Chapter 276

Isabella instinctively reached out, catching Sophia before she could stumble.

The moment Sophia collided with her, that familiar floral scent filled Isabella's nostrils again.

She took the child's backpack and placed it on the sofa. Just as Sophia tried darting toward the bed, Isabella gently held her back. "Did you bathe?"

"I did!"

Yet Victoria's perfume still clung to her. Only one explanation existed - either Victoria had been living with Alexander, or they'd just dropped Sophia off together.

They simply couldn't be bothered to come inside.

"You're all sweaty," Isabella observed quietly. "Change into something clean."

Sophia remembered running around after her shower, probably working up a sweat.

She nodded obediently and disappeared into the bathroom.

Isabella returned to organizing her research materials.

Sophia emerged moments later, freshly changed. She dug through her backpack excitedly. "Mommy, look!" She produced a glowing bunny-shaped wand. "It lights up!"

Isabella glanced at it, then froze momentarily. "This..."

"Daddy bought it for me! Isn't it adorable?"

Isabella nodded silently.

Sophia dashed to the light switch, plunging the room into darkness before activating the wand. Her face glowed with excitement. "See how much prettier it is in the dark?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Do you love it too?"

"Of course!" Sophia dug out another identical wand. "Daddy got two! This one's for you! Will you take a nighttime walk with me?"

"I've already showered, darling. Maybe tomorrow. And you're in clean clothes now - we shouldn't get them dirty."

Sophia's enthusiasm dimmed visibly. "Oh..."

It had been over a month since she'd seen Isabella.

Noticing her mother's lack of interest, Sophia quietly put the wand away. She rushed over for a hug instead. "Mommy..."

Isabella set aside her book. "What is it?"

Sophia didn't answer. She kicked off her shoes and burrowed into Isabella's lap.

"I missed you so much, Mommy."

She wrapped her small arms around Isabella's neck, planting several wet kisses on her cheeks.

"You smell so nice," Sophia giggled.

Isabella tightened her embrace. "My precious girl," she murmured, gently stroking Sophia's face.

She noticed subtle changes - Sophia's features were beginning to resemble Alexander's more each day.

Noticing Sophia's bare feet, Isabella tucked them under the blanket. "How long are you staying this time?"

Sophia shrugged. "Daddy didn't say. Just told me to wait here for him."

Isabella nodded silently.

Suddenly Sophia remembered something. She scrambled off the bed to rummage through her backpack again. "Mommy! I brought you a present from my trip!"

She produced a delicate crystal sphere, offering it eagerly.

It had been ages since Sophia brought Isabella gifts - not since growing closer to Victoria.

Isabella accepted it with practiced grace. "Thank you, darling. I love it."