Chapter 464

Isabella left the corporate headquarters and returned to the Whitmore estate, but Sophia was nowhere to be found.

She'd apparently gone to accompany Alexander at NovaTech.

Eleanor's deteriorating health weighed heavily on Isabella's mind, leaving her restless.

For several consecutive days, she made dawn visits to the medical center to monitor Eleanor's condition.

Sometimes Alexander would be present, other times it would be Catherine and Victoria.

While Catherine didn't approve of Isabella as her daughter-in-law, she maintained polite gratitude whenever Isabella came to check on Eleanor.

Victoria had never warmed to Isabella either, but with divorce proceedings imminent between Isabella and Alexander, she saw no purpose in further criticism.

Their recent interactions had been notably free of her usual biting remarks.

That particular morning when Isabella arrived at the medical center, the Whitmore siblings - Victoria, Alexander, and Henry - were all present with Catherine.

After examining Eleanor's charts, Isabella turned to leave when Alexander rose abruptly.

"Let me walk you out."

"No need."

Her refusal came crisp and final as she exited without so much as a backward glance.

Alexander didn't press the matter.

Victoria had been traveling extensively and realized this marked their first encounter in weeks prior to Eleanor's hospitalization.

Watching Isabella's retreating figure show none of her former affection for Alexander, Victoria remarked dryly, "She's clearly moved on."

Alexander offered a faint smile in response when his phone interrupted with an insistent ring.

Meanwhile, Isabella proceeded directly to Sterling Heights after leaving the medical center.

Around midday, she and several associates prepared to venture out for lunch.

As the elevator doors parted on the ground level, they nearly collided with Victoria Kensington approaching from the lobby.

Though not a regular visitor to Sterling Heights, Victoria's frequent enough appearances meant most staff recognized her - and everyone knew she was Alexander's current romantic interest.

The employees offered respectful greetings appropriate to her status.

"Ms. Kensington."

Victoria hadn't anticipated encountering Isabella.

Their eyes met briefly before Victoria averted her gaze, fingers tightening around her designer handbag.

Responding to the warm welcomes with practiced grace, Victoria offered polite smiles and nods before brushing past Isabella into the waiting elevator.

Moments later, she arrived at the executive floor where Benjamin and Daniel greeted her courteously.

"Ms. Kensington."

She reciprocated with a professional smile before knocking and entering Alexander's office.

Finding him still immersed in paperwork despite the hour, her expression softened genuinely.

"Still working through lunch?"

Alexander glanced up.

"Almost finished."

Though he'd returned to Fairview days earlier, this marked his first full day back at Sterling Heights - other obligations had consumed his schedule until now.

Victoria approached, noticing the embossed invitation in his hand.

She leaned closer, curiosity piqued.

"What's this?"

Alexander turned the card toward her.

"NovaTech's decade anniversary gala invitation. It arrived days ago but I'm only now reviewing it."

Victoria's smile faltered momentarily.

Noticing her reaction, Alexander studied her face.

"Something wrong?"

Victoria quickly composed herself with a strained smile.

"NovaTech... Has it really been ten years already?"

Alexander nodded.

"Time flies."

Victoria watched him intently, her grip on her purse turning white-knuckled.

After a measured pause, she ventured, "Will you be attending?"

"Of course," Alexander replied without hesitation.

"Given our current partnership with NovaTech, I'd make time even if my schedule were packed."

Victoria offered a tight-lipped smile.

"I see..."