Chapter 406

The following morning, Evelyn Sinclair's medical reports arrived.

Her organ failure showed marginal improvement compared to the previous tests conducted at the rehabilitation center.

At this stage of deterioration, proper medical intervention and care could potentially stabilize her condition.

However, Evelyn's baseline health remained critically weak, with her organs deteriorating at an alarming pace - leaving her long-term prognosis uncertain.

After consulting with the physician, Isabella and Margaret experienced simultaneous waves of hope and apprehension.

Hope because Evelyn still had fighting chance; apprehension because her fragile state might hinder full treatment compliance.

That afternoon, Frederick Aldridge extended a dinner invitation to Isabella and Nathaniel.

With Nathaniel away on business, Isabella drove alone to collect Frederick that evening.

As they exited the vehicle at The Grandeur's entrance, Victoria Kensington happened to arrive simultaneously.

Spotting Isabella with Frederick - and notably without Nathaniel - Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly. She approached with calculated steps. "Mr. Aldridge."

Frederick acknowledged her with an icy glance, offering the barest nod before turning back to Isabella. "Shall we?"

He continued their earlier conversation as they moved toward the entrance.

Days prior, during a discussion about AI advancements with Theodore Sinclair and Walter Pembroke in Alexander's office, Isabella had impressed them with her insights.

Even if they considered some perspectives derivative, Victoria had since immersed herself in studying the latest AI developments.

Now she recognized Frederick and Isabella debating cutting-edge topics like neural interfaces and edge computing.

Receiving Frederick's dismissive treatment, Victoria maintained her composure but trailed them inside at a discreet distance.

"Good evening," the hostess greeted. "Do you have reservations?"

"Two under Sinclair," Isabella confirmed.

After checking the system, the hostess smiled. "Right this way, Ms. Sinclair."

Victoria froze upon hearing "two."

Nathaniel wasn't coming?

Isabella now commanded enough respect from Frederick Aldridge to merit private meetings without Nathaniel's presence?

Frederick, though a titan in his field, famously disdained mentoring. His technical knowledge wasn't freely given, and few could engage him in substantive discussions.

Most supplicants never earned his attention, regardless of status.

His reputation for icy arrogance should have drawn criticism, but his unparalleled contributions rendered him untouchable.

Yet here he was, actively exchanging ideas with Isabella Sinclair.

Did Frederick genuinely value Isabella's intellect? Why else would the notoriously inaccessible scholar grant her a private dinner?

Watching Frederick's attentive posture toward Isabella compared to his frigid dismissal of herself, Victoria's crimson lips pressed into a bloodless line as they disappeared into the restaurant.