Chapter 437

An urgent call from the company summoned Alexander away. There were pressing matters requiring his immediate attention.

Victoria's face was pale, her expression troubled.

Eleanor immediately sensed something was wrong. Beyond being overshadowed by Isabella's brilliant performance today, something else must have occurred.

"During the luncheon," Eleanor inquired carefully, "how did Alexander behave toward Isabella?"

Victoria's eyelashes fluttered downward. "He was impressed by her."

Eleanor's countenance darkened visibly.

In the past, Alexander had always dismissed Isabella as insignificant. She'd been beneath his notice, never once earning his admiration.

But now—

"That technology Isabella presented today—do you truly believe it originated from her?"

Though Eleanor hadn't interacted much with Alexander, from Victoria's accounts, she knew he was technologically savvy himself and held genuine respect for technical experts.

If Isabella truly possessed such capabilities, his sudden admiration wouldn't be surprising.

Before Victoria could respond, Genevieve burst out, "Of course it's not hers! She's just an undergraduate—how could she possibly—? It must be Nathaniel—"

Victoria cut her off. "I think it might actually be hers."

Genevieve's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's impossible! How could she—?"

But the facts were undeniable. Isabella had skipped three grades to enter university early—attending Aurelia University, the nation's most prestigious institution.

While Genevieve herself had also skipped grades to attend a reputable university, it paled in comparison to Aurelia.

The implication was clear—Isabella had the academic foundation for serious research if she'd chosen that path.

Reluctantly, Victoria had to acknowledge the possibility that both Isabella's published paper and today's technological presentation might genuinely be her own work.

Eleanor had reached the same conclusion.

Isabella's academic excellence had always been a source of pressure for Victoria.

Victoria clenched her fists. "If it weren't truly her work, would she dare claim it so publicly?"

Genevieve scoffed. "She's shameless! Of course she'd dare!"

Both Eleanor and Victoria ignored her outburst.

Victoria bit her lip. "I just don't understand..."

Even with her accelerated education, Isabella hadn't achieved anything particularly noteworthy during university. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she'd married Alexander, had Sophia, and later joined Whitmore Enterprises.

Given that trajectory, how could she possibly possess such advanced research capabilities?

Eleanor had pondered this too. She understood her daughter's dilemma.

After dismissing Genevieve from the room, Eleanor spoke gently, "Even if Isabella is truly that capable, you and Alexander share a profound bond. That isn't easily shaken."

"Besides, you have your own considerable strengths. Victoria, darling, don't dwell on this."

How could she not?

Victoria remained silent.

Though Alexander had behaved perfectly normally after the luncheon—treating her with his usual kindness—could he truly be as unaffected as he appeared?

She couldn't help recalling how, just weeks ago, Alexander had gone out of his way to collect research papers Isabella had recommended during technical lectures for Whitmore Enterprises' engineers.

The memory lodged in her throat like a splinter.

If he were truly as composed as he seemed, then why had he not mentioned a single word about the luncheon afterward?