Chapter 32

Alexander's voice cut through the silence. "Well?"

Nathaniel responded thoughtfully. "Considering her background, it's astonishing she's even allowed in our social circles, much less the Whitmore family's inner circle. Yet Ms. Kensington has effortlessly infiltrated their core group and established powerful connections. She's truly exceptional."

"I was initially confused by Julian's sudden appearance at my dinner party," Nathaniel continued. "But I later learned he came specifically to introduce guests to Ms. Kensington."

"Julian's efforts to network for Ms. Kensington and bring Oliver and others along proves his serious intentions. If she were just a fling, he wouldn't bother. With Julian backing her, the Kensington family will flourish."

Nathaniel and Isabella listened intently, both remaining silent.

Finally, Nathaniel sighed deeply. "The Kensingtons are truly blessed to have a daughter like her. It's genuinely impressive."

As Nathaniel finished speaking, Isabella glanced around and realized Alexander and his group had already left the banquet hall early. Despite knowing she was present, Alexander hadn't so much as glanced her way all evening.

Thirty minutes later, Isabella and Nathaniel departed as well. When she arrived home, her phone buzzed with a call from Alexander.

Isabella hesitated, wondering if he was calling to reprimand her for what might have appeared as bullying Victoria alongside Nathaniel. After all, Oliver had just warned her at the banquet - likely because Alexander had put him up to it.

Two seconds later, she answered calmly. "Hello."

Alexander's icy command came through. "Come home."

She saw no reason to comply. "If you have something to say-"

"Sophia has a fever and wants to see you." The line went dead.

Isabella froze.

She grabbed her keys, slipped on shoes, and rushed out. Arriving at the estate, she exited her car.

Noticing Alexander's absence when she entered didn't concern her. She went straight to Sophia's second-floor bedroom.

Sophia lay battling a high fever with an IV drip. In discomfort, she reached out weakly. "Mommy," she whispered, seeking comfort in Isabella's embrace.

Careful of the IV needle, Isabella held her close and asked Margaret, "Has she eaten?"

"She threw up everything shortly after eating."

Isabella frowned and consulted the doctor for details. Turning to Sophia, who clung to her unwilling to let go, she asked, "Hungry? I'll make your favorite chicken noodle soup. You can have some after the IV."

Sophia nodded weakly.

Back when they were together, Isabella always nursed Sophia through illnesses. The child never tolerated others' cooking during sickness, always preferring Isabella's meals.

Sophia frowned. "Where's Daddy? Is he back yet?"

Isabella stiffened. She'd assumed Alexander had returned when he called. Not seeing him in the room, she thought he might be in the study. Sophia's question revealed he hadn't come home at all.

The party venue was actually closer to the estate than Isabella's current home. Moreover, Alexander had left at least thirty minutes before her.

Even if he'd taken Victoria home first, he should have returned by now. Unless... he hadn't left immediately after dropping Victoria off. Or perhaps he had no intention of coming home tonight at all.