Chapter 453

The past weeks had been a whirlwind for Isabella since joining forces with Velotra. Each day blurred into the next, filled with endless meetings and negotiations. As another Monday dawned, her schedule became even more packed, leaving no room for personal matters. When she finally surfaced from her work haze, seven days had vanished without notice.

Exhausted, Isabella dragged herself home late that night to find Sophia already asleep. Though the child had been staying at the Sinclair residence recently, their interactions had been minimal. Watching her daughter curled up alone in the oversized bed, Isabella lingered by the bedside before quietly retreating to shower.

Morning light filtered through the curtains when Isabella awoke. Sophia stood by the door, dressed and ready with her backpack. "Did I wake you, Mommy?" the girl asked, leaning against the bed.

Isabella sat up, shaking her head. "No, sweetheart." She studied Sophia's outfit. "Going somewhere?"

"Papa's back! He's coming to get me soon." The words jolted Isabella - Saturday. Alexander's scheduled return day.

After freshening up, Isabella descended to breakfast. The doorbell chimed as Alexander arrived. Leading Sophia to the entrance, Isabella noted how impeccably put together he looked - no trace of travel fatigue.

As if reading her thoughts, Alexander scooped Sophia up and said, "I returned last night." When Isabella remained silent, he continued, "Thank you for watching her. Are you free for lunch today?"

"No need," Isabella declined coolly.

Alexander simply nodded. "Then I'll see you Monday."

"Fine."

Sophia piped up, "Mommy, I'll visit again when you're less busy!"

"Of course," Isabella replied automatically. The next time they met would likely be for divorce proceedings. The realization made her pause. "Take care of yourself."

Misinterpreting the sentiment, Sophia beamed. "I will! Bye, Mommy!"

"Goodbye."

As Alexander's car disappeared down the driveway, Isabella turned back toward the empty house.

That evening found Alexander and Victoria dining with Charles Montgomery, recently returned from abroad. "When Chester came back last year," Charles remarked between courses, "he kept raving about how much Ceravelle had changed."

Alexander nodded. "You should visit more often."

"Absolutely," Charles agreed. "Actually, I've been fascinated by YodaVision lately. Since Whitmore Group partners with them, perhaps you could introduce me to Mr. Graves and the renowned Ms. Sinclair?"

Victoria, who had been quietly observing, stiffened slightly at the mention.

Before Alexander could respond, Charles continued, "When you first described YodaVision's programming capabilities years ago, I didn't grasp their significance. But after studying CUAP these past two years, I understand why you were so taken with their technology..."

The conversation flowed around Victoria as she maintained her composed facade, though her fingers tightened imperceptibly around her wineglass. Across the table, Alexander's expression remained unreadable as he fielded Charles's enthusiastic questions about the tech company and its brilliant co-founder.