Chapter 8

"Something wrong?" Oliver asked, noticing Alexander's sudden pause.

Alexander's gaze lingered near the restaurant entrance. "Thought I recognized someone."

His companions knew all about Isabella's unrequited love for Alexander. They'd grown up witnessing it firsthand.

Objectively speaking, Isabella possessed delicate beauty. But her quiet demeanor made her fade into the background. Exactly the type Alexander would never notice.

Since Alexander kept his distance, they'd adopted the same attitude. Their encounters with Isabella had been few and far between, rarely warranting more than cursory nods.

Truthfully, Oliver couldn't recall Isabella's features clearly. He wasn't even certain it had been her. Not that it mattered either way.

Shrugging, he followed Alexander back to their private room.

Isabella remained oblivious to their presence.

After leaving The Grandeur, she took Emily home and stayed overnight to care for her.

When Emily awoke to find Isabella still there, she threw her arms around her. "You're an angel! I owe you dinner!" Breakfast already waited on the table. Isabella gently nudged her. "Go freshen up before it gets cold." Emily clung tighter, nuzzling against her. "You're so warm and smell amazing. Best hug ever!"

Isabella blinked, momentarily speechless.

Returning from the bathroom, Emily gaped at the spread Isabella had prepared. Whoever married this woman would hit the jackpot, she thought.

Then she remembered Alexander. Biting her tongue, she kept the thought to herself.

As Emily ate, she scrolled through her phone. Suddenly, her fork clattered against the plate. "Is Alexander back in Salzburg?"

Isabella nodded.

Emily turned her phone around. Oliver's social media post displayed photos from last night's gathering.

"Happy birthday to the stunning Victoria!" read the caption.

Though celebrating Victoria's birthday, five of the nine photos prominently featured Alexander. One particularly intimate shot showed them jointly cutting a cake, hands overlapping on the same crystal knife handle.

Sophia was conspicuously absent from all pictures—likely to prevent Eleanor Whitmore from discovering the gathering. Eleanor, being close to Margaret, had never approved of Victoria due to past conflicts between Evelyn and Victoria's mother.

To any outsider, the photos screamed couple goals. Clearly, Alexander had orchestrated an elaborate celebration for Victoria.

Remembering how he'd ignored her own birthday weeks prior, Isabella looked away.

"Isa—" Emily began worriedly.

"It's fine." Isabella handed back the phone. "Their relationship doesn't concern me anymore. I've already filed for divorce."

"What?" Emily nearly choked. "You initiated it?"

"Yes."

Emily had once admired Alexander. His accomplishments bordered on mythical—college at thirteen, multiple successful startups before twenty, effortlessly elevating Fleming Group while expanding his empire across industries.

In their circles, Alexander commanded universal respect. His striking looks didn't hurt either. No wonder Isabella—a prodigy herself—had fallen for him. But Alexander showed zero mercy to those he disregarded.

After years watching him dismiss Isabella's devotion, Emily's admiration had curdled into disdain.

She'd often urged Isabella to leave him, only to be met with silent refusal. That Isabella would now take this step...

Pushing her plate aside, Emily searched her friend's face. "What happened?"

For Isabella to walk away after so many years, something seismic must have occurred.

After a pause, Isabella replied, "Nothing dramatic. Just... accumulated too many disappointments. Time to move on."

Emily knew that tone. Once Isabella decided, she wouldn't backtrack—even if her heart hadn't fully let go.

She pulled Isabella into a hug. "You're doing the right thing."

After breakfast, Isabella headed to work.

Previously, they'd worked in the same building while meticulously avoiding each other. Months could pass without crossing paths.

Now, having moved out, she'd encountered him twice in two days.

Today, Alexander looked as impeccably handsome as ever. His expression frosted over upon seeing her. Just like yesterday, his gaze slid right past her.

"Mr. Whitmore," she murmured, eyes downcast.

Only after he'd passed did she enter. Whether Victoria would visit today didn't concern her. She buried herself in work.

At noon, Margaret called. "Someone sent Salzburg lamb. Come for dinner—I'm having them prepare a feast."

Warmth spread through Isabella at Margaret's kindness. "I'll come after work."

She didn't see Alexander again until leaving time.

Daniel intercepted her with a file. "This needs immediate attention."

Isabella scanned it. Not truly urgent. Previously, she'd have smiled and accepted, eager to prove herself. Not anymore. Especially after Daniel's baseless accusation yesterday.

Coolly meeting his gaze, she said, "Not now. My workday's over."