Chapter 280

The car Alexander had arranged arrived moments after Sophia finished calling Isabella.

She never got to see her mother before departure.

When Sophia entered the private lounge, she rushed straight into Alexander's embrace. "Daddy! Victoria!"

Alexander smiled warmly, tousling her hair. Victoria helped set Sophia's backpack aside.

Julian and Oliver were already waiting there with Genevieve.

Watching Sophia's obvious affection for Alexander and Victoria, Oliver chuckled. "Told you, Alex. Should've brought our girl along. Look how she missed you. Another week apart and we'd have seen tears."

His comment carried an unspoken judgment about Sophia's time with Isabella.

Before anyone could respond, Julian smoothly redirected. "Did you enjoy your stay, Sophia?"

Sophia settled into her seat. "We did! Mom took me to the cinema and VR arcade. We dined out too."

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

"Yeah." Sophia shrugged. "Mom was too busy for much else."

Oliver assumed she meant holiday family obligations.

He and Julian had been swamped themselves - endless relatives visiting since New Year's. Just as things calmed down, work demands exploded. Today marked their first free evening in weeks.

Victoria was engrossed in a book.

Sophia sipped her drink, idly glancing at the cover. Something about it looked familiar. She peered closer.

Julian noticed. "Interested?"

Sophia shook her head. "No, just... Mom has the same one."

Victoria's fingers stilled on the page. A faint smile touched her lips.

The book existed in beginner and advanced editions with identical covers.

Victoria held the advanced version - material beyond most doctoral programs, let alone undergraduate studies.

Having visited the Whitmores frequently, Genevieve knew about both editions.

At Sophia's remark, she nearly laughed aloud.

+25 BORBUN

She bit it back only because Alexander and Julian were present.

Julian understood instantly.

He lowered his gaze, smiling silently.

Then Oliver turned to Julian with a teasing grin. "Heard your mother's been setting up blind dates. Any luck?"

All attention shifted immediately.

Genevieve had heard the rumors too. She watched Julian anxiously.

But Julian ignored her completely. He shot Oliver a look. "Must you gossip daily?"

Oliver grinned unrepentantly. "Just curious."

Julian's silence spoke volumes.

Clearly, he had zero interest in arranged meetings.

Oliver pressed on. "What about that woman Lily keeps mentioning? If you're serious, why not tell your mother? Or..." He trailed off suggestively. "Is she... unsuitable?"

Julian didn't glance at Alexander. "With all this food, you're still talking?"

His evasion only fueled Oliver's curiosity. "I get it - worried about parental approval. But it's been months now. At least introduce her to us first. Bring her here."

Without waiting for response, Oliver turned to Alexander. "Don't you agree?"

Alexander chuckled. "When he's ready, Julian will introduce her himself. No need to push."

Oliver sighed dramatically.

Everyone knew that.

He just wanted details.

Genevieve tugged Victoria's sleeve. "Victoria..."

Oliver had mentioned Julian's interest in someone else before. She'd refused to believe it.

Now, it seemed undeniable.

Victoria smiled serenely, offering no comment.

They'd never met this mysterious woman Lily referenced.

But was Julian truly invested? Or was she merely a smokescreen? Perhaps this entire charade concealed deeper truths.