Chapter 362

Sebastian and Melissa had just walked out when Alexander turned to Victoria. "Did you wrap up your conversation with Mrs. Graves?"

A faint smile touched Victoria's lips as she nodded.

From the look on Melissa's face earlier, it was clear her disdain for Isabella was growing by the minute.

Melissa had been aware of the conflict between InnovaTech and YodaVision long before this meeting. Nathaniel had briefed her thoroughly.

That phone call Melissa took during their conversation? A carefully staged act. She had recorded every word.

Stepping just far enough away, she glanced back at Alexander and Victoria before sending the recording straight to Nathaniel.

Nathaniel and Isabella were still at the office. After listening, Nathaniel smirked and strode into Isabella's office to update her.

Isabella leaned back in her chair. "Now I'm certain we'll win the lawsuit."

"Absolutely."

Their insistence on terminating the contract wasn't just about cutting ties with InnovaTech—it was about cornering Victoria.

They wanted to push her into desperate measures to stop the termination.

Every attempt Victoria made to reach out to the Whitmores or the Graves family would only tighten the noose.

The more she scrambled, the more mistakes she'd make.

Had she simply apologized and cooperated, they might not have succeeded in terminating the contract.

Even if they had, the compensation wouldn't have been nearly as steep.

But now? Things had changed.

Victoria had already caused the initial conflict. Now she was claiming their push for termination stemmed from Isabella's personal vendetta.

A critical detail: Isabella wasn't just a key player at YodaVision—she was the lead on the InnovaTech collaboration.

Victoria had disrespected that fact, then accused the entire project team of bias to save her own skin.

That alone was damning evidence against any future cooperation.

Worse, Victoria was dragging personal grudges into a legal battle.

If the judge pressed Isabella about their history in court, would Victoria really want those details aired?

At that point, the contract dispute would be the least of her worries.

To avoid exposure, she might even agree to termination—and that sky-high penalty.

Nathaniel's grin widened at the thought.

The moment he left Isabella's office, her phone buzzed. Sophia was calling.

Again.

She'd already tried that morning, but Isabella hadn't picked up.

Tomorrow was Sophia's fencing competition. This was likely about confirming attendance.

Or—knowing how things went—Sophia might have changed her mind, wanting Alexander and Victoria there instead.

Isabella set her phone aside. She'd finish her reports first, then head home.

Sophia called three more times. When Isabella still didn't answer, she slumped on the sofa, clutching a plush toy, frustration simmering.

Alexander walked in, loosening his tie. He took one look at her and sighed. "Your mom didn't answer?"

Sophia tugged roughly at the toy's ears. "Nope."

A heavy silence followed.

Alexander waited, watching her. Finally, she mumbled, "Since Mom's busy... could you and Victoria come tomorrow?"

"Of course." He smiled. "I'll let her know."

"Okay."

"Goodnight, Dad." Clutching the toy, Sophia trudged upstairs.