Chapter 450

Upstairs in the Sinclair mansion, Isabella carefully unwrapped Alexander's birthday gift for Sophia while chatting with her daughter. The little girl listened quietly until Isabella's phone buzzed with an incoming message.

It was from Alexander. "Emergency meeting in Salzburg tomorrow afternoon. The divorce proceedings will need to be postponed another week."

Isabella's fingers hovered over the screen as she typed her reply. "Can't you reschedule for Monday morning?"

His response came instantly. "Already tried. Impossible. My apologies."

She pressed her lips into a thin line, choosing not to respond. Sensing her displeasure, Alexander sent another message. "Even if I can't return by next Friday, I'll definitely be back before the following Monday. You have my word."

The concrete timeline eased some of Isabella's tension. She set her phone aside without replying, knowing he'd see she'd read the messages. True to form, he didn't push further.

After tucking Sophia into bed when the girl grew drowsy, Isabella retreated to the ensuite bathroom for a long, steaming shower. The day's events had drained her completely. Slipping between the cool sheets, she reached for the lamp switch.

In her sleep, Sophia instinctively curled against Isabella's side, small fingers clutching her nightgown. "Mommy..." the child murmured.

Isabella whispered soothing words before realizing Sophia remained asleep, her tiny grip surprisingly strong. The sight tugged at Isabella's heart.

The next morning, Alexander arrived precisely at nine. Sophia came bounding downstairs in her favorite sunflower dress, backpack bouncing. When she heard her father's car pull up, she grabbed Isabella's hand insistently.

The Sinclair family - Margaret and Charles - pretended not to notice Alexander's presence outside. They bid Sophia farewell without acknowledging him. Dragged along by her enthusiastic daughter, Isabella had no choice but to step outside, though she stopped at the threshold.

Sophia launched herself into Alexander's waiting arms. "Daddy!" He swung her up effortlessly, murmuring something that made her giggle before his gaze found Isabella's.

"I'll have her back by seven. Thank you for watching her this coming week." His deep voice carried across the driveway.

Isabella nodded curtly. "Understood."

After Sophia blew exaggerated kisses to her mother, Alexander buckled her into the car and drove away from the Sinclair estate.

Between YodaVision, Whitmore Group, and Velotra's pressing technical issues, Isabella's weekend promised little respite. After a brief hospital visit to check on Evelyn, she retreated to her home office, drowning in paperwork.

Alexander's flight to Salzburg departed at 5:15 PM. After returning Sophia promptly at three, he raced to the airport.

News of his abrupt overseas trip reached the Kensington family swiftly. Diana Kensington's displeasure was palpable. "He couldn't spare one more day to finalize the divorce?" she huffed.

Genevieve nodded vigorously. "Exactly!"

Though Alexander was divorcing Isabella for Victoria's sake, and Victoria had his assurance he'd return by the promised date, their anxiety lingered. Until those papers were signed, anything could happen.

Victoria remained silent, remembering how Alexander had flown across continents just for Sophia's birthday celebration. Diana noticed her niece's expression and patted her hand. "Once you and Alexander have children of your own, he'll undoubtedly cherish them just as much - if not more."

Victoria offered a noncommittal hum, her thoughts elsewhere.

To be continued...