Chapter 368

Isabella had the same thought.

She typed a reply to Alexander.

I'm occupied. And remember your promise—keep her away from my grandmother's house.

A few moments later, his response came. Understood.

After that, he didn’t reach out again.

On the third afternoon of the holiday, as Isabella and her family were getting ready for a rafting adventure, Emily sent her a photo.

The image showed Victoria.

Emily was currently in Salzburg, working on a fashion show.

Isabella studied the photo before replying. Is she attending your event?

Unfortunately, yes. Emily’s next message followed quickly. Bad energy all around. But she’s alone—no sign of Alexander.

Isabella sent a simple Okay, uninterested in the details, then asked, When’s your return flight?

Not sure yet. Emily had other matters to handle, so their conversation was brief before she got pulled away.

About fifteen minutes later, Emily’s video call came through.

Isabella hesitated, then answered—only to see Victoria and Alexander appear on screen.

Emily scoffed, lowering her voice. He just showed up. The event’s over, and now he’s here to collect her.

Victoria seemed familiar with the crowd, chatting animatedly while Alexander waited beside her, watching her socialize.

Nathaniel had predicted Alexander would bring Victoria along on this trip. He’d been right.

But seeing them alone—without Sophia—made Isabella’s brows furrow.

Just as she was considering this, the camera suddenly jerked. Isabella thought something had happened to Emily.

Then she realized—Alexander had looked directly into the lens. He’d clearly spotted Emily.

Emily froze under his gaze. Before she could react, he casually looked away.

She and Emily had been close for years. Alexander knew this. Yet even when running into her abroad, he made no effort to acknowledge her.

But then, this was how he treated her family too. Ignoring Emily wasn’t out of character.

After being caught, Emily avoided pointing the camera at them again.

Isabella didn’t care about whatever was going on between Alexander and Victoria. Her thoughts turned to Sophia. I need to make a call. Let’s talk when you’re back—dinner’s on me.

Emily replied instantly. Go ahead. I’ll catch you later.

The moment the call ended, Isabella dialed Sophia’s number. No answer.

She tried a video call instead. This time, it connected.

Sophia’s face lit up the second she saw her. Mom!

Isabella noticed she was in a moving vehicle. Where are you?

I’m overseas! Sophia’s excitement was palpable. Just took a helicopter to see the wildebeest migration! Thousands of them—nonstop! Watching them up close was incredible!

Isabella blinked.

Wildebeest migration? In May?

Are you in Tavora?

Yes! I—

But Alexander and Victoria were in Salzburg.

She knew Alexander had assigned bodyguards to accompany Sophia whenever he was unavailable, giving her the freedom to travel as she pleased.

Still, she was so young. Now Alexander and Victoria were off in Salzburg, leaving Sophia to journey so far with only bodyguards.

What if something went wrong?

Isabella tightened her grip on the phone, forcing calm into her voice. Did your father go with you?

No. Sophia’s tone was breezy. Dad said he was busy, so he told me to find something fun to do.

I’d seen the migration on TV and really wanted to see it in person. When I asked, he arranged everything for me.