Chapter 53

Nathaniel Graves studied Isabella Sinclair carefully. Noticing Vincent Holloway's dismissive attitude toward Victoria Kensington, he asked pointedly, "Mr. Holloway, do you have some issue with the Kensington family?"

Vincent shook his head. "I wouldn't call it an issue, but..." He hesitated. "Cassandra Lowe - the young woman who argued with Ms. Kensington last night - is like a daughter to me."

"I've watched her grow up. She can be hot-headed, but she's not irrational."

"Her fiancé, Frederick Ashford from the Ashford family, became quite involved with another woman two years ago - so much that he nearly broke off his engagement with Cassandra."

"But then, somehow, that woman ended up catching Alexander Whitmore's attention, and suddenly she stopped contacting Frederick..."

The implication was clear. Victoria had interfered in Cassandra's relationship before. But after climbing higher socially, she'd withdrawn.

What truly bothered Vincent wasn't the past - it was last night's charity gala incident.

He sighed. "Originally, my friend and Cassandra were supposed to attend today's expo. But after last night's scene involving Mr. Whitmore, the internet exploded. Netizens have been tearing Cassandra apart. She's devastated."

"Worse, those opportunistic businessmen noticed Victoria's connection with Mr. Whitmore and immediately started cozying up to the Kensingtons."

"To avoid becoming targets today, my friend and Cassandra decided not to come..."

Nathaniel and Isabella listened silently, unsure how to respond.

When Isabella glanced toward Victoria, she saw even more people crowding around her now.

After concluding their conversation with Vincent, Isabella joined Dominic Vega and the others to analyze the exhibition's technological innovations.

Exposure to so many cutting-edge advancements left both Isabella and Dominic exhilarated and completely absorbed.

Time passed unnoticed until Nathaniel suddenly approached Isabella and gestured toward a particular direction.

There stood Alexander. So he was here after all.

His tech company held significant influence nationally, and he was technically skilled himself. His presence didn't surprise Isabella.

Besides, with Victoria attending, how could he not show up?

Sure enough, there he was - standing right beside Victoria.

The surrounding crowd positioned them as the center of attention, making them appear like a legitimate couple.

Isabella took one brief look before turning away.

Then she spotted Oliver Westbrook. He was here too.

However, engaged in conversation, he hadn't noticed her.

Nathaniel asked, "Does he know you're here?"

Isabella shook her head. "Probably not."

After all, though she and Alexander had crossed paths occasionally recently, they'd never properly discussed their relationship.

Even when they did speak, it was always about their daughter, Sophia.

So how would Alexander know she was attending?

Nathaniel, clearly displeased, pressed, "You're really not going to greet him?"

Isabella and Alexander were still legally married. If she publicly asserted her identity as Mrs. Whitmore, Nathaniel wanted to see how Alexander and Victoria would react.

Isabella understood his implication. But she shook her head firmly. "No."

First, there was no need.

Second... if she cornered Alexander, he might retaliate by publicly reviving those old accusations about how she'd supposedly trapped him.

Even though she was innocent, she lacked evidence to prove it.

If things escalated, she'd be the one humiliated.

With so many business elites present, mishandling the situation could even affect her uncle's business. She wouldn't let momentary anger cloud her judgment.