Chapter 47

Alexander Whitmore controlled multiple business empires, his schedule perpetually packed.

For the next forty-eight hours, he remained absent on corporate affairs, leaving Isabella Sinclair alone in their penthouse. Restless, she found herself dialing Olivia Chambers' number again.

Having buried herself in work for two days, Olivia had moved past their recent confrontation. She answered on the second ring.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?"

Learning Alexander wasn't present, Olivia arrived at the Whitmore residence straight after her shift.

Sophia Whitmore practically vibrated with excitement when Isabella walked through the door. The child clung to her mother's waist, chattering about schoolyard antics and demonstrating her latest mobile game obsession, demanding Isabella learn the controls.

Isabella indulged her daughter's whims - as long as homework was completed first. They spent ninety minutes battling cartoon monsters together, Sophia's laughter echoing through the penthouse.

That evening, Sophia refused to sleep alone. "Stay with me, Mommy!"

Isabella had no desire to occupy the master suite anyway. She tucked them both into Sophia's canopy bed.

Thursday evening, Isabella was transferring dinner plates when Sophia's squeal cut through the penthouse. "Daddy! You're home early!"

A baritone response vibrated through the marble foyer. "Finished negotiations ahead of schedule. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet! Mommy's just finished cooking."

"Is that so?"

Isabella froze mid-step, then deliberately exited the kitchen balancing three serving dishes. Alexander and Sophia entered the dining area simultaneously.

"Look, Daddy! Mommy made your favorite salmon!"

Isabella's gaze flickered across Alexander's tailored suit before fixing on the centerpiece. "Welcome back."

She handed her apron to Richard Thornton without making eye contact, then took her usual seat flanked by husband and daughter.

Between bites of roasted vegetables, Sophia tilted her head. "Daddy, your calendar said tomorrow?"

"Closed the Singapore deal early." Alexander's fork hovered over his plate. "Your mother's cooking improved."

Sophia beamed while Isabella concentrated on cutting Sophia's chicken into precise cubes.

The Whitmores maintained relaxed mealtime traditions. Sophia dominated conversation while Alexander provided terse but attentive responses. Tonight, the girl noticed the imbalance.

"Mommy, you're being quiet!"

"Just enjoying your stories, sweetheart." Isabella's smile didn't reach her eyes.

Richard observed the unusual dynamic. Normally, Isabella would inquire about Alexander's travels - polite if distant. Tonight, she avoided both speech and eye contact.

Alexander appeared unaffected, his expression impassive as ever.

The silence shattered when Eleanor Whitmore's caller ID flashed across Alexander's phone screen.

"Another overseas trip completed?"

"Just landed." Alexander activated speakerphone while slicing his salmon. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Grandmother?"

Eleanor's chuckle crackled through the line. "I haven't spoiled my great-granddaughter in weeks. The forecast predicts chilly weather - bring the family to the mineral springs tomorrow. My treat."

"Consider it done."

Sophia's cheer rattled the crystal stemware. "Hot springs! Can we get the private grotto again?"

Alexander's gaze pinned Isabella to her chair. "The car will collect you at seven."

Isabella finally met his eyes. "I'll drive separately after my board meeting."

Her salad fork clinked against the porcelain with finality.