Chapter 294

Nathaniel followed her gaze and spotted Alexander and Victoria.

The Graves family had minimal connections with the Whitmores, so Nathaniel had never visited Whitmore Manor before. He didn't even realize it was in this neighborhood. His lips twisted at the sight of them. What are they doing here?

Isabella pulled her eyes away. "That's the private road leading to Whitmore Manor."

Nathaniel froze for a heartbeat before understanding dawned. "So Alexander's taking Victoria to meet his family already?"

Before she could respond, Nathaniel let out a derisive snort. "Your divorce isn't even finalized yet, and he's already parading her around? What's his damn hurry?"

It did appear rushed. But Isabella knew better. Alexander had attempted this introduction long ago. Eleanor Whitmore had blocked it then, with Richard Whitmore's failing health and family opposition forcing Alexander to back down.

Now with their divorce proceedings underway, Alexander wasn't wasting another moment.

Nathaniel studied her. "Speaking of which, when exactly are those papers getting signed? It's been weeks."

"I don't know," Isabella admitted. "Last time I asked, Alexander said soon."

That conversation felt like ages ago now, with no updates since.

Nathaniel's mouth twisted. "Typical. The man's desperate to marry his mistress yet can't be bothered to finalize things properly." He shook his head. "Next time you see him, light a fire under his ass. Just looking at him irritates me."

Isabella offered a faint smile. "I will."

Back at her office, her phone buzzed. She paused at the caller ID before answering. "Mr. Montgomery."

Charles Montgomery was an old family friend who'd watched her grow up alongside her grandfather. After relocating abroad for health reasons years ago, this was his first return.

His warm chuckle filled the line. "I'm back in town, Isabella. Join me for lunch this weekend?"

"Of course!" she agreed instantly.

"Excellent," Charles continued. "Oh, and bring Alexander along."

Her smile faltered. Before she could respond, he excused himself for arriving guests.

Staring at her phone, Isabella hesitated before texting Alexander: Mr. Montgomery wants to see us this weekend.

Message sent, she returned to work.

The next morning at her desk, her phone vibrated - Alexander's reply: Understood.

She'd messaged him yesterday afternoon. This was his first response.

As she set the phone down, another message arrived: Saturday or Sunday? Morning or afternoon? Specific time?

Before she could react, a third followed: Can you confirm details with Mr. Montgomery?

Isabella didn't reply. But she did call Charles for specifics, then forwarded the confirmed schedule to Alexander.