Chapter 64

Isabella instinctively refused. "Don't bother. I'll handle the car myself."

Her blunt response was met with silence on the other end.

"Mr. Montgomery?" she prompted.

"Fine. I'll text you the repair shop details."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

Julian ended the call without another word.

With her injured ankle, retrieving the car alone was impossible. After consideration, Isabella decided to ask Nathaniel for help.

Nathaniel agreed immediately. He promised to bring the car back after work.

That evening, Isabella ordered takeout. Just as she finished eating, her phone rang. Sophia.

"When are you coming home?" Sophia asked.

"I sprained my ankle," Isabella replied. "I'm staying elsewhere to recover. Don't wait up."

"What? Mom! Are you okay? Does it hurt badly?"

"It's manageable. Just needs rest."

Sophia sounded relieved but concerned. "Where are you staying? Dad's coming home soon. We'll visit tomorrow."

"No need. Focus on school."

"Okay..."

They chatted briefly before hanging up.

When Alexander returned, Sophia rushed to him. "Dad! Mom hurt her ankle! She's staying somewhere else!"

Alexander handed his tailored jacket to Richard. "I know."

Sophia blinked. "How? Did Mom tell you?"

He accepted water from Margaret. "No. I saw it happen."

"You were there?"

A noncommittal hum.

"Right! Mom works at your company—"

"Not anymore."

Sophia frowned. "Where does she work now?"

"Where she wants to."

After finishing his water, Alexander ruffled Sophia's hair. "Bedtime."

"Okay!"

At 8 PM, Nathaniel returned with Isabella's car.

She took the keys. "How much for repairs? I'll reimburse you."

Nathaniel collapsed on the couch. "No idea."

"What? How?"

"They just handed it over when I mentioned your name."

Isabella froze.

Julian had paid?

She hadn't expected that.

"Problem?" Nathaniel noticed her expression.

"Nothing." She shook her head.

"Let's start that assignment. I'm exhausted."

He meant the exhibit review Frederick assigned that morning.

"Okay." Isabella hesitated. "I need to make a call first."

"Go ahead."

She dialed Julian immediately.

He answered on the first ring.

"Mr. Montgomery, it's Isabella."

"I know. What is it?"

"About the car. Did you cover the repairs? I'll transfer the amount immediately."