Chapter 386
Despite Isabella and Nathaniel's clear refusal through Victoria Chambers, Frederick Langley still appeared unannounced two days later.
His unexpected arrival left them with no choice but to grant him a brief audience.
They maintained polite professionalism during the fifteen-minute meeting before firmly concluding the discussion.
Subsequent meeting requests from Frederick were met with deliberate silence.
With the couple standing united, Frederick shifted tactics and invited Victoria Kensington to lunch the following day.
Over their meal, Frederick discussed industry trends before remarking, "Had you joined The Grandeur last year, your professional growth would have been remarkable. What a missed opportunity."
During their first encounter, Frederick had inquired about her career. Learning of her failed attempt to join The Grandeur, he'd remained neutral.
Now, revisiting the topic, his regret was palpable.
Victoria understood perfectly.
Isabella's groundbreaking paper had sent shockwaves through global tech circles.
Industry insiders speculated that The Grandeur's public disclosure of such significant research indicated even more advanced proprietary technologies remained undisclosed.
Victoria shared this belief.
Her initial interest in The Grandeur had stemmed from their unique programming language. She'd never anticipated their meteoric rise.
Had she known then what she knew now, she would have moved mountains to secure that position.
As Frederick noted, her career trajectory would have been entirely different.
With two years at The Grandeur, she could have single-handedly transformed her own tech startup.
Reflecting bitterly, she realized Isabella had cost her not just Nathaniel, but a pivotal career opportunity.
Frederick probed, "Still considering The Grandeur?"
The thought lingered, but Nathaniel's unwavering support for Isabella made it impossible.
She deflected, "I've established my own company now. We've even partnered with The Grandeur before. Given security protocols, Mr. Graves would never consider my application."
Frederick's disappointment showed as he murmured, "I see."
Friday morning found Isabella returning from her jog when Eleanor Whitmore's call came through with a dinner invitation.
The extended time since their last meeting made refusal unthinkable.
As Isabella prepared to accept, Eleanor added, "I'll invite Alexander and Olivia too. Does that bother you?"
Isabella's calm response held no pretense. "Not at all." And she meant it.
Professional obligations aside, Sophia's existence guaranteed continued interaction with Alexander.
Eleanor understood.
Isabella's easy acceptance signaled true emotional detachment.
She could now regard Alexander purely as Sophia's father. Sharing a civil meal meant nothing more. The realization left Eleanor torn between relief and melancholy.
After the call, Isabella headed to the office.
Her inbox held an email from Frederick.
He inquired about her travel history to Salzburg, offering to guide her through its natural wonders should she visit.
The message included introductions to Salzburg's tech leaders and current research trends among major corporations.
Though framed as a travel invitation, his recruitment intent was transparent.
By highlighting cutting-edge projects, he implied, "Your talents would be valued here."
Isabella saw through the ploy instantly.
Her polite reply declined any near-future travel plans before she closed her email client.
That evening found Isabella arriving at The Grandeur's private dining room where Eleanor waited.
No sooner had she taken her seat than the door burst open. "Mommy!"
Sophia's enthusiastic entrance forced Isabella to catch the flying child.
Margaret Dawson accompanied the girl, but Alexander was conspicuously absent.
As Sophia helped select dishes beside Isabella, Eleanor explained, "Alexander declined this morning. Said he was unavailable."
She huffed. "We'll enjoy ourselves without him. His presence wasn't essential anyway."
Isabella responded with a quiet, knowing smile.