Chapter 311

Eleanor Whitmore's birthday arrived without fanfare.

Alexander had reminded Isabella in advance, so Sophia had already prepared a birthday gift. The moment she came downstairs for breakfast, she presented it eagerly.

Eleanor's eyes crinkled with warmth. "Thank you, Sophia."

Alexander handed over his gift next. "This is from both Isabella and me. Happy birthday."

At his words, Eleanor shot him a knowing look.

Before she could respond, the butler entered carrying two gift boxes. "Mrs. Whitmore, these presents were sent by Madam Kensington and Mrs. Whitmore."

Eleanor accepted them, then glanced at Alexander. She knew he'd mentioned Isabella's name just to please her, but she'd stopped interfering in their relationship.

She huffed. "Isabella already sent me a separate gift. No need for your empty gestures." With that, she turned away.

Alexander simply chuckled, unfazed. He urged Sophia to finish breakfast so he could drive her to school.

After delivering her gift, Isabella grabbed her car keys and headed to work. Shortly after arriving, she and Nathaniel left for a business meeting at InnovaTech.

They spotted Victoria immediately upon arrival.

Victoria only acknowledged Nathaniel. "Mr. Graves."

She wore a bright smile, showing no sign of disappointment about missing Eleanor's birthday banquet.

Nathaniel gave her a brief glance, lips curving slightly without responding. He and Isabella proceeded with their business.

Nathaniel found it interesting that Isabella wasn't attending Eleanor's celebration.

That evening, he returned home and accompanied his parents to the banquet venue.

They arrived early, finding the hall still sparsely populated.

The Whitmores took Eleanor's milestone birthday seriously. Nearly all family members, including Sophia, were already present.

Nathaniel hadn't seen Sophia in nearly three years.

When they first met, he'd noticed her resemblance to Alexander. Now, the similarity was even more striking.

When the Graves family arrived, the Whitmores greeted them warmly. "Mr. Graves, Mrs. Graves, Mr. Nathaniel."

After exchanging pleasantries, Melissa Graves studied Sophia.

Nathaniel and Isabella had met after she became Frederick's student.

Melissa had always admired Isabella - her brilliance and closeness in age to Nathaniel made her wish they could be together.

But when she hinted at this, Nathaniel immediately shut it down, explaining Isabella already loved someone.

Before Melissa could process this, Isabella had married. She knew about Isabella and Alexander's relationship.

She also knew Sophia was their daughter.

Noticing Melissa's gaze, Eleanor smiled. "This is my great-granddaughter, Sophia."

Melissa gently ruffled Sophia's hair. "Absolutely precious."

Sophia greeted politely, "Mrs. Graves."

Then her eyes lingered on Nathaniel a moment too long.

Eleanor chuckled. "Sophia, why are you staring at Nathaniel like that?"

Sophia tilted her head. "Mr. Graves looks very familiar."