Chapter 277

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Isabella finished breakfast. Heading upstairs, she spotted Sophia engrossed in a video call with Alexander.

"Mom!" Sophia waved excitedly from the bed.

Isabella smiled softly before settling at her desk with her laptop.

Alexander's voice came through the phone. "Any plans for today, sweetheart?"

"Mom's taking me to see the new animated movie!" Sophia bounced on the mattress, her pigtails swinging.

Isabella focused on refining yesterday's project notes, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Suddenly Sophia appeared beside her, extending the phone. "Dad wants to talk to you."

Taking the device, Isabella saw Alexander's expectant face. She flipped the camera to face the ceiling. "Yes?"

"Thank you for looking after Sophia these past days." His voice held that familiar warmth.

Isabella kept typing, barely glancing at the screen. "Was there something else?"

"No. Enjoy the Ember Festival."

She ended the call with a noncommittal hum, returning the phone to her beaming daughter.

As they prepared to leave, Isabella's phone buzzed. Nathaniel's name flashed on the screen.

Her lips curved as she answered. Immediately, his voice dropped to an urgent whisper. "Damn it, they're here again!"

She froze. There was only one "they" he could mean.

Before she could respond, Nathaniel hissed, "They spotted me. Gotta go."

The line went dead just as Alexander and Victoria approached Nathaniel in the airport lounge.

"Mr. Graves," Alexander greeted coolly. "Traveling somewhere?"

Nathaniel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "We're not acquaintances, Whitmore. Let's pretend we didn't see each other."

Victoria's laugh tinkled like broken glass. "Always so dramatic."

Nathaniel adjusted his suitcase handle, drawing Victoria's attention. "Business trip?"

"Not your concern." He strode past them without another word.

Once clear, Nathaniel redialed Isabella. "What's your plan for today?"

"Movie with Sophia," she answered, applying lipstick.

"Alone?"

"Obviously with my daughter."

His pause spoke volumes. "Thought she was with the Whitmores for the festival."

"They dropped her off last night." Isabella's tone remained even as she checked her reflection.

Nathaniel scoffed. "So Alexander wants alone time with Victoria, and your kid's in the way? Classy."

Isabella didn't rise to the bait.

"Mommy! I'm ready!" Sophia tugged her hand, eyes sparkling.

"Coming, sweetheart." To Nathaniel she said, "Don't waste energy on them. Enjoy your trip."

He sighed. "Fine. I'll be back before you miss me."

Isabella chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that."