Chapter 149

The evening unfolded with an unexpected twist when Alexander prepared an exquisite Japanese banquet for Isabella.

Imported bluefin tuna melted like butter on the tongue. Crispy tempura gave way to succulent shrimp. The grouper, fresh and rich, was perfection on a plate. Every bite was a revelation.

Isabella savored each dish, her cheeks flushed from the fine sake. The alcohol loosened her tongue, and soon she was chatting animatedly.

Alexander matched her effortlessly. Literature, music, gaming—no topic was beyond his grasp.

But the real shocker? They mained the same character in the same competitive MMO.

Isabella's eyes lit up as she gushed about raids and rankings. Her hands flew through the air, her excitement contagious.

Alexander listened intently, interjecting at just the right moments. His gaze held a warmth that bordered on indulgence.

Dinner ended too soon. They stepped out into the cool night, shoulders brushing.

Despite the lively conversation, Alexander never once mentioned their potential collaboration. The omission hung between them, deliberate and calculated.

Just as Isabella opened her mouth to address it, he beat her to the punch. "Ms. Sinclair, regarding Rose Manor, send over your proposal whenever you're ready. Once we finalize the details, we'll sign."

"Mr. Kingsley." She hesitated. "I know you chose me over the Vanderbilts today to spite Nathaniel."

Alexander merely smiled.

"But business isn't personal. You should evaluate all proposals fairly—even Nathaniel's. Despite our... history, I won't sabotage him."

The words had weighed on her since leaving Rose Manor.

Gaining an edge through merit was one thing. But leveraging Alexander's favor? That reeked of dependency—something the fiercely independent Isabella despised.

Alexander studied her, then nodded. "Logical. But even if he submits a proposal, my choice remains unchanged."

Isabella nearly groaned. Had he heard a word she'd said?

"Ms. Sinclair, I understand your concerns." His voice softened. "But I prefer working with those I trust. Nathaniel's a stranger. You? We share history... and interests."

Her pulse stuttered. Why did that sound like more than business?

"Fine. Since you insist, I'll ensure my proposal exceeds expectations. Though it may take time—my hotel venture demands attention."

"Take all the time you need." He opened her car door. "It's getting late."

She waved goodbye. As she settled into the seat, he leaned in.

"Ms. Sinclair."

"Yes?"

"Nathaniel spoke to me privately today. Aren't you curious what he said?"

The question hung in the air—a test she'd unwittingly passed by never asking.

Isabella laughed. "Not even slightly. Nathaniel and I are done. Whatever he said is irrelevant. Goodnight, Mr. Kingsley."

The Bugatti vanished into the night.

Alexander adjusted his glasses, lips curving. His chest felt strangely light.

Wind whipped through Isabella's hair as the car sped along the river. Neon lights blurred across the water, their reflections dancing like fire.

"You and Mr. Kingsley seemed... close," Jason ventured, grip tightening on the wheel.

"We clicked."

"After he stalked you to your villa? Forgive me if I'm not convinced."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Maybe he was curious. Two encounters prove he's harmless—just eccentric. Helgen bluntness plus expat quirks." Her grin turned impish. "Plus, he games. We're teaming up next week!"

Jason's jaw clenched. "You've never warmed to a man this fast. Do you... like him?"

"Jason, if you value your eyes, stop imagining things." She shot him a look. "Even if I did, it's irrelevant unless he likes me first. And why waste energy on men when there's money to make?"

Jason's laughter was pure relief.

Thank God. She wasn't falling for his charm.

A speed bump jolted them. Something fluttered from the flower basket—a card.

Isabella unfolded it. Alexander's elegant script read: Life's too short for wasted time.

Her lips quirked. Interesting man.

"Did Victoria bother you today?" Jason asked darkly.

"What do you think? Leopards don't change their spots."

"She's desperate, Ms. Sinclair. She'll escalate."

"Which is why I need you elsewhere. Watch her mother, Arabella." Isabella stroked a rose petal, her smile icy. "After tonight, Victoria will make her move."

"You provoked her?"

"Bait, Jason. I reminded her of certain... missteps back home. She paled like she'd seen a ghost." Isabella chuckled. "With her Vanderbilt engagement looming, she'll eliminate every obstacle. Desperation breeds mistakes."

Realization dawned. "She'll relocate that girl!"

Isabella nodded. "Victoria's confined to the hospital. Arabella will handle it—she knows where the girl's hidden. The trap's set. Now we wait."

Back at the hospital, Victoria was unraveling—lost in terrified silence.