Chapter 83

Julian stayed silent, making Oliver assume he didn't want to discuss it yet since the situation wasn't critical. Realizing he wouldn't get answers from Julian, Oliver smirked and knelt to ask Lily, "Lily, how many times have you seen the lady who had lunch with you today? Do you know her name?"

Julian's grip on his keys tightened instantly. "Oliver!"

Lily didn't understand the adults' tension. Though not very familiar with Oliver, since he asked about Isabella, she considered it seriously and answered brightly, "Three times!"

Oliver pressed further. "And her name?"

When Julian and Isabella met earlier, he hadn't even called her Ms. Sinclair. Lily, unable to recall the name, turned to Julian for help. "Uncle Julian, what's her name?"

Julian lowered his gaze. "Next time you see her, ask her yourself."

Lily beamed. "Okay!"

Oliver muttered under his breath, "So possessive."

Julian ignored him.

Meanwhile, noticing how much Sophia adored the crystal keychains, Lily hesitated before deciding to gift her one despite her own reluctance.

Sophia accepted it with delight. "Thank you, Lily!"

Victoria also expressed gratitude.

Lily smiled. "You're welcome."

Seeing Sophia's joy, Lily suddenly asked, "Sophia, aren't you picking one for your mom too?" Sophia froze momentarily, her voice softening. "I'll do that later."

"Oh."

After dinner, Isabella read briefly before heading to shower.

Just as she stepped out, her phone rang—Charles.

"Bella, I just saw Penelope in our neighborhood."

"Penelope? Victoria's aunt?"

Isabella froze mid-motion, still processing, when Charles continued, "At first I thought nothing of it, but when I got home, I saw her entering the villa opposite ours—the one under renovation!"

Isabella's expression darkened as she sat upright on the bed.

Charles, usually composed, now spoke through gritted teeth. "They're doing this deliberately! Everyone in Salzburg's business circle knows Alexander helped the Kensingtons establish—"

Even with Sinclair Corporation struggling, Charles remained in those circles—he'd known but spared Isabella the details to avoid upsetting her.

If the Kensingtons needed permanent residency in Salzburg, buying property made sense.

But choosing the house directly opposite the Sinclairs? No one would believe that coincidence.

Isabella understood Charles' implication.

Gripping her phone, she said, "I'll call Alexander."

"Good."

Under normal circumstances, Charles wouldn't involve Alexander. But this was different.

If Penelope moved in, daily provocations would follow. With Margaret's fragile health, the stress could be dangerous.

After hanging up, Isabella immediately dialed Alexander. The line rang until—

"Hello?"

Victoria's voice answered.