Chapter 461

Sophia's hopeful expression faltered as Isabella hesitated to respond.

Alexander intervened smoothly, "Your mother has important meetings today. Let's not distract her."

The little girl's lower lip trembled as she gazed up at Isabella with pleading eyes.

"I have back-to-back meetings at NovaTech this morning," Isabella explained gently, crouching to Sophia's level.

"Then I'm heading to Sterling Heights for a client presentation. It wouldn't be appropriate to bring you along - how about we plan something special this weekend?"

Sophia's shoulders slumped, but she nodded reluctantly.

"Okay..."

With Eleanor still unconscious and the conversation stalled, Margaret took her leave when Isabella departed.

The elevator doors slid shut behind them.

"He's not concerned about Sophia disrupting your work," Margaret observed dryly.

"He's worried someone might recognize her at NovaTech and start asking questions."

Isabella understood immediately.

If word got out that she and Alexander remained legally married, Victoria would be the first to suffer the consequences.

To protect Victoria's reputation, Alexander would naturally keep their marital status under wraps until the divorce was finalized.

The truth couldn't surface now.

Outside the hospital, Isabella waited until Margaret's car disappeared around the corner before entering her own vehicle.

At that precise moment, Julian Montgomery arrived at the entrance, immediately recognizing Isabella's silhouette as she slid into the driver's seat.

His lips parted to call out, but her car had already merged into traffic.

Julian swallowed his greeting.

Oliver Westbrook rounded the car and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Earth to Julian? Let's move."

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Julian followed Oliver upstairs.

Sophia greeted them with renewed enthusiasm.

"Mr. Montgomery! Mr. Westbrook!"

Julian smiled warmly and ruffled Sophia's hair before setting his fruit basket beside the bedside table.

His gaze caught on the gift basket from Isabella and Margaret, noticing the small card with Isabella's distinctive handwriting - a get-well message for Eleanor signed simply "Bella."

Seeing her familiar script sent an unexpected warmth through Julian's chest.

He stared at the card, momentarily transfixed.

"Julian?"

Oliver's voice snapped him back to reality.

"Sit down already. What's so fascinating over there?"

Julian turned to find both Oliver and Alexander watching him.

When his eyes met Alexander's piercing gaze, he quickly looked away.

"Right," he muttered, placing his fruit basket down.

But before taking his seat, he hesitated, then deliberately repositioned his gift to sit flush against Isabella's.

The moment he settled into his chair, Alexander's phone buzzed.

Victoria's name flashed on the caller ID.

Alexander answered smoothly.

"How's your grandmother? Any change?"

Victoria's concerned voice came through.

"Not yet."

"And Sophia? Is she feeling better?"

"Much improved."

"Could I speak with her briefly?"

Alexander handed the phone to Sophia.

"Is it Victoria?" the girl asked excitedly.

"Yes."

Sophia practically snatched the phone.

"Victoria!" she chirped.

Oliver scratched his nose awkwardly upon realizing who was calling.

Earlier, he'd asked Alexander if Victoria would be visiting Eleanor, only to learn Catherine had laid down strict rules the previous night - Victoria was expressly forbidden from entering the hospital room.

Catherine's exact words had been razor-sharp: "I won't have outsiders disturbing your grandmother's recovery."