Reginald and Eleanor, extending a warm invitation to join their table.

The Kensingtons noticed the Sinclairs immediately.

Diana let out a derisive snort, her gaze dripping with contempt.

Eleanor barely spared them a glance before turning away.

Victoria didn't even acknowledge their presence - she behaved as though they were invisible.

Just then, the maître d' hurried over, addressing Victoria with practiced deference. "Ms. Kensington, Mr. Whitmore's private dining room is prepared. Right this way."

Victoria gave a curt nod, ignoring Isabella's family completely. She turned to Cassian with practiced diplomacy. "My apologies, Mr. Vale. This is a family affair. Perhaps another time?"

Cassian, recognizing the dismissal, bowed slightly. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of intruding."

Without another word, Victoria followed the maître d' inside.

Isabella hadn't anticipated this encounter.

She linked arms with Margaret, hesitating. Margaret patted her hand reassuringly. "It's alright. Let's proceed."

"Very well," Isabella replied.

Upon entering, an impeccably dressed host approached with an apologetic smile. "Terribly sorry, but we're completely booked for lunch. No tables available at present."

Isabella knew this restaurant well.

A full house? Highly improbable.

This had the Kensingtons' fingerprints all over it.

Her jaw tightened.

The realization wasn't lost on Alexander and Margaret either.

"Ms. Sinclair?"

She turned to find Sebastian Ashford.

"Mr. Ashford," she acknowledged.

Sebastian's sharp eyes flicked to the nervous host, then back to Isabella. "Trouble?"

Isabelle kept her tone even. "Apparently they're fully booked."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow at the host. "Is that so?"

The host clearly recognized Sebastian.

More importantly, he knew Sebastian's uncle Walter was currently dining inside.

Seeing potential intervention, the host backpedaled instantly. "Apologies! A private dining room just became available. Please, right this way."

Isabella didn't move. Her gaze remained fixed on Margaret.

"Let's go elsewhere," Margaret decided firmly.

"Agreed."

Isabella turned to Sebastian. "Thank you regardless."

"Think nothing of it," he replied smoothly, nodding politely to Margaret and the others.

The Sinclairs departed.

Sebastian entered the restaurant, his piercing stare making the host squirm.

The host offered no explanation - his silence spoke volumes about who held real power in this establishment.