Chapter 224

Sebastian Ashford's phone buzzed urgently. After a brief conversation, he slipped it back into his pocket. "Business calls. I need to head back - care to join?"

Dominic Fairchild snapped from his thoughts, his dark eyes flickering with unreadable emotions. "No. I'm expecting someone. Another time."

"Understood." Sebastian departed without another word.

The moment his silhouette vanished, Dominic turned sharply toward the café entrance.

As he pushed through the glass doors, he collided with Victoria Kensington leading Sophia Whitmore toward the restrooms.

Both parties froze mid-step.

Victoria's eyes widened in recognition. "Mr. Fairchild? What an unexpected encounter."

"Indeed." Dominic let the door swing shut behind him, his gaze sweeping across the bustling café. His attention snagged on Alexander Whitmore placing an order at the counter.

When his eyes returned to Sophia, recognition struck like lightning.

The resemblance was undeniable - this child shared at least half of Alexander's features. Still, he feigned ignorance. "And this is...?"

Victoria's lashes fluttered downward. "Alexander's daughter."

Confirmation.

Dominic's stomach twisted.

Sophia suddenly piped up, tugging Victoria's sleeve. "Who's this handsome stranger?"

Victoria bent gracefully, tapping the child's nose. "An acquaintance of mine."

"Oh." Sophia nodded sagely.

Victoria turned back to Dominic. "Mr. Fairchild, are you meeting someone—"

"Victoria, NOW!" Sophia's urgent whisper-cut her off, small hands clutching desperately at her companion's arm. The milkshake's consequences had become dire.

Dominic's brow furrowed at the child's imperious tone. Yet Victoria remained unruffled, her smile patient. "Of course, darling. Right away."

She offered Dominic an apologetic glance. "Excuse us."

Watching their interaction, something primal stirred in Dominic's chest. "Actually, I could use the facilities myself. Shall we?"

Victoria nodded. "By all means."

Sophia couldn't wait another second. She wrenched free and bolted toward the restroom.

"Sophia!" Victoria abandoned decorum and sprinted after the child. "Wait for me!"

Dominic's frown deepened. The girl's behavior bordered on disrespectful.

Sophia suddenly skidded to a halt, head swiveling toward the crowded mall.

"Sophia?" Victoria caught up, immediately recognizing that searching look. Had she spotted Isabella?

Noticing Dominic's approach, Victoria quickly grasped Sophia's hand. "Darling, didn't you need—"

"Hmm." Sophia scanned the throng once more before shaking her head. Must've imagined it. She dashed into the restroom.

Unbeknownst to them, Isabella Sinclair stood precisely where Sophia had looked - obscured by the midday crowd.

Two souls separated by mere feet, yet worlds apart.