Chapter 441

Isabella and Sophia were immersed in their game at the flashing arcade when Alexander's phone suddenly vibrated. Glancing at the screen, he excused himself to take the call. Victoria's name flashed across the display. Ever since the Velotra press conference, she'd been restless - partly because of Isabella's unexpected presence, but mostly due to growing concerns about InnovaTech's future prospects. The fact that Alexander hadn't contacted her since yesterday afternoon, not even a brief text by mid-morning, only amplified her unease.

To maintain her composure, Victoria had deliberately left her phone in her office during morning meetings and lunch. Yet her resolve crumbled the moment she returned. Her fingers trembled slightly as she checked for missed calls - discovering Alexander had tried reaching her around 11:00 am. More surprisingly, a comprehensive market analysis on autonomous vehicles now occupied her desk.

As she pored through the pages, realization dawned. She'd never truly grasped the immense scale of this emerging market. The potential far exceeded her initial estimates, meaning InnovaTech still had substantial room for growth. Alexander had even included detailed technical development roadmaps in the appendix.

The weight lifting from her shoulders was almost physical. Drawing a steadying breath, she dialed back. "I was in back-to-back meetings and left my phone behind," she explained. "Mmm, I figured," came Alexander's calm response. He must have checked with her assistant when she didn't answer - that thoughtful attention to detail that always disarmed her.

Victoria's lips curved slightly. "I've reviewed the report. The path forward is clearer now."

"The autonomous vehicle sector is expanding exponentially," Alexander affirmed. "Addressing current product limitations could position InnovaTech for substantial growth."

Warmth seeped into Victoria's voice. "Understood." She hesitated, then added, "How was Sophia's parent-teacher conference? Have you eaten?"

"All taken care of."

Just as Victoria considered prolonging the conversation, another call demanded her attention. With reluctant professionalism, she ended their call.

Meanwhile, Isabella remained blissfully unaware of Alexander's phone conversation, her focus entirely on Sophia. Noticing the time, she gently concluded their game session. "Sweetheart, your afternoon class starts soon."

Sophia clung to her mother's arm. "Please take me back to school, Mommy?"

Alexander remained silent, observing Isabella's reaction. Since the school was just blocks away, Isabella nodded. This time, Alexander didn't follow. Instead, he met Isabella's gaze with quiet intensity. "Thank you."

For what? An occasional school run hardly compared to the years of solo parenting. Isabella simply tousled Sophia's hair. "Let's go."

Sophia's delighted grin could've powered the arcade lights. After waving goodbye to Alexander, she skipped hand-in-hand with Isabella to the car. Alexander watched until their vehicle disappeared around the corner before finally entering his own. The engine purred to life, carrying him toward an afternoon of decisions that would shape all their futures.