Chapter 79

Alexander expected Isabella to look after Sophia over the weekend.

For the past two years, Alexander had been the primary caregiver for Sophia, regardless of circumstances. Whether due to personal commitments or professional obligations that made it difficult to bring Sophia along, the responsibility now fell to Isabella when he wasn't available.

Isabella returned to the villa.

At dinner, she asked Sophia, "Any special plans for this weekend?"

Sophia hesitated, then shook her head. "Not really."

Isabella recognized the look in Sophia's eyes. It wasn't disinterest in going out, but rather disappointment that Alexander and Victoria wouldn't be joining them. Without them, nothing seemed appealing.

Rather than point it out, Isabella suggested, "How about horseback riding?"

Sophia's face immediately brightened. It had been ages since she'd ridden, and the idea clearly excited her. "Yes!" she agreed enthusiastically.

The next morning, Isabella took Sophia to the equestrian club.

While changing into her riding gear, Isabella overheard Sophia chatting with instructor Ethan Blackwell. With her back turned, Sophia was saying, "My dad and one of my aunts are amazing riders. They're so cool! I wish they could be here today."

Isabella paused by the doorway, choosing not to interrupt.

Ethan noticed her first. "Ms. Sinclair."

Isabella nodded. Ethan asked, "Shall I arrange another instructor for you?"

"That would be perfect," Isabella replied.

Though experienced, it had been nearly four years since she'd ridden properly. When Sophia was younger, Isabella had brought her here frequently, but always focused on supervising Sophia rather than riding herself.

Ethan led Sophia away while Isabella headed to a separate arena.

Her assigned instructor initially assumed she was a beginner. Watching Isabella mount the horse with effortless grace, he couldn't hide his surprise. "You're quite skilled, Ms. Sinclair?"

"I've had some experience," Isabella admitted.

After a brief warm-up, she took full control. With a sharp crack of the whip, her white stallion let out a spirited neigh and surged forward.

After completing several laps, Isabella dismounted to check on Sophia.

Approaching Sophia's training area, she froze about thirty feet away.

Alexander and Victoria had arrived.

They'd come to the equestrian center too.

Sophia was clinging to Victoria's leg, her excitement palpable as the three conversed animatedly. Soon, Sophia and Victoria mounted together, with Sophia in front and Victoria behind her. Alexander rode alongside them on another horse.

The two horses moved in perfect sync, their riders laughing and chatting. From this distance, they looked every inch the picture-perfect family.

Isabella watched until their figures disappeared into the distance. Unnoticed, she finally turned away and left.

She changed out of her riding clothes, took a sip of water, and sat quietly.

Her phone rang shortly after. Alexander.

Isabella answered. "Hello."

"I'm at the equestrian center," Alexander said. "I'll take Sophia from here."

"Alright," Isabella replied.

The line went dead with Alexander's characteristic abruptness.

Isabella had been expecting this call. With Sophia's weekend plans now settled, she collected her bag and left the club.