Chapter 447

The Monday morning sun cast golden streaks across the pavement as Isabella Sinclair approached the corporate tower. Just as she reached the entrance, she collided with Kieran Blackwood arriving simultaneously.

"Good morning," Kieran offered with a warm smile.

Isabella returned the greeting, only to spot Sebastian Ashford standing nearby. Her steps faltered slightly at his unexpected presence.

Kieran's expression darkened when he noticed Sebastian. The businessman ignored Kieran completely, striding directly toward Isabella.

"I returned from my business trip yesterday," Sebastian explained. "It's been weeks since we last met, so I thought I'd stop by."

His gaze held quiet longing. He'd genuinely come just to see her face. Knowing her boundaries well, he added quickly, "Don't let me interrupt your work. I'll be leaving shortly."

Isabella found herself momentarily speechless. Their complicated history made casual conversation impossible. Accepting his dismissal, she simply nodded and turned toward the elevators.

Kieran shot Sebastian a final glare before following Isabella. Sebastian watched her retreating figure, hands clenching slightly. A bouquet of roses lay forgotten in his car - an offering he now knew would only push her further away. He exhaled sharply through his nose before returning to his vehicle.

Inside the elevator, Kieran stood unusually close to Isabella. When she caught him staring, she arched an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing," he said too quickly. Then, unable to resist: "Does Mr. Ashford often visit you like this?"

"Hardly ever," Isabella replied truthfully. Between Sebastian's demanding schedule and her own boundaries, their encounters remained rare.

Kieran's shoulders relaxed slightly. He'd been relieved when Isabella rejected Sebastian's previous advances, but now worried persistence might wear down her resistance. His thoughts jumped to Julian Montgomery - another admirer who'd mysteriously backed off.

A new suspicion formed. Did Julian know Isabella's husband? The question burned in Kieran's throat.

"You seem... curious about something," Isabella observed as the elevator climbed.

Kieran seized the opening. "If I may ask - Sebastian Ashford is quite the catch. Why the lack of interest?" He needed to understand her dealbreakers.

Isabella found the question surprising coming from normally reserved Kieran. Still, she answered frankly: "I'm still legally married. Romance isn't on my radar. And Sebastian?" She shook her head. "There's simply no spark."

Kieran froze. "You're not divorced yet?" This changed everything.

"Not yet," she confirmed as the doors slid open.

Isabella strode toward her office without looking back. Kieran remained rooted in place, mind racing. Suddenly, Julian's withdrawal made sense. Either he knew about Isabella's marital status... or worse, knew exactly who her husband was.