Chapter 418
The following days kept Isabella Sinclair completely engrossed in finalizing details for the smart city infrastructure proposal. She conducted multiple field visits herself, double-checking every technical specification to ensure perfection.
Her diligence paid off when the comprehensive bid documents were submitted with hours to spare.
Nathaniel Graves received the notification first. His response was brief but warm: "Impressive work."
His own schedule had been equally demanding recently.
Between internal corporate restructuring, the ongoing partnership with Whitmore Technologies, and two high-profile industry dinners, every moment was accounted for.
The networking events yielded promising contacts - several autonomous vehicle manufacturers had expressed interest in collaboration.
Nathaniel intended to thoroughly vet these potential partners before committing.
Meanwhile, the YodaVision-Whitmore Tech alliance progressed seamlessly, already entering its second development phase.
To mark this milestone, Alexander Whitmore extended a personal dinner invitation to Nathaniel and their primary project liaison.
Nathaniel's message to Isabella arrived as the celebratory meal concluded.
Though he maintained professional reservations about Alexander, Nathaniel couldn't deny Whitmore Tech's sterling reputation in the industry.
Their engineering team's expertise was undeniable, making the technical collaboration surprisingly smooth.
Less pleasant were the inevitable social encounters - particularly with members of the Kensington and Fairchild families.
Nathaniel excused himself early rather than exchange pleasantries.
From across the room, Genevieve observed his departure with a smirk. Leaning toward Victoria, she murmured, "Ever since Whitmore Tech partnered with YodaVision, that social climber's been acting like she's the linchpin of the entire operation."
"Funny how she's suddenly disappeared these past few days. Maybe she finally realized her place?"
The unspoken implication referred to Alexander transferring control of InnovaTech to Victoria - now the rapidly expanding autonomous vehicle division receiving industry-wide acclaim.
After Alexander departed, Genevieve added smugly, "All Isabella's hustle means nothing when Nathaniel would never hand her a billion-dollar enterprise."
"Her entire career couldn't reach where you started!"
"That marriage scheme and even producing an heir netted her less than Alexander casually gifted you. Pathetic really."
"Imagine her devastation knowing he gave you that fortune without hesitation."
Victoria maintained a composed smile, offering no reply.
Truthfully, she'd felt unsettled witnessing Isabella's professional competence.
But as Genevieve pointed out - what tangible gains had Isabella's relentless efforts actually yielded?
Even with her sharpened skills and connections like Nathaniel and Frederick, how many lifetimes would it take to amass Victoria's level of wealth and influence?
Penelope chimed in with a derisive chuckle, "Some divides can't be crossed."
No matter Isabella's achievements, she remained fundamentally outmatched.
Reginald remained silent but concurred. This explained why despite her relentless striving, she remained irrelevant.
That same evening found Isabella and Nathaniel dining with a prominent autonomous vehicle executive.
The smart infrastructure bid results would be announced within days.
On judgment day, Victoria arrived with Reginald well ahead of schedule, radiating confidence.
They mingled effortlessly with other bidders, exchanging pleasantries with relaxed smiles.
Isabella and Nathaniel entered last.
The sight froze Victoria and Reginald mid-conversation.
YodaVision hadn't registered for this bid. Their presence could mean only one thing.
In that instant, all composure drained from the Kensingtons' faces. Against YodaVision's involvement, even Whitmore backing couldn't guarantee victory.
Suddenly, Isabella's recent absence from Whitmore Tech made perfect sense.
Without acknowledging the stunned pair, Isabella and Nathaniel proceeded to their reserved seats through the murmuring crowd.