Chapter 196
Alexander’s tone was light, almost careless. “If it weren’t for my close friendship with Isabella, I doubt we’d be standing here today.”
It was rare for him to address her so informally.
Julian’s expression remained unreadable, his lips curving into a practiced smile as he glanced at Isabella.
“Mr. Kingsley, no need for formalities. Isabella’s friends are mine as well. We share a deep understanding—so you’re hardly an outsider here.”
Alexander’s voice darkened slightly. “Oh, I don’t feel like an outsider at all. Especially since Isabella is a dear friend of mine too.”
Sebastian, sensing the undercurrent of tension beneath their polite words, discreetly took a step back. The air in the room thickened, charged with unspoken rivalry.
Alexander’s mood had been darker than usual when the doctor arrived. His displeasure was palpable.
“What a precious little one,” Julian cooed, crouching down to Amelia’s level.
Amelia instinctively shrank back, clutching Alexander’s trousers for safety.
Julian didn’t react to her hesitation, his smile unwavering.
“Mr. Kingsley, rest assured, I’ll do everything in my power for Amelia. It’s the least I can do after all the kindness you’ve shown Isabella lately.”
His words were deliberately laced with her name.
“By the way, I’ve reviewed Amelia’s reports. The situation isn’t as dire as I first thought.” He shot Isabella a playful look. “Like Isabella, she might seem distant with strangers, but those who know her well understand just how charming she truly is. Wouldn’t you agree, Isabella?”
She leveled him with a sharp glare. “Stay on topic, or I’ll give you a reason to regret that mouth of yours.”
Alexander dipped his chin slightly, his gaze turning icy. “Seems you two are quite close.”
He knew Julian was provoking him, but instead of rising to the bait, he remained composed.
“And you know what? Isabella keeps most people at arm’s length, but when she’s asleep, she’s as harmless as a kitten. Even sweeter than my niece, if I’m honest.”
The mention of sleep made Julian’s smile falter, frost creeping into his expression.
“Mr. Kingsley, must you always speak so freely?” Isabella sighed, cutting through the tension. “If you two want to bond, pick another topic. Leave me out of your nonsense.”
She shot them both a sidelong glance, wondering if they had collectively lost their minds, making her the center of their little power play.
Never one to mask her irritation, she frowned openly. “Amusing stories are fine, but fabrications? Unnecessary. Why don’t you two introduce yourselves properly?”
Alexander and Julian exchanged a loaded glance, heavy with unspoken words.
Julian broke the silence first, extending his hand with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Pleasure, Mr. Kingsley.”
“Likewise,” Alexander responded, his voice low, edged with something unreadable.
Their handshake was brief but firm, a silent battle of wills, neither willing to yield. Moments later, they both subtly flexed their fingers, hiding the faint bruises forming on their knuckles.
Julian, ever the master of redirection, waved a stack of papers. “I’ll review the test results again. If everything checks out, I can accompany you on your trip. Could use the break—maybe recharge a bit.”
His gaze slid toward Isabella, lingering on her loose waves. A smirk tugged at his lips.
“Isabella, if memory serves, you usually hate loose strands around your face. Always pinning them up. No hairpin today? Couldn’t find one you liked?” He paused, his smile deepening. “I recently acquired a ruby at auction—had it crafted into a hairpin. Ruby against your dark hair would be striking.”
Before she could respond, Julian added, “And no, you can’t refuse this time. It’s just gathering dust with me. I’ll bring it to you.”
Alexander’s frown deepened, an unexpected irritation flaring within him. Had Isabella ever worn a hairpin in his presence? The thought nagged at him, an irrational frustration settling in his chest.
Did Julian, with all his little gestures, truly know her preferences so well?
Isabella was silent for a beat. She had once adored hairpins, but Ethan had always been indifferent—dismissive, even. Over time, she had simply stopped wearing them.
Julian remembering this detail stirred something nostalgic in her, something Alexander couldn’t ignore.
That flicker of emotion only made him more uneasy. He wasn’t sure why it bothered him—longtime friends naturally remembered things others didn’t. Yet, the tightness in his chest refused to ease.
Before he could stop himself, he asked, “Are there no other specialists at this institute?”
Isabella shook her head. “Julian is the best here. I thought you two were getting along fine a moment ago?”
Alexander hesitated. “It’s not that. I just assumed he might be too busy.”
But the truth was clear—Julian would be joining them in Ontdale. And that fact unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
