Chapter 335

Julian Montgomery felt a twinge of disappointment when Isabella Sinclair declined Lily's birthday invitation, but he understood perfectly.

"Work comes first," he said smoothly. "Lily will understand."

The moment Isabella ended the call, her phone buzzed again with a video request from Julian's number.

Only one person would video call her using Julian's phone.

Lily's beaming face filled the screen before Isabella could even greet her.

"Good morning, Ms. Sinclair!" The girl's excitement was palpable. "Uncle Julian told me you can't come to my party tomorrow. That's okay! We can celebrate together another time!"

Without missing a beat, Lily continued, "He said you're baking me a special cake and got other presents too! Thank you so much! Grandma says when someone gives you gifts, you should treat them to dinner. There's this amazing new place - are you free tonight? Uncle Julian and I want to take you!"

Isabella couldn't suppress her smile. "Tonight works perfectly. Thank you, Lily."

"No need to thank me! It's what I should do!"

With school calling, Lily quickly handed the phone back to Julian after their rushed goodbyes.

They finalized dinner plans before disconnecting.

At the office that morning, Isabella informed Nathaniel Graves about needing to return to the research facility the following day.

Nathaniel gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "You've been pushing hard. I'll handle the R&D team coordination - you focus on your priorities."

"Appreciate it."

Isabella typically worked past eight, but today she began shutting down her workstation at six sharp.

Kieran Blackwood paused at her office doorway, eyebrows lifting at the unusual sight of her packing up. "Early departure?"

"Prior engagement," she explained, then added, "I'll be away for a few days starting tomorrow. Any issues, go straight to Nathaniel."

"Again?"

Isabella murmured an affirmation.

Kieran remained silent, though his expression tightened. She'd just returned, and now she was leaving again.

Thirty minutes later, Isabella pulled into the valet circle of Julian's chosen restaurant.

As she stepped from her car, Julian and Lily arrived simultaneously.

"Ms. Sinclair!" Lily came sprinting over.

Isabella crouched to embrace the girl, then surveyed the luxury vehicles crowding the entrance. "This place is certainly popular."

Julian chuckled. "The owner mastered the art of exclusivity. It's become the power lunch capital."

"Impressive."

"Shall we?" Julian gestured toward the entrance.

"Of course."

Nearby, Victoria Kensington emerged from her chauffeured sedan while finishing a call.

She snapped her phone shut, turned toward the restaurant entrance - and froze.

The sight of Isabella, Julian, and Lily walking together as a unit stopped her dead in her tracks.