Chapter 458

Isabella glanced at the message before dismissing it without reply.

That evening, she joined her family for dinner at The Grandeur.

As they arrived, she let them enter first while she searched for parking.

Parking her car, Isabella grabbed her purse and stepped out, completely unaware that the sleek black vehicle beside hers belonged to Victoria Kensington.

Victoria had just ended a call when she spotted Isabella through her tinted windows.

Just as Isabella locked her car and turned toward the restaurant entrance, a familiar voice called out, "Bella?"

Only one person ever called her that—Frederick Aldridge's wife, Vivian Prescott.

Isabella froze mid-step before slowly turning.

Sure enough, Vivian stood a few feet away, elegant as ever.

Victoria, who had been about to exit her own car, paused in shock upon recognizing Vivian.

Vivian Prescott wasn't just a renowned medical researcher—she was Frederick Aldridge's wife.

Though she maintained a low public profile, anyone in elite circles knew exactly who she was.

Victoria hesitated, watching as Isabella turned toward Vivian with visible emotion.

"Mrs. Aldridge!" Isabella breathed.

Vivian's face lit up with warmth.

She opened her arms.

"My dear Bella, it's been too long."

Isabella melted into the embrace.

"It really has."

Vivian pulled back slightly to cup Isabella's face, her thumb brushing affectionately against her cheek.

"Look at you—more beautiful every time I see you."

Isabella laughed softly.

"You haven't aged a day, Mrs. Aldridge."

Vivian waved off the compliment with playful arrogance.

"Of course I haven't."

They both laughed before Vivian continued, "I've been buried in research in Crestwood these past years, but I've followed your work with Nathaniel at NovaTech. That recent breakthrough with Luminar? Absolutely brilliant."

A faint blush colored Isabella's cheeks.

"We got lucky. Are you here alone? Would you like to join us?"

"Business dinner, I'm afraid," Vivian sighed.

"But I was planning to reach out—it's been nearly five years since I last saw you and Nathaniel. How about we arrange something before I leave town?"

Isabella nodded eagerly.

"Absolutely."

Vivian's eyes sparkled.

"Perfect. My niece is obsessed with Luminar—mind if I bring her along?"

"Not at all," Isabella assured her.

Then, more softly, "And thank you again for arranging Dr. Whitmore's consultation for my mother."

Vivian waved it away.

"Think nothing of it."

She checked her watch.

"Ah—my guests just arrived. Can't keep them waiting or they'll think I've gone full diva."

Laughing, Isabella linked arms with her.

"Let's go in."

Neither woman noticed Victoria still sitting in her car, gripping the steering wheel, having witnessed the entire exchange.