Chapter 1019
No.1
A soft, feminine voice filtered through the door. “Good evening, Sir. Your room service has arrived.”
Isabella Montgomery lay sleeping in deep burgundy silk pajamas. Her porcelain skin glowed in the morning light. Every feature was exquisitely carved, like a slumbering goddess. The top buttons of her pajamas had come undone, revealing the elegant curve of her neck and a tantalizing glimpse of her décolletage.
Nathaniel Blackwood’s throat went dry. He forced himself to turn away, but his movement was clumsy. His shoulder bumped against the doorframe with a dull thud.
Thump. Thump.
Still asleep, Isabella instinctively grabbed a shark-shaped pillow and hurled it toward the noise.
“Shut up!”
Even unconscious, she was commanding. Yet this refusal to wake made her seem more approachable, more human.
Nathaniel’s lips curved into an involuntary smile. “If you don’t get up, I’m coming in.”
She didn’t stir, merely rolling over with a soft sigh. But the sound of footsteps approaching the bed snapped her awake. Her eyes flew open to find Nathaniel’s powerful frame looming over her.
“What do you think you’re doing, you pervert?” she yelled. The shout roused Oliver from his sleep. He peeked, saw the scene, and immediately feigned continued slumber.
Nathaniel had actually been leaning down to pick up Oliver. Seeing her misunderstanding, he decided to play along. He planted his hands on either side of her, caging her in. “What do you think I’m trying to do?”
“You’ve got a one-track mind this early? A CEO like you, reduced to a creep! I’ll teach you some manners!”
No.2
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. He blocked the strike with his thigh, pinning her legs down. A dangerous smirk played on his lips. “Isabella, are you sure you don’t want to reconsider your future happiness?”
“Reconsider this!” She cracked her knuckles, the sound ominous. “My fists don’t discriminate!”
He hadn’t expected such ferocity. A sharp, precise punch landed on his supporting arm. His balance broke, and he crashed forward onto the bed.
His solid weight landed fully on her. Their lips met in a sudden, shocking collision.
Both bodies froze.
A jolt of electricity shot through Isabella. Her mind went completely blank for several seconds. In all her years, no man—regardless of status or looks—had ever affected her like this. But Nathaniel was different. He made her heart race unpredictably.
Nathaniel recovered first. He pushed himself up slightly. “If I said that was an accident, would you believe me?”
“Believe you? Like hell I will!” She shoved him off and scrambled back, frantically wiping her mouth with the back of her hand like an enraged kitten.
Seeing her fury, Nathaniel quickly scooped Oliver into his arms. “I’ll visit another time,” he said, his voice tight. “Take care of yourself. Stay inside.” He adjusted Oliver and strode out of the room.
‘That shameless bastard! He’s not setting foot in here again!’ Isabella fumed inwardly.
Just outside the door, Nathaniel paused as if struck by a sudden thought.
“Isabella Montgomery, I have faith in you. Give me your word, and I will marry you this instant.” Harrison Winslow’s voice was firm, layered with conviction.
No.3
A surge of warmth flooded Isabella’s chest, making her heart constrict.
He believed in her?
Everyone else wanted her ruined, destroyed. Yet this infuriating man claimed he had faith in her. The memory of their kiss, mere minutes ago, flashed through her mind. Her pulse quickened, hammering wildly against her ribs.
Pathetic heart, stop racing. He’s only drawn to your face. He just wants to get you into bed. Get a grip. Don’t fall for a reckless, untamable man like him. Isabella mentally scolded herself, pressing a hand firmly over her heart.
Ding! Her phone screen illuminated.
She answered. It was Julian Hawthorne. “Because of the press conference Sophia Kensington is holding, Chanel has postponed today’s shoot. They’re waiting to see how the conference plays out before deciding whether to terminate your contract. Also, a new shipment of diamonds has arrived at Ohly. They’re exceptionally rare. You need to personally inspect them.”
“Right now? Are you certain?”
Even an international powerhouse like Chanel was delaying because of Sophia’s press event. The online mob would be vicious. Leaving the villa meant risking not coming back in one piece.
