Chapter 268

"Dad! Victoria!"

The moment Sophia Whitmore stepped out of the airport and spotted Alexander and Victoria Kensington, she let go of Margaret Dawson's hand and sprinted toward them, throwing herself into their arms.

Inside the car, Sophia dug through her small backpack and proudly presented the souvenirs she'd picked up during her trip.

"Dad, Victoria, I got you gifts!"

Victoria accepted them with a warm smile, gently ruffling Sophia's hair. "Thank you, sweetheart."

That evening, since Eleanor Whitmore was being discharged from the hospital, Alexander and Sophia were heading back to the Whitmore Manor for dinner.

After dropping Victoria off at her place, Alexander instructed the driver to turn toward the Whitmore estate.

During the ride, Alexander was occupied with work, so Sophia entertained herself quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

When they arrived, Sophia leaped out of the car, slinging her backpack over her shoulder as she dashed toward the house, calling out, "Mom! Mom!"

Alexander tucked away his laptop and stepped out. Hearing her, he said calmly, "Your mom isn't here."

Sophia froze mid-step and turned to look at him. "Huh? Mom's not home?"

"No."

"Is she still busy?"

Alexander ruffled her hair with his large hand. "Maybe you should call and ask her."

"Okay."

Lately, every time she called, her mom never answered.

It hadn’t been so bad when she was at home, but being abroad—without Alexander or Victoria around—had made her feel lonely. Even though they video-chatted daily, it wasn’t the same as having them physically there.

In those first few days overseas, she had missed her mom the most. She’d called every day, but Isabella never picked up.

Eventually, Sophia stopped trying, assuming her mom was just too busy.

Before returning, she’d secretly hoped Isabella would come to the airport.

But since Alexander and Victoria had promised to be there, Sophia hadn’t called. She’d assumed her mom would be waiting at the manor.

Now, standing there, she suddenly didn’t feel like calling anymore. Even if she did, her mom probably wouldn’t answer.

The excitement of coming home dimmed.

Alexander crouched slightly, pinching her cheek lightly. "Are you crying?"

Sophia pursed her lips and turned away. "No, I'm not!"

He smirked. "So you're giving up? Don’t want to call your mom anymore?"

Sophia hesitated before whispering, "N-no..."

She still wanted to call.

Alexander chuckled but didn’t press further. Instead, he scooped her up. "Let’s go inside."

Sophia wrapped her arms around his neck, nestling into his warmth. Finally, she felt a little better.

Inside, the Whitmore family was waiting for them to start dinner. As they entered, all eyes turned their way—especially Eleanor’s, who lit up at the sight of Sophia.

"Sophia, you're back! Come here, let me see you."

Sophia slid down from Alexander’s arms and ran over. "Grandma!"

She greeted the others cheerfully. "Grandmother, Aunt Victoria, Uncle Henry."

Victoria and Catherine Whitmore responded politely, though their tones were indifferent. Henry, however, was delighted. He stood, hugged her, and immediately started teasing her.

Sophia giggled as he playfully messed with her hair.

Then, out of nowhere, Henry tilted his head and asked, "By the way, Alex—where’s Isabella?"