Chapter 225
Moments later, Victoria Kensington, Sophia Whitmore, and Dominic Fairchild emerged from the restroom.
Sophia was at that wonderfully curious age where everything fascinated her. She darted from one shop window to another, chattering excitedly to Victoria the entire time.
Victoria responded with patient smiles, indulging the little girlโs endless questions.
Dominic observed them quietly. He couldnโt help but notice how naturally Victoria cared for Alexanderโs daughter. It made him realize just how much effort parenting required.
Back at the cafรฉ, Dominicโs gaze immediately sought out Alexander.
The man sat comfortably at their table, sipping his coffee while flipping through a magazine. He looked completely at easeโlike someone who had delegated all responsibilities without a second thought.
Dominic hesitated.
Earlier, on their way to the restroom, he had mentioned meeting a friend here.
Once inside, Victoria turned to him. "Has your friend arrived yet?"
Dominic shook his head. "Not yet."
"Why donโt you join us for a while?" she offered.
"You two are on a date. I wouldnโt want to intrude."
Victoria laughed lightly. "Alexander wonโt mind."
So Dominic followed them to Alexanderโs table.
The first thing he noticed was the extravagant bouquet of red roses placed beside Alexanderโs seat.
No doubt they were for Victoria. Perhaps Alexander wasnโt as indifferent toward her as Dominic had assumed.
"Daddy, weโre back!" Sophia chirped, immediately reclaiming her seat.
Alexander acknowledged her with a hum before turning his attention to Victoriaโonly then noticing Dominic.
"Mr. Fairchild?"
Dominic nodded. "I ran into Ms. Kensington at the entrance. When I saw you were here too, I thought Iโd say hello."
After exchanging pleasantries, Dominic observed their easy dynamic. He decided not to linger. "My friend should be here soon. Iโll leave you to your evening."
Alexander didnโt press. "Next time, then."
Dominic gave Victoria one last glance before finding a nearby table.
The trio spoke in hushed tones, their conversation too quiet for him to overhear.
About twenty minutes later, Alexander stood to leave. Before exiting, he approached Dominic.
"Heading out already?" Dominic asked.
"Yes," Alexander replied simply. "Until next time."
As Alexander walked away, Dominic noticed Victoria and Sophia remained. "Youโre not leaving with him?"
Victoria smiled. "Heโs bringing the car around from the underground parking."
The cafรฉ was street-side, while the parking garage was a short distance away. Having Alexander retrieve the car was a thoughtful gesture.
Dominic chuckled.
Victoria tilted her head. "Did your friend ever arrive?"
"No," Dominic admitted.
A knowing glint flickered in Victoriaโs eyes, but she didnโt call him out. "Will you keep waiting?"
"No."
After a brief pause, Victoriaโs phone buzzed. "Thatโs our cue," she said.
Dominic nodded. "Safe travels."
As they said their goodbyes outside the cafรฉ, Sophia suddenly released Victoriaโs hand and turned sharply.
"Sophia?"
The little girl was certain sheโd spotted Isabella Sinclair this time. But the crowd was too thick, and her small frame couldnโt see past the shifting bodies.
She tugged Victoriaโs sleeve. "Victoria, I think I just sawโ"
Victoria gently interrupted. "Your fatherโs waiting. Letโs go."