Chapter 133

Sophia wrapped her tiny arms around Isabella's neck, pressing her face into the warmth of her scarf to escape the biting wind.

Isabella's coat was soft against Sophia's cheek, and the little girl snuggled deeper, nuzzling her nose against the fabric with a contented sigh.

Alexander was never late. By the time Isabella carried Sophia to the parking lot, his sleek black car had already pulled up beside them.

The moment they appeared, the car glided to a smooth stop.

Even with her father waiting, Sophia didn’t budge from Isabella’s arms. Instead, she grinned at Alexander through the lowered window. "Daddy, carry me in!"

Alexander didn’t speak. He simply stepped out and lifted Sophia from Isabella’s embrace.

Giggling, Sophia kicked her legs playfully as he settled her against his chest.

As he leaned in, Isabella caught the faintest trace of a familiar scent—Victoria’s perfume.

It hadn’t been there earlier when he sat beside her.

Which meant after leaving them, he’d gone to the Kensingtons.

Alexander met her gaze. "It’s cold. You should head home."

Isabella took a deliberate step back. "I will."

Sophia waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Mommy!"

Isabella gave a small nod in response.

She didn’t wait for them to drive away. The moment Alexander secured Sophia inside, she turned on her heel and walked toward her own car.

Alexander watched her retreating figure for a long moment before finally looking away. "Drive."

The car merged seamlessly into the evening traffic.

Just as Isabella reached for her door handle, a voice stopped her. "Isabella."

She hadn’t noticed anyone approaching, assuming it was just another stranger in the parking lot. But at the sound of her name, she turned—and found Julian standing there.

She assumed it was coincidence. The hotel wasn’t exclusive to them, after all.

Offering a polite nod, she unlocked her car, ready to leave.

Julian didn’t move. His hesitation was palpable.

Isabella paused, hand on the door. His expression suggested he had something to say.

Her voice cooled. "Did you need something?"

Julian hesitated.

In the end, he didn’t mention the evening’s events. Instead, he said, "Lily has a gift for you. Maybe we could arrange dinner in the next few days?"

Lily had been through something traumatic—physically and emotionally. She’d once told Isabella she reminded her of her late mother.

Isabella liked Lily. Under normal circumstances, she’d set aside her issues with Julian to spend time with her.

But meeting just for Lily’s sake…

Before she could respond, Julian added, "There’s a project your uncle’s working on. I can help."

Isabella stiffened.

He didn’t elaborate. "Think about it. Call me whenever you decide."

She didn’t answer. Trusting him was impossible. He was close to both Victoria and Alexander.

Even if his offer was genuine now, what guarantee was there that he wouldn’t use it against her later—just like Alexander had?