Chapter 381

The moment the words left his lips, three sharp raps echoed through the private dining room.

Oliver Westbrook and Julian Montgomery stood at the threshold.

Oliver swung the door open, his eyebrows shooting up at the crowded scene. "Well, this is quite the gathering."

The restaurant belonged to his family.

He and Julian had come for a casual lunch. When the manager mentioned Alexander Whitmore was dining here, they'd decided to pop in for greetings—never expecting such an assembly.

And every face looked familiar.

Taking in the crowd, Oliver immediately decided their planned quiet meal would be dull by comparison. "Alexander, since it's already a party, mind if Julian and I crash it?"

Alexander turned to Walter Pembroke. "Professor Pembroke, Mr. Graves, would you—"

Having just invited the Kensingtons himself, Walter could hardly refuse Alexander's friends now.

Walter smiled graciously. "By all means. Mr. Graves?"

Nathaniel Graves' lips curved slightly. "Mr. Westbrook and Mr. Montgomery are old acquaintances. I've no objections." Initially irritated by the Kensingtons' presence, Nathaniel now felt differently.

He nearly wished the entire restaurant would squeeze into the room—how could he possibly mind two more?

Meanwhile, Genevieve Kensington—who'd been longing to see Julian—couldn't contain herself upon spotting him. She rose abruptly. "Julian, come sit by me."

Julian ignored her completely. He and Oliver had chairs placed beside Alexander instead.

They'd barely settled when another knock sounded.

This time, Dominic Fairchild entered with three lead engineers from his company—partners in Whitmore Enterprises' current project.

Pausing at the sight before him, Dominic's expression flickered with surprise.

Not at spotting Isabella Sinclair or Nathaniel—Alexander collaborating with YodaVision was public knowledge now.

What stunned him was seeing Victoria Kensington seated with the entire Kensington clan.

After a brief glance at Victoria, Dominic offered a curt nod. "My apologies for interrupting."

Alexander waved it off. "Not at all. We've only just begun. Please join us, Mr. Fairchild."

Before sitting, Dominic addressed Walter. "Professor Pembroke, what an honor. I've long admired your work."

"Ah, Mr. Fairchild. The pleasure is mutual," Walter replied.

Benjamin Hayes had reserved an expansive private room with a table easily accommodating thirty.

Even with Victoria, Julian, Oliver and the others added, space remained ample.

Once seated, Dominic inquired, "What were you discussing?"

Walter summarized the conversation succinctly.

"I see," Dominic nodded, then turned to Victoria. "For Professor Langley to personally message you—he must hold you in exceptionally high regard."

Victoria's smile was demure. "I'm deeply honored by Professor Langley's mentorship. I'll study his recommended paper thoroughly—I won't disappoint him."

With both Walter and Frederick Langley endorsing her, Dominic felt genuine happiness for Victoria. Simultaneously, his admiration—and affection—for her grew.

His gaze lingered on her face with palpable reluctance. But with Alexander present, he eventually looked away.

Victoria, naturally, sensed Dominic's escalating interest.

She hadn't forgotten Julian's absence at her grandmother's birthday, and it still rankled.

Her eyes flicked toward him—only to find Julian sipping tea quietly, neither looking her way nor reacting to the praise showered upon her.

A faint crease appeared between her brows before she turned away.

Once again, Victoria Kensington became the room's radiant center—much to the Kensingtons' delight.