Chapter 370

Kieran Blackwood never got the opportunity to go rafting with Isabella Sinclair.

But fate had other plans.

During dinner at The Grandeur, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Isabella and her family again.

Charles and Caroline Sinclair warmly invited him and his companion to join their table.

When Charles discovered Kieran's connection to the Blackwood family, he leaned forward with genuine curiosity. "What brought you back to Salzburg to pursue your career here?"

Kieran's fork hovered mid-air as he considered the real reason for his return.

After a brief pause, he answered carefully. "I've been fascinated by YodaVision's programming language Cuap and their latest project, Infinite-CM. I returned specifically to join the company and learn from the best."

The Sinclair family exchanged knowing glances.

They were all aware of Isabella's pivotal role at YodaVision.

Margaret Sinclair's eyes twinkled as she nudged her granddaughter playfully. Isabella simply lowered her gaze and continued eating her salmon.

Kieran misinterpreted their reactions.

He knew Isabella was brilliant at her job.

But according to his research, she'd only joined YodaVision last year. Cuap had existed for nearly a decade. The tech world credited its creation to Frederick Aldridge.

It made logical sense - a programming language of that caliber would naturally come from someone of Frederick's stature.

As for Infinite-CM, Kieran was certain Nathaniel Graves led the project.

Their brief interactions during meetings had shown Nathaniel's undeniable expertise.

Without deeper collaboration, Kieran couldn't compare their skills. But from what he observed, Isabella often assisted Nathaniel, leading him to assume Nathaniel was the superior programmer.

The Sinclairs proved to be gracious hosts. Their lively conversation and warmth left Kieran with an excellent impression.

When dinner concluded, Isabella's family departed for their estate. Seeing them leave, Kieran and his friend soon followed suit.

The next morning, Isabella's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Sophia.

Her daughter was returning from abroad.

"Mom, Dad won't be back for a few more days. Can I come see you and Grandma when I land?" Sophia's voice carried that particular blend of excitement and fatigue unique to long flights.

Isabella recalled how Margaret had mentioned Sophia several times recently. After a brief silence, she replied, "Of course, sweetheart."

On the final day of the holiday, Sophia went straight to the Sinclair residence from the airport. Her luggage contained carefully selected gifts for each family member.

Margaret, Charles, and Caroline were visibly touched by the thoughtful presents.

Isabella noticed two remaining gifts in Sophia's suitcase - clearly intended for Alexander and Victoria.

She deliberately looked away.

After the gift-giving, travel exhaustion finally caught up with Sophia. Despite her fatigue, she clung to Isabella, wrapping her arms tightly around her mother's waist before drifting off to sleep.

She hadn't even changed out of her travel clothes.

Seeing her daughter's peaceful expression, Isabella couldn't bring herself to wake her. She gently carried Sophia to bed.

The next morning before work, Isabella dropped Sophia off at school. She didn't ask when Alexander would return.

Three days after the holiday ended, Alexander came back to Salzburg. But he contacted Sophia first, not Isabella.

After the phone call, Sophia turned to her mother. "Mom, Dad says he's coming to get me soon."

Isabella simply nodded.

Sophia hesitated, torn between her reluctance to leave the Sinclairs and her father's expressed longing to see her. Eventually, she packed her things.

Thirty minutes later, Alexander's car pulled up the driveway.

Isabella walked Sophia to the car, their hands clasped together.

Alexander stepped out, his gaze meeting Isabella's. "Thank you for looking after her these past few days."

Isabella ignored his gratitude. Turning to Sophia, she said, "Sweetheart, I need to speak with your father privately. Get in the car first."

Sophia nodded obediently and climbed into the backseat.

Once the car door shut, Isabella's demeanor shifted. "Sophia is six years old, Alexander. You honestly felt comfortable letting her travel internationally with just bodyguards?"

Before he could respond, her voice turned icy. "I don't know why you trust those men so implicitly, but this can't happen again."

She expected an argument. Instead, Alexander met her gaze steadily. "Understood."

His compliance caught her off guard.

"We should get going," he added quietly. "You should rest."

Isabella turned without another word and walked back toward the house.