Chapter 90

The memory made Isabella's throat constrict painfully. The car suddenly felt suffocating. She reached to roll down the window, then hesitated. Her hand hovered over the button before dropping away. Instead, she turned to stare blankly at the passing scenery.

Soon they arrived at Sophia's school. Isabella exited the car to escort her inside while Alexander remained seated.

"Daddy—" Sophia began.

"Your father's busy."

Sophia's shoulders slumped. Isabella knew how differently Alexander behaved when bringing Sophia to school with Victoria. He'd always walk them both to the classroom door.

Today, with Isabella present, she couldn't tell if he was genuinely occupied or simply avoiding public appearances with her.

Deciding not to press the issue, Isabella turned to Alexander. "You can go ahead. I'll take a cab to Innovatech."

Alexander glanced sideways at her. "It's fine. The office is on my way."

But Isabella no longer wanted the ride. She opened her mouth to insist, then stopped herself. If he didn't mind, why should she make it awkward?

She waited until Sophia disappeared inside with her teacher before returning to the car.

Silence filled the Bentley during the drive. Ten minutes from Innovatech, Nathaniel's documents pinged on her phone.

Isabella became engrossed in reviewing them, barely noticing when they arrived.

Alexander's voice startled her. "We're here."

The luxury Bentley drew stares outside the office building. Since she and Alexander would have minimal future interactions, Isabella wanted to avoid unnecessary attention.

She grabbed her bag hastily. "Thanks for the ride."

Alexander studied her briefly. "Mm."

Then to the driver: "Drive."

Isabella hurried inside.

By noon, Nathaniel had arranged a business lunch. As their car entered the restaurant lot, Isabella spotted Alexander exiting his vehicle—followed immediately by Victoria.

Nathaniel rubbed his temple. "Perfect timing."

Isabella nodded. Then she noticed Reginald, Evelyn, and others waiting nearby. They rushed over upon seeing the couple.

"Should we wait until they're inside?" Nathaniel asked.

"No." Isabella squared her shoulders. "I've done nothing wrong."

As they exited, Alexander and Victoria faced their direction. The two couples locked eyes.

Alexander remained impassive, his gaze sliding over them dismissively. Victoria's expression turned icy at the sight of Isabella.

Isabella guessed Victoria's reaction stemmed from her request to Alexander—to stop Victoria's uncle from moving near Charles.

For Alexander, it was a simple favor. But Victoria clearly resented any interaction between them.

Reginald noticed Victoria's tension and followed her glare to Isabella. His frown deepened.

Evelyn observed the scene with visible satisfaction, pride gleaming in her eyes at how thoroughly Alexander prioritized Victoria.