Chapter 338

Isabella reached the military base and immediately immersed herself in work.

The AI-human combat simulations needed critical data upgrades.

Another round of drills was scheduled for tomorrow morning.

That evening, Isabella headed toward the nearly empty mess hall.

She'd just picked up her tray when Sebastian Ashford entered.

He paused mid-step upon seeing her, then flashed a warm smile. "When did you arrive?"

"Yesterday," she answered. "Finished training?"

"The drills this year are brutal."

Modern aerial combat had evolved beyond human versus human - now it was man against machine.

Pilot training methodologies had undergone radical transformations in recent years.

"Stressful?" she asked.

The AI's processing speed and analytical capabilities allowed it to identify enemy weaknesses instantly, formulating counterstrategies with inhuman precision.

Even seasoned pilots like Sebastian felt the pressure against such opponents.

He exhaled sharply. "Challenging. But it's making us better."

The AI's ability to simulate countless combat scenarios provided unparalleled training opportunities.

"You're pushing your limits," Isabella observed.

"Same as you researchers," Sebastian countered. He noticed her eating quickly. "Heading back to work?"

She nodded.

Frederick Aldridge had assigned her multiple urgent tasks.

Her phone buzzed with his message summoning her to R&D immediately.

Placing her utensils down, she stood. "I need to go. Enjoy your meal."

Sebastian nodded. "See you around."

Isabella left the base Sunday morning around ten.

Checking her phone at home, she saw missed calls from Sophia and Charles.

She only returned Charles' call.

He teased her mercilessly about never visiting unless summoned.

Knowing she owed him, Isabella changed clothes and drove to the Montgomery estate.

Alexander's car sat in the driveway when she arrived.

She ignored it, stepping out just as Sophia came running.

"Mommy!"

A month had passed since their last meeting.

Isabella stroked her daughter's hair. "When did you get here, sweetheart?"

Sophia clung to her hand, beaming. "Just now!"

Inside, Alexander and Charles sat drinking tea in the parlor.

Victoria was conspicuously absent.

Charles smiled warmly. "Isabella! Come join us."

Alexander gave her a brief glance before looking away.

She sat beside Charles, who studied her critically. "You've lost weight."

The hectic schedule at base had taken its toll.

Before she could respond, Alexander silently poured her tea.

Isabella nodded her thanks.

Charles announced, "I received two premium lobsters yesterday. How should we prepare them?"

She sipped the fragrant tea. Just as she opened her mouth—

Alexander cut in dryly, "No invitation for me? Such favoritism, Charles."