Chapter 309

Isabella was still at her office when Julian's call came through. She answered, "Mr. Montgomery?"

His voice immediately softened upon hearing her. "Lily misses you. Are you free this weekend? Perhaps we could go out?"

Her eyes remained fixed on the financial projections displayed across three monitors. "I'm swamped for the next two days. Next week?"

When she mentioned being busy, Julian's gaze dropped. "Of course. Next week then."

"Perfect."

Already mentally returning to her spreadsheets, Isabella added, "Let's talk later?"

There was a brief pause. "Alright."

The call ended, and Isabella worked until nearly midnight before leaving the office.

The following morning found her at the Montgomery estate.

When Charles had gone abroad for treatment years ago, Sophia had just turned three.

Back then, the little girl had been utterly charming and completely attached to Charles. He'd adored her.

Even when leaving for overseas treatment, he'd been reluctant to part with her - something even Alexander, who'd barely noticed Sophia at the time, must have remembered.

After waiting so long to return, Charles had clearly wanted to see Sophia during his first invitation. Yet Alexander had brought Victoria instead, leaving Sophia behind.

This time, Charles had specifically mentioned Sophia would be coming. But when Isabella arrived, the child was nowhere to be seen.

Spotting her, Charles beamed. "I've had the kitchen prepare all your favorites. You must eat well today."

Isabella smiled. "I will."

After some conversation, Charles suddenly said, "I heard that rascal Alexander planned to bring Victoria to Eleanor's birthday gala. Naturally, she refused - threatened that if he dared bring that woman to ruin her celebration, she wouldn't attend her own party."

Isabella's coffee cup froze halfway to her lips.

Charles continued, "That fool Alexander might be infuriating, but this is Eleanor's first birthday celebration in years. He seems to have backed down. Still, it's put her in a terrible mood lately. If you have time, call her. She could use your company."

Isabella nodded slowly. "I will."

Last week, Alexander had called, texted, even waited outside her office building. Then suddenly - nothing. She hadn't thought much of it.

Now Charles' words made her realize - Alexander must have already made his choice. With no need to convince her further, he'd stopped reaching out.

Charles added, "The others - Richard and Catherine - won't accept her either."

Alexander backing down about the gala made sense. But regarding his marriage to Victoria? If he insisted, no one could truly stop him. Charles clearly understood that too.

He frowned, clicking his tongue in displeasure before abruptly changing the subject.

They'd been talking for about fifteen minutes when a car pulled up outside.

Last time Alexander visited, Charles hadn't bothered greeting him. But guessing this arrival might be Sophia, Charles' eyes lit up as he stood. "That must be Sophie!"

He hurried toward the entrance. Moments later, Isabella followed.

As Charles predicted, it was Sophia.

The moment the girl stepped from the car and saw Isabella, she came running. "Mommy!"

Before Isabella could respond, Charles was already smiling at Sophia, about to speak.

But when Alexander emerged from the vehicle, that smile vanished.

He snorted, giving Alexander an icy glare. "I believe I said to have someone drop Sophie off. Did I not make it clear you weren't welcome here? What are you doing?"

Alexander's gaze flickered to Isabella beside Charles before he replied calmly, "I thought you were being sarcastic."

Another derisive snort. Alexander said, "Don't be angry. I'm just dropping Sophie off. I'll leave shortly." Ignoring him, Charles turned back to Sophia with warmth. "Sophie, I'm Grandpa Charles. We used to have such fun together. Do you remember me?"

Sophia clung to Isabella's hand, studying Charles before shaking her head.

While Charles interacted with Sophia, Alexander's eyes lingered on Isabella without speaking. After a moment, he simply told Charles, "I'll be going now," before returning to his car and driving away.