Chapter 200
The moment they stepped into the restaurant, Julian Whitmore rested his chin on his hand, his movements deliberate as he served Isabella Sinclair a plate of food with an elegant flourish.
“Isabella, I remember how much you loved celery back in Vrining.”
A nostalgic smile tugged at his lips as he continued, “Do you recall those nights at the street stalls? You’d devour celery like it was dessert, and that one girl walked by, teasing you for looking like a bunny.”
The memory washed over Isabella, and she couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“How do you even remember that? I was just on a health kick because your cooking was… questionable at best.” She arched a brow playfully. “That time you tried making your ‘hometown specialty’ for me? You nearly set the kitchen on fire. We almost got evicted.”
Julian chuckled, unfazed. “And yet, here we are, still alive.”
The easy banter between them created an intimate bubble, shutting out the rest of the world.
Alexander Kingsley, seated nearby, listened to their shared history—stories he wasn’t a part of—and a slow, simmering irritation coiled in his chest. He kept his expression neutral, but his fingers tightened around his fork.
“Ms. Sinclair,” he interjected smoothly, “given how… familiar you two seem, I can’t help but wonder about your relationship.”
If her exes were as dull as Ethan Blackwood, it might have been a relief. But the man across from him was anything but.
Julian smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Why don’t you take a guess?”
Isabella met Alexander’s gaze, her lips curving into a composed smile. “Mr. Kingsley, what do you think our relationship is?”
Beneath the table, Alexander’s fists clenched. He forced himself to stay calm, but his mind was a storm.
Julian, ever the provocateur, added casually, “If you can’t tell from how well we get along, then maybe you’re not as observant as I thought. Though, we do live in different countries now, so we’ve grown a little distant.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “I’m also a close friend of Isabella’s now. I can take care of her just fine—no need for you to worry.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them, and even he heard the possessiveness lacing his tone.
Julian’s eyebrow arched. “Is that so? Well, then I suppose I can rest easy.”
Alexander didn’t miss the amusement in his voice.
Isabella set her fork down, her dark eyes locking onto Alexander’s. “So, aside from being friends and business partners… is there anything else between us, Mr. Kingsley?”
Her gaze was magnetic, pulling him in effortlessly.
His pulse stuttered, but he schooled his expression, lowering his eyes. “No. That’s all.”
A flicker of something unreadable passed over her face before she slowly withdrew her gaze. “Right. Of course.”
An odd heaviness settled in her chest. Absently, she poked at the celery on her plate, leaving tiny puncture marks.
So that was it. He saw her as nothing more than a friend and a business associate.
Maybe it was better this way.
The rest of the meal passed in strained silence.
Julian glanced out the window at the gathering storm clouds. “Isabella, where are you staying? Let me drive you back.”
“No need,” Alexander cut in coolly. “My place isn’t far from hers, and we have company matters to attend to tonight.”
Isabella frowned. “What’s wrong with the company?”
“Security breach. Just got the alert.”
Her stomach dropped. “Again?” The memory of the last incident flashed in her mind. She turned to Julian. “You should go ahead. I need to handle this.”
Julian nodded. “Of course. Your career comes first. I’ll always support you.”
Alexander’s expression darkened. Julian had a way of making every word sound like a declaration.
With a terse nod, Alexander grabbed his keys. “Let’s go.”
Isabella followed, her mind already racing through potential solutions.
The storm outside mirrored the tension between them.
