Chapter 176

Isabella's fair skin flushed crimson with embarrassment.

"Alexander, don't you like Isabella serving you with her own utensils? They're brand new—she saved the first bite for you." Daniel frowned, stepping in to defend his sister.

"Sorry, Alex. I didn't think it through."

Isabella quickly swapped for a fresh set of cutlery and picked up another slice of beef brisket, but he stopped her again.

"I can handle it myself."

She pouted. "Hmph, I haven't been home in years. Are you avoiding me now, Alex? We used to share ice cream as kids!"

"That was then. You're grown now." Alexander lowered his gaze, slicing into his steak with deliberate calm.

Isabella's heart twisted. Her smile faltered as she shoved the brisket into her mouth.

The lavish spread reminded Alexander of the meals Evelyn used to prepare for him.

He knew each dish took hours—her face glistening from the heat, stifling coughs as she worked.

Yet he'd never once praised her.

Her cooking rivaled five-star chefs. Even when he refused to admit it, he always craved seconds.

He remembered how her eyes would dim when he stayed silent, how she'd force a smile and promise, "I'll do better next time."

Would there even be a next time?

The thought turned the food to ash in his mouth.

"Alex," Isabella chirped, propping her chin on her hand, "Genevieve told me you're handling Ada's wedding and competing with The Regal Palace for the venue. Is that true?"

Her lashes fluttered. "Ada's arriving in Elmsworth soon. Are you throwing her a welcome party? It's perfect publicity—she's a global icon!"

Alexander's gaze frosted over, though his expression remained neutral.

He despised mixing business with family dinners. And he loathed outsiders prying into his company.

"Hmm."

"Can I help?" Her eyes sparkled.

"No."

"I could play piano for Ada and the guests! It's my specialty!"

She was desperate to impress him.

"No." His tone was final. "You're a Sinclair. It's inappropriate. We'll hire professionals."

Her cheeks burned. "Are you saying I'm not good enough?"

Alexander's appetite vanished. He'd only come tonight out of respect for Mrs. Sinclair and Daniel. Now, irritation prickled under his skin.

"Alexander, Isabella's a virtuoso. Let her perform at your party," Daniel said between bites.

"Yes, dear, she sees you as family. Let her help," Mrs. Sinclair coaxed.

"Alex, I won't embarrass you," Isabella pleaded, eyes wide.

With a terse nod, he relented.

After dinner, Alexander made his exit.

The moment he stepped outside, his assistant rushed over with urgent news.

"Mr. Kingsley, there's an issue. K Hotel is hosting Ada's welcome party—on the same night as ours."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Evelyn's behind this?"

"Sharp as ever, sir." The assistant hesitated. "Given Mrs. Abernathy's... formidable negotiating skills, she might sway Ada. Should we... concede this one?"

"No." Alexander's voice was steel. "With the Alea deal fallen through, Ada's our only option. If Evelyn's making this move, she's just as desperate. Every advantage counts now. We will secure Ada's attendance."

He slid into his car, expression grim.

The assistant sighed.

God, why is he so stubborn?

How will he ever win Evelyn back like this?

Leaning back, Alexander exhaled sharply.

Should he let Evelyn have this victory, as suggested?

But since their divorce, he'd never once bested her.

She was always ahead—outmaneuvering him at every turn.

The realization struck him: Evelyn wasn't the gentle woman he'd married. She was brilliant, regal, unmatched. And with each passing day, she felt further out of reach.

Maybe if he could just win once, the gap between them wouldn't feel so vast.

——

Late that night, Daniel was out clubbing at Sapphire Nights.

Alone with her mother, Isabella curled up in bed beside her.

Mrs. Sinclair sighed. "Darling, why were you so... familiar with Alexander tonight? You made him uncomfortable."

Her tone held gentle reproach. "You're not a child anymore, and he's not the boy who played with you. He's CEO of Abernathy Group now—every move he makes is scrutinized. That kind of closeness... it's inappropriate."

Isabella sat up abruptly. "Mother, I wasn't being clingy. And I've never seen Alex as a brother."

"What?" Mrs. Sinclair blinked.

"Do you know why I turned down the Royal Symphony Orchestra in Aetheria? Why I came back to Elmsworth?" Her eyes gleamed. "For him. I want to be his wife."

"Have you lost your mind? He's practically family!"

"We're not blood-related!" Isabella's voice was fervent. "I've waited years. Now that he's free from Acacia, nothing's stopping me."

Mrs. Sinclair's face paled.

"Mother, what's wrong? Don't you want this for me?" Isabella shook her arm.

"It's not that, but—" She hesitated. "Alexander's an exceptional man, but a terrible husband. Between Acacia and his first marriage... The Abernathys are ruthless, darling. I fear you'd be eaten alive."

Isabella nearly laughed.

Innocent? That fool Genevieve was the innocent one!

If she married into that family, she'd have those Abernathy women begging for her favor. Her mother underestimated her entirely.

"Mother! We're Sinclairs—we're every bit their equals. And if anyone dares mistreat me, Daniel will make them pay!"

"But marriage requires mutual feelings. Even if you're determined, does Alexander feel the same?"

Isabella smiled. "Once I prove my worth—that I'm not just a child, but someone who can stand beside him—he'll see me."

"Still—"

"No more 'buts,' Mother. It's Alexander or no one."