Chapter 285

Isabella's expression flickered. She pressed a hand against Alexander's chest to create distance. "Let me—"

"Hold this," he cut her off abruptly.

Before she could protest, he swept her off her feet and carried her down the steps. The businessmen nearby exchanged shocked glances as Alexander turned with her still in his arms. "We'll reconvene another time."

The executives who knew him well looked stunned. Everyone in their circle knew about Isabella's connection to Nathaniel Graves.

If Nathaniel had authorized her to represent YodaVision at this government forum, it signaled their relationship remained intact...

Alexander had his own partner. Even if he harbored feelings for Isabella, this public display with another man's girlfriend showed blatant disrespect toward Nathaniel.

And Nathaniel Graves wasn't someone to cross lightly.

The businessmen forced polite smiles. "Of course. Another time."

With so many witnesses, Isabella had no choice but to say through gritted teeth, "Thank you, Mr. Whitmore. You can put me down now—"

Alexander carried her straight to his waiting car. His driver's eyes widened upon recognizing Isabella in his arms. "Mrs. Whitmore?"

The door opened before Isabella could protest. "My car is right there," she said coldly.

Alexander took her umbrella and deposited her in the backseat. "With that ankle? You can't possibly drive."

"I'll call for a ride," she countered.

Dominic Fairchild appeared suddenly. "Mr. Whitmore."

Alexander shut the car door and accepted the umbrella from his driver. "Still here, Mr. Fairchild?"

Though Dominic knew Isabella was inside, the tinted windows hid her completely. "Is Ms. Sinclair in there?"

"She twisted her ankle," Alexander said smoothly. "I'm taking her to get it checked."

"I'm free," Dominic insisted. "And I have matters to discuss with Ms. Sinclair. I'd be happy to escort her."

Alexander's lips curved. "What a coincidence. We also have unfinished business. Perhaps next time."

Dominic's expression darkened.

"You're soaked through," Alexander observed. "Shouldn't you get out of this rain?"

Knowing he had no standing to interfere, Dominic cast one last look at the car before walking away.

Inside the soundproofed vehicle, Isabella missed their exchange but recognized Dominic's expression. She knew about his feelings for Victoria. The reason for his appearance required no explanation.

Ignoring them, she called for her own driver while examining her ankle. Finding it bearable, she opened the door abruptly.

Alexander turned at the sound. Isabella stepped out, snatched her umbrella back, and walked past him without a word.

"Can you walk?" he asked, eyeing her injury.

It ached, but she refused to acknowledge it—or why he'd carried her in the first place. "Call me when the divorce is finalized," she said flatly, making her position clear.

Without waiting for a response, she walked away.

Alexander watched her go, making no move to stop her. Only when her car pulled away did he leave. Dominic departed soon after.

Reporters had covered the forum extensively. Isabella went for a medical check before returning home at eight. She'd just finished dinner when the news broke.

Meanwhile, Victoria and Eleanor pored over the same reports, frowning at Isabella's high-profile representation of YodaVision.

"I thought they were having problems?" Victoria muttered.

Eleanor accepted a bowl of soup from their maid. "Patience. These things take time."

She understood the ebb and flow of relationships. Even if they'd reconciled temporarily, the cracks remained. Their reunion wouldn't last.

Victoria nodded. She still had opportunities at YodaVision—and with Nathaniel.

The photo of Isabella sitting beside Alexander at the forum didn't faze her. She trusted herself. She trusted him.

Julian descended the stairs. "You're back."

"How was school?" Victoria asked.

Her brother, now a senior at Baumond thanks to Alexander's connections, shrugged. "Fine."