Chapter 52

The exhibition hall was already bustling with activity by the time Isabella Sinclair, Nathaniel Graves, and their group had their tickets verified.

Massive drones hovered near the ceiling while sleek flying cars occupied center stage. Humanoid robots interacted with visitors along the perimeter.

Each exhibit showcased cutting-edge technology. Isabella's breath caught at the dazzling display of innovation surrounding them.

Nathaniel's reputation preceded him. Within minutes, industry leaders began approaching to exchange greetings.

He made a point of introducing Isabella to several key contacts.

While smiling at a semiconductor CEO, Isabella's gaze drifted toward the entrance. Her eyes locked unexpectedly with Victoria Kensington's as she entered with her entourage.

Victoria froze mid-step. Seeing Isabella here was unexpected.

This exhibition catered exclusively to tech elite. Each invitation represented significant prestige.

As a major shareholder of InnovaTech, Nathaniel bringing Isabella—a mere undergraduate—into the company had raised eyebrows among staff.

But granting her this coveted ticket? That would surely cause resentment among InnovaTech's senior engineers.

Nathaniel had studied under Frederick Aldridge. Though he'd shifted focus to business, his AI expertise remained formidable.

He'd personally overseen his company's product development for years.

His technical prowess was undisputed. With Cuap as their core intellectual property, InnovaTech had flourished under his leadership.

Sebastian Holloway had once praised Nathaniel as an extraordinary visionary.

Victoria had begun questioning that assessment when he'd refused to hire her because of Isabella.

Now he was giving this valuable exhibition pass to an outsider?

It made no logical sense.

Victoria's expression darkened as these thoughts churned.

Reginald and Beatrice Kensington also spotted Isabella. Their frowns mirrored Victoria's surprise at her presence.

Isabella offered them the briefest nod before turning away.

Reginald noticed her conversing intimately with a tall, distinguished man. "That man—Victoria, do you recognize him?"

"That's Nathaniel Graves."

"Nathaniel Graves?" Reginald's eyebrows shot up.

He knew Isabella had left Whitmore Group for InnovaTech. But he'd assumed she held some junior position.

He hadn't expected Nathaniel to show her such favor.

Before Victoria could respond, an older gentleman approached.

"Ms. Kensington, Mr. Kensington, you made it."

"Mr. Pembroke." Victoria and Reginald greeted the businessman.

Originally, they'd only secured two tickets. But after last night's charity event revealed Victoria's connection to Alexander Whitmore, their social circle had taken notice.

Eager to curry favor with Alexander, Walter Pembroke had arranged an extra ticket upon learning the Kensingtons needed one.

News of Victoria's ties to Alexander had spread quickly after the gala.

Walter had barely exchanged pleasantries before others began approaching. Soon a crowd formed around the Kensingtons, drawing curious glances.

Meanwhile, Vincent Holloway, who'd been speaking with Isabella's group, glanced over and remarked, "The Kensingtons are making quite the spectacle. You've heard about their recent... developments?"

"Ms. Kensington's connection to Alexander Whitmore has everyone scrambling to get close."

His tone dripped with disdain.

Nathaniel was well aware of the charity event drama involving Victoria.