Chapter 449

Sophia clutched her phone tightly as she dashed down the grand staircase. When she discovered Alexander had flown back from Salzburg just to surprise her, the gloom that had shadowed her face all day finally lifted. Isabella watched from the hallway, hesitating briefly before following her daughter and instructing the security to admit Alexander's car.

The moment the sleek black sedan rolled into the Sinclair estate's driveway, Sophia burst through the front doors. She practically launched herself into Alexander's arms the second he stepped onto the cobblestone path.

Today was supposed to be her special day, yet Alexander hadn't called once. Isabella had been absent all afternoon at some business meeting. The crushing feeling of being forgotten had weighed on Sophia all day. Now, seeing her father's unexpected arrival, tears welled up instantly in her eyes. The dam of suppressed emotions broke as she buried her face in his tailored suit.

Alexander's hand hovered momentarily when he felt the dampness on his jacket. A flicker of realization crossed his sharp features. It wasn't just his absence that had upset her - Isabella must have contributed to this emotional outburst too. His gaze found Isabella standing several paces away, her expression unreadable. Their eyes locked briefly in silent communication before she looked away.

Watching Sophia's trembling shoulders, Isabella knew exactly why her daughter was crying. Yet she remained rooted in place, arms crossed, offering no comfort. When Isabella made no move to intervene, Alexander focused entirely on Sophia, gently thumbing away her tears. "I should have called," he murmured. "I should have been here sooner."

His words only made Sophia cry harder, all her bottled-up loneliness pouring out. Alexander didn't hush her. He simply held her close, one hand rubbing soothing circles on her back until her sobs subsided into hiccups. Only then did he produce a small velvet box from his pocket.

Sophia's breath caught when she saw the gift. Wiping her cheeks, she managed a watery smile. "Thank you, Daddy." As father and daughter conversed quietly, Isabella maintained her distance, observing silently from the shadows.

With about an hour left before midnight, Alexander crouched to Sophia's level. "Anything special you'd like to do to finish your birthday?" Sophia bit her lip, glancing between her parents before shaking her head.

Alexander followed her gaze to Isabella. "Would you prefer coming home with me tonight, or staying here with your mother?" The question hung heavily in the air.

Sophia hesitated, studying Isabella's impassive face. Though her mother had been distant lately, she still fulfilled every request Sophia made. That had to mean something, didn't it? Decision made, Sophia crossed to Isabella and slipped her small hand into her mother's. "I want to stay with Mom."

Alexander didn't argue, simply nodding at Isabella. It was Sophia's birthday wish, after all. Isabella's fingers tightened slightly around Sophia's. "Alright then." Her voice was cool but not unkind. "It's late. Say goodnight to your father."

"Goodnight, Daddy," Sophia whispered, then impulsively added, "You'll pick me up tomorrow morning, right?"

Alexander's smile softened his usually stern features. "Of course." His gaze shifted to Isabella. "Thank you for tonight."

Isabella inclined her head slightly. "She's my daughter too." With that, she turned, leading Sophia back toward the house without another word.

Alexander remained by his car until the heavy oak doors closed behind them. Only then did he slide into the driver's seat, the engine purring to life as he disappeared into the night.