Chapter 369

Alexander couldn't make time for Sophia, yet he could spare moments for Victoria?

Before Isabella could respond, Sophia chimed in excitedly, "Dad, I wish you'd called sooner! I could've shown you the helicopter footage from earlier!"

Isabella could tell her daughter was thrilled with Alexander's arrangements this time.

A heavy knot of frustration twisted in her chest, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Sophia continued gushing about her plans for tomorrow and mentioned she'd be flying back home that evening.

As Isabella listened, Sophia suddenly asked eagerly, "Mom, are you free tomorrow? I want to video call you again!"

Isabella snapped back to reality. After a brief pause, she replied, "I'll make time."

"Yay!"

Knowing Sophia was already en route to her hotel eased Isabella's worries. After a few more minutes of chatting, she ended the call.

It was time to meet William and the others for their rafting excursion. She pocketed her phone with a sigh.

She'd been looking forward to this holiday outing. Now, she just felt drained.

Still, she didn't want to ruin everyone else's fun, so she joined them.

While waiting in line at the rafting site, someone tapped her shoulder.

Isabella turned.

Kieran Blackwood stood there, grinning.

He'd asked earlier if she was spending the holiday with family. When she mentioned rafting, his eyes had lit up—clearly enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Seeing him here wasn't surprising. "When did you arrive?" she asked.

"Just this morning."

Since joining YodaVision's R&D team, Kieran had been trying—and failing—to ask her out.

Their interactions had been strictly professional, save for that one gala.

At work, Isabella dressed impeccably. Today, she wore no makeup, a simple tank top, casual pants, and flip-flops.

The golden sunlight kissed her skin, making her glow.

Gone was the polished executive. In her place stood a radiant, approachable woman who turned heads effortlessly.

Kieran couldn't look away.

He looked younger in his T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops—more like a grad student than a tech professional.

Caroline Sinclair, Isabella's aunt, spotted him and raised a brow. "Who's this handsome young man?"

Isabella replied, "A colleague from YodaVision."

Caroline noticed Kieran's lingering gaze but didn't press.

Isabella wasn't divorced yet. Now wasn't the time for entanglements.

Seeing Isabella's disinterest, Caroline changed the subject.

Their turn came quickly. As Isabella waved goodbye, Kieran called out, "Let's grab coffee sometime!"

She nodded. "Sure."

Once she was out of earshot, Kieran's friend whistled. "Ms. Sinclair is stunning. Even more breathtaking than at the gala."

Kieran's expression darkened. "Shut it."

His friend mimed zipping his lips. Message received.