Chapter 463

To maintain appearances, Victoria forced herself to behave normally, engaging in lively conversation with Alexander, Julian, and Oliver throughout the evening.

When she returned home, Diana and Penelope were chatting on the sofa.

"Victoria," Penelope called out between bites of watermelon, "has Mrs. Whitmore regained consciousness yet?"

Victoria shook her head.

"Not yet."

"Really?" Penelope frowned.

"Do the doctors have any estimate?"

Another shake of Victoria's head made both Penelope and Beatrice exchange worried glances.

They'd learned about Eleanor's sudden hospitalization shortly after the ambulance arrived.

This development had prompted Alexander to postpone his divorce from Isabella - news he'd immediately shared with Victoria.

Divorce proceedings during a family medical crisis would appear unseemly to outsiders.

While they understood Alexander's reasoning, it didn't make the delay any less frustrating.

If Eleanor hadn't collapsed, Alexander and Isabella could have finalized their divorce within days.

Now, with Eleanor still unconscious, the timeline became uncertain.

Diana remained optimistic.

She patted her daughter's shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"Whether Mrs. Whitmore wakes tomorrow or next month, it changes nothing. You and Alexander will marry regardless. This is merely a temporary delay - like fine wine needing more time to mature. Why are you more anxious than the bride-to-be?"

Penelope blinked, then chuckled.

"You're right."

Her expression darkened.

"I just hate that Isabella still gets to call herself Alexander's wife."

Normally, Victoria would remain composed when such topics arose, projecting serene confidence about her relationship with Alexander.

But tonight...

As Penelope and Diana continued talking, Victoria kept her eyes downcast, remaining silent.

When the conversation lulled, she murmured, "I'm exhausted. I'll retire early."

Penelope, oblivious to her distress, cheerfully replied, "Sleep well, Victoria!"

Eleanor, however, noticed the tension in her daughter's posture.

Days earlier, Victoria had overheard disturbing truths about Isabella in the parking garage.

Though Eleanor had sensed something amiss then, Victoria's silence and Eleanor's urgent trip out of town had prevented further discussion.

Now, attributing Victoria's odd behavior to fatigue, Eleanor simply nodded.

"Rest well, dear."

Meanwhile, as Isabella finished organizing her desk, Nathaniel entered her office with a stack of embossed invitations.

"The anniversary preparations are complete," he announced, placing them before her.

"These are for your personal distribution."

Isabella accepted them with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

Nathaniel waved off her gratitude.

"No thanks necessary between us."

He hesitated before adding, "We've sent invitations to NovaTech as well. Given the circumstances..."

Isabella nodded calmly.

"It's perfectly appropriate. I understand completely."