Chapter 378

Isabella gave a quick nod to Frederick, then turned to Sebastian. "Sorry, I can't join you for lunch today."

Sebastian smiled gently. "No problem."

With that, Isabella walked away.

Sebastian watched as she left with Frederick before heading to the cafeteria alone.

He hadn't taken leave in months. Two days after meeting Isabella, his official vacation began.

Those two days passed without seeing her again.

When he returned home, his family didn't even know he was on leave - everyone was occupied with their own busy lives.

Dominic called him out for dinner when he heard Sebastian was back.

Over the meal, Simon couldn't resist sharing some gossip. "Can you believe the woman Dominic likes turns out to be Frederick Langley's protégé? She's quite impressive."

Sebastian wasn't familiar with AI development and didn't recognize Frederick's name.

Simon knew Sebastian wouldn't know. He himself had only recently learned about it - thanks to Dominic.

Normally, Sebastian showed little interest in such topics.

But after a moment's thought, he suddenly asked, "Between Frederick Langley and our own Mr. Aldridge, who has more influence in AI?"

Simon wasn't sure.

Dominic knew the answer. "Mr. Aldridge."

Frederick had achieved multiple groundbreaking innovations in AI single-handedly. His team had broken through numerous foreign technological barriers against Salzburg's AI industry.

He'd paved the way for the country's current advancements, earning deep respect - even fear - from the international community.

Salzburg's AI success largely owed to Frederick.

While Frederick was remarkable, he still couldn't compare to Frederick.

Even though Dominic didn't care for Nathaniel, he could separate that from his respect for Frederick.

Frederick was Frederick. Nathaniel was Nathaniel.

Sebastian rarely inquired about unrelated matters. His question today seemed unusual.

Still, given Frederick's reputation and their familiarity with him, neither Dominic nor Simon found the question odd.

After that topic ended, Dominic suddenly chuckled. "Last week at dinner with my mom and yours, your mother mentioned arranging blind dates for you. Now that you're back, I doubt you'll escape it this time."

Sebastian was at marriageable age. His family had started bringing it up early last year.

Back then, he hadn't objected or particularly cared.

But now...

He lowered his gaze without responding.

That evening, barely spending time with family, Sebastian received an urgent call. His leave was abruptly cut short, forcing him back to base.

He didn't know if Isabella had already left or was simply assigned elsewhere.

Three days later, after completing a mission, he checked the data center. No sign of her.

Two more days passed. Still nothing.

Finally, four or five days later after another mission, he spotted her in the cafeteria.

He paused when he saw her sitting alone, quietly eating.

After a moment, he approached and sat across from her.

Isabella looked up and smiled faintly. "You're back?"

"Just returned." Sebastian studied her. "I didn't see you last week - thought you might have left."

"I've been here," she replied. "Just not in the data center much."

Sebastian nodded, then asked what had been on his mind. "When are you leaving?"

Assuming small talk, Isabella answered casually, "Tomorrow."

"So soon?"

"It's been over ten days already." She wiped her lips. "I'm finished. Take your time. I should—"

Before she could finish, Sebastian suddenly asked, "Ms. Sinclair, are you seeing anyone?"

Isabella froze - completely unprepared for the question.

Before she could respond, he continued, "If you're single... what do you think of me?"

He knew it was abrupt. But with their busy schedules and her rare appearances at base, opportunities like this were scarce.

Who knew when they'd meet again?

Besides, someone else might make a move first.

Only then did Isabella realize - this was a confession.

Seeing her shocked expression, as if the idea had never occurred to her, Sebastian said, "You don't need to answer now. I just wanted you to know - if you ever consider a relationship, or marriage and family... I hope you'll think of—"

"I'm sorry." Isabella regained her composure, gently interrupting. "Thank you for your feelings, but I've already been married."