Chapter 501

Nathaniel's voice came through the phone once more. "How are you feeling now? Any discomfort? If you're not well, we can reschedule this morning's meeting—"

"I'm fine."

Isabella's response was quick. She suddenly realized she wasn't wearing yesterday's clothes anymore. Her own silk pajamas felt familiar against her skin. Her body felt clean and refreshed—someone had bathed her.

She didn't know if Alexander had asked hotel staff to assist her, or if... It wasn't something she could discuss with Nathaniel anyway.

After exchanging a few more words, she ended the call.

Seeing how late it had gotten, Isabella didn't waste time dwelling on last night. She washed up, touched up her makeup, grabbed her bag, and stepped out of the room.

The moment she did, she came face-to-face with Alexander and Victoria.

Isabella's steps faltered.

Alexander and Victoria stopped as well.

The moment Victoria saw Isabella, her expression turned icy.

"Isabella."

Just then, Nathaniel also stepped out of his room. Seeing Victoria and Alexander together, his jaw tightened as he walked directly over.

Isabella withdrew her gaze.

Alexander greeted him calmly. "Mr. Graves."

Nathaniel didn't know when Victoria had arrived in Edinburgh. But seeing her standing with Alexander, and hearing Alexander greet him so casually, Nathaniel ignored him altogether.

He spoke only to Isabella. "Isabella, let's go."

She took the lead, heading toward the elevators.

At that moment, Kieran also happened to step out of his room. Spotting Alexander, Victoria, Isabella, and Nathaniel all waiting for elevators at the same time, he paused in surprise.

But since Isabella and Nathaniel were standing at a different set of elevators, apart from Alexander and Victoria, the scene looked almost as if they weren't acquainted at all.

Kieran didn't spare much attention for Alexander or Victoria. He went straight to Isabella and Nathaniel, entering the same elevator as them.

Downstairs, Isabella and the other NovaTech engineers gathered at the hotel entrance.

On the other side, a fashionable young woman standing with a group glanced over, then waved with a smile when she saw Alexander and Victoria arriving. "Victoria, over here."

Alexander and Victoria walked toward her.

Just then, the car that was to take Isabella and Nathaniel arrived. Neither of them spared Alexander and Victoria another glance, boarding first and leaving.

Alexander did attend the morning meeting, but Victoria did not accompany him.

Nathaniel couldn't help but remark sarcastically. "That really is rare." He had assumed Victoria would follow along.

Isabella kept her silence.

The morning's work went smoothly. As long as there were no surprises, after one more busy afternoon, they would be able to return to Fairview that same evening.

At noon, after finishing the morning's work, the people from Fleming Group and NovaTech went to a restaurant together.

Alexander did not go with them.

Smiling, Sebastian explained. "Ms. Kensington's best friend just returned from overseas, so Mr. Whitmore is busy hosting her today. That's why he won't be joining us for lunch."

Hearing this, Nathaniel smiled without warmth. "Mr. Whitmore certainly keeps himself busy."

Sebastian didn't catch the irony in his tone. Thinking he was simply teasing about how close Alexander and Victoria were, he laughed.

"Isn't that right?"

The afternoon schedule also went smoothly. Once work was done, they boarded their flight back to Fairview that same night, just as planned.

From what Sebastian said, Alexander seemed to have another project to discuss. That day, both he and Victoria stayed behind, not returning with them on the same flight.