Chapter 292

The private room was filled with an air of quiet sophistication. Frederick Langley smiled warmly. "We've encountered many prodigies over the years, but someone like you, Isabella - achieving so much at such a young age - remains extraordinary. That's why Walter and I wanted this meeting. I hope we're not imposing."

Despite his high position, Frederick's tone was so gracious that Isabella responded with equal respect. "Not at all. The honor is entirely mine."

Walter Ashford chuckled, nudging Frederick. "Easy now, don't intimidate our young genius."

Both men genuinely believed Isabella possessed rare talent with boundless potential. Their admiration for her capabilities had prompted this meeting.

The conversation flowed smoothly, with Walter Ashford and Theodore Sinclair contributing to the pleasant atmosphere.

Dinner extended into a two-hour discussion before they finally exchanged contact information and parted ways.

Monday marked the new semester at Salzburg's elite preparatory academy.

With William beginning boarding school this term, and Caroline handling family matters while Charles was occupied, Isabella took her cousin to campus on Sunday afternoon.

Upon arrival, she spotted the Kensington and Pembroke families. Three maids stood behind them, laden with oversized luxury luggage - an ostentatious display.

So Julian had transferred here too?

Admission to this institution required significant influence. Clearly, Alexander Whitmore had pulled strings for his brother-in-law.

The entire Kensington clan's presence underscored their spoiling of Julian. The boy himself radiated privileged contentment - carefree, cheerful, basking in familial adoration.

Watching Beatrice Kensington gaze at Julian with such devotion, Isabella recalled the woman once clutching her hand, swearing Isabella was her only granddaughter. The memory tasted like ashes now.

The Kensington contingent noticed her simultaneously. Their smiles evaporated instantly.

A passerby gaped at one maid's suitcase. "That's a 300k designer piece! I thought those were just for show. The ultra-rich really live differently."

The Kensingtons turned sharply. The bystander flushed and hurried away.

Not that Isabella needed the commentary. Every item in Julian's ensemble - from leather trunks to designer backpacks - carried five-figure price tags. His luggage alone represented a small fortune.

Eleanor Kensington's crossbody purse? A limited edition worth seven figures.

When others murmured admiration, Beatrice and Genevieve Kensington glanced pointedly at Isabella. William's modest luggage - a single mid-range suitcase and duffel - drew Beatrice's dismissive glance and Genevieve's derisive snort.

To the Kensingtons, Sinclair Corporation's recent recovery meant little. Would Charles' company even survive long-term?

As for Isabella? Rumors suggested Nathaniel Graves' interest was waning. Clearly, the Sinclairs no longer moved in their circles.