Chapter 403

Sebastian Ashford extended his hand with a polite smile. "Sebastian Ashford."

Kieran Blackwood shook it firmly.

Their eyes locked in silent understanding: This would be a fair competition for Isabella's affection.

After the handshake, Sebastian turned back to Isabella.

"My presence made you uncomfortable, didn't it?"

It had.

But she answered diplomatically, "A little."

"I thought so." His voice remained calm, almost apologetic. "I knew you'd feel this way, yet I came anyway."

"Because if I didn't try, I'd always wonder if you might change your mind. Now I have my answer. I'll respect your boundaries moving forward."

So he wasn't giving up?

Before Isabella could respond, Sebastian addressed Nathaniel Graves. "Let's postpone the Grandeur tour. I won't intrude further."

Nathaniel had formed a favorable opinion of Sebastian. If Isabella ever considered remarrying, he believed Sebastian would be a worthy candidate.

But since Isabella showed no current interest, he wouldn't interfere.

"You're always welcome to visit again, Sebastian," Nathaniel replied courteously.

Sebastian nodded. Before leaving, he cast one last glance at Isabella.

She stood silent, lost in thought.

He seemed to want to say more but ultimately settled on, "Until next time."

"Take care."

Then Sebastian departed.

Kieran had initially assumed Sebastian and Isabella were already involved. Now he realized it had been entirely one-sided pursuit.

Isabella had rejected him—clearly and definitively.

This realization lifted Kieran's spirits considerably.

Within minutes of Sebastian's departure, office gossip spread like wildfire—a stunningly handsome stranger had come asking for Isabella.

"Is that her husband?" someone whispered.

Kieran froze mid-click at his computer. Husband? Had he heard correctly?

Before he could react, another colleague chimed in, "Reception thought so too at first. But from their conversation? Pure unrequited pursuit. Definitely not married!"

"Damn, some Adonis chased her to the office? Wonder if her husband knows about—"

Kieran cut in sharply, "Wait. Isabella's married?"

The colleague blinked. "You didn't know?"

"I didn't."

He'd assumed Isabella and Nathaniel were dating. But after joining the company, he'd noticed their strictly professional dynamic—no shared arrivals/departures, zero romantic cues.

Isabella herself had confirmed they weren't involved.

"Ah, you're new," the colleague realized. "Most veterans know, but we've stopped discussing her personal life lately."

Kieran remained silent, reeling from the revelation.

Finally he asked, "What's her husband like? Anyone met him? How's their relationship?"

"We've only seen his silhouette during one video call last year—never his face. No clue who he is."

Another added, "As for their marriage? Hard to say. Isabella's been here years, but aside from that one surprise call, her husband's never appeared again. She never mentions him either."