Julian reassured her. “Don’t worry. The Blackwood Corporation has issued a strict order. No media outlet is permitted to invade your privacy or harass you. Any that do will be shut down immediately. Just keep a low profile outside. These diamonds are critical. You must verify their authenticity and ensure they haven’t been tampered with.”
These were limited-edition stones. A single substitution would mean a massive financial loss.
“Fine. I’ll go,” Isabella relented. Having excessive wealth was occasionally a burden.
“Be cautious,” Julian warned before ending the call.
No.4
Isabella entered her room and searched for the most nondescript outfit she owned—something for complete anonymity. She chose a simple black athletic top and matching pants. She added a face mask and a cap. Only her eyes were visible.
Satisfied she was unrecognizable, she left the manor and hailed a taxi to Ohly.
Ohly was an exclusive jewelry boutique specializing solely in wedding rings. Their policy was strict: one ring per person, per lifetime, registered with a government ID. No exceptions, regardless of wealth or status. True to its "one and only" branding, Ohly maintained just one store in each of the nation's 34 major cities.
Upon entering, she immediately spotted four people inside. Of all the luck. It was Eleanor Kensington, Victoria Kensington, Sophia Kensington, and Alexander Whitmore, impeccably dressed in a suit.
Alexander was presenting a ring to Victoria. “Do you like this design, Victoria?” His voice was soft, like a gentle breeze.
The sound alone made Isabella nauseous. She turned to leave.
Victoria caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of her eye. One look was all it took. “You, by the door! Wait!” she called out.
Wait? Who did she think she was, issuing commands?
A cold smirk touched Isabella’s lips. She continued walking, her long strides carrying her away from the store.
Victoria’s initial suspicion grew. The woman’s physique was familiar, but the confident, dismissive gait confirmed it. “That looks like Isabella,” she announced. “Why is she running away after seeing us?”
“Isabella?” Sophia’s head snapped up. She hurried forward, blocking Isabella’s path.
“Isabella Montgomery! Are you deaf? Someone told you to stop!”
No.5
Isabella paused as Sophia stepped in front of her.
“Did you forget basic manners?” Sophia sneered.
Isabella’s gaze sharpened.
“Why is your mouth so filthy? Don’t you know a good dog doesn’t block the path?”
A dog? Did she just call Sophia a dog?
Sophia’s face flushed with rage.
“Isabella! You’re nothing but a homeless stray now. Everyone’s mocking you. How dare you act so high and mighty? If I were you, I’d find a hole to hide in! And you’re out shopping? Have you no shame?”
Isabella’s gaze shifted from Victoria to Sophia as she spoke.
Bystanders immediately looked at the two women differently.
Sophia felt the judgmental stares.
Furious, she gritted her teeth.
“Isabella Montgomery! You’re a lying witch! You’ll pay for this today!”
No.6
She raised her hand, ready to strike.
Victoria’s face burned with humiliation.
She had hidden indoors for days waiting for the scandal to fade.
Now, just as she was showcasing her perfect relationship with Alexander to divert attention, Isabella had to bring it up again!
Victoria hated Isabella so much she wanted to rip her mouth apart.
But with Alexander present, she forced composure.
She stepped toward Sophia.
“Calm down, Sophia. Remember why we’re here? She’s just a jealous girl. We should be the bigger people.”
Sophia instantly recalled their purpose.
Her expression eased.
She lifted her chin arrogantly.
“Right! Today is a glorious day! I won’t waste another second on a homewrecker like you!”
No.7
“Do you even know what this store is? Ohly! It means ‘the one and only’! This is for engagement rings. One identity, one ring, one true love! They’d never sell to a mistress like you! Why are you even here? To stink up the place?”
“Oh, hilarious,” Isabella laughed mockingly.
She had zero interest in entertaining this.
Victoria had expected Isabella to be heartbroken seeing them together.
She thought it would be as satisfying as slapping her.
She never imagined Isabella would remain so indifferent.
Frustrated, Victoria put on a pitiful face.
She looked at Isabella with fake sympathy.
“Isabella, I know it’s my fault. Please don’t blame Alexander. Our love is real. He’s buying me an Ohly ring today. Please, just let us be. You and Alexander are over. You’re the Diamond Prince’s… plaything now. Please, just move on.”
Her voice was soft, pleading, and helpless.