Chapter 332

"A play?" Kieran Blackwood's eyebrows shot up. "What sort of play? Those are practically extinct around here."

Isabella Sinclair hesitated. "It's a vintage performance. Probably not your style."

His gaze turned razor-sharp. "Try me. Just because I grew up abroad doesn't mean I don't appreciate Salzburg's cultural heritage. I've been meaning to explore more local traditions."

Cornered, Isabella reluctantly gave him the theater's address.

Within minutes, Kieran secured an online ticket.

His phone buzzed with an incoming call. "Hey moneybags," his friend's voice crackled through. "We're hitting The Grandeur tonight."

"Can't," Kieran cut in. "Already booked for the evening."

After ending her call with Kieran, Isabella remained swamped with work until late afternoon.

A glance at her calendar reminded her - Lily Montgomery's birthday approached. She hesitated briefly before dialing Julian Montgomery.

Julian had been craving more reasons to connect with Isabella.

Ever since discovering Kieran's interest in her, his urgency had intensified.

Yet beyond their professional collaborations and Lily, they lacked natural touchpoints.

With no current projects requiring him at YodaVision, he'd struggled to find excuses to reach out.

And now that Alexander Whitmore was collaborating with YodaVision...

Julian froze mid-step exiting his car when Isabella's name flashed on his screen.

He answered instantly.

"Hope I'm not interrupting, Mr. Montgomery," Isabella began.

"Not at all," Julian replied, his stern features softening. "Everything alright?"

"I want to make Lily's birthday gift myself but worry she might not like it. Thought I'd get your input."

Warmth flooded Julian's chest at her consideration for his niece. "Lily adores you. Anything thoughtful from you will delight her."

Knowing Lily's personality, Isabella conceded this was likely true. "Any specific suggestions?"

Julian paused. "Do you bake?"

"I do," Isabella brightened. "That solves it. Thanks."

"My pleasure. Reach out anytime if you need anything."

"Will do."

As Julian finally entered the restaurant, Oliver Westbrook and Victoria Kensington were already seated with Alexander.

"Took you long enough," Oliver remarked.

Julian chuckled. "Important call."

Victoria studied Julian's unusually buoyant mood.

Since Josephine Winslow joined his company, she'd made multiple lunch invitations. Each time, Julian politely declined citing workload.

Once or twice, she believed him.

But this many refusals?

Was he still bitter about her matchmaking attempts with Genevieve Kensington? Did he assume every outreach was another setup?

That evening, after dining at the Sinclair estate, Isabella prepared to leave with Margaret Sinclair for the y when Frederick Aldridge called.

"At the Sinclair residence?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Urgent matter. Be ready in ten - car's coming."

"Understood."

Frederick's tone brooked no argument.

When Margaret learned of the summons, she waved Isabella off cheerfully, saying she'd attend with Caroline Sinclair instead.

Exactly ten minutes later, a black sedan arrived.

En route, Isabella learned the urgency - the government-backed project she'd spearheaded faced critical deadlines. With Frederick entangled elsewhere, only she possessed the technical expertise to keep it on track.

Her phone was confiscated upon arrival at the secure facility.

The next forty-eight hours became a blur of nonstop work.

On the third day, as she finally grabbed lunch in the cafeteria, Sebastian Ashford approached her table.