Chapter 1091

No.1

“So you are jealous after all,” Alexander said, a smug, arrogant smirk spreading across his face. He was convinced she was still hung up on him—this was all just an act, a game to get back at him.

The sheer audacity made her stomach turn. How could one man be so utterly delusional? It was nauseating.

Before she could even form a retort, he pressed on. “Isabella, I’m here to make things right. I’ve ended it with Victoria. She’s gone to the countryside to reflect. Nothing stands between us anymore.”

He took a step closer, his tone dripping with false sincerity. “I’m even willing to overlook what happened five years ago. That’s more than any other man would offer. Think carefully—no one else would marry a woman with your… history.”

Isabella’s mind raced. Victoria, in the countryside? That didn’t sound like her. Something was off.

When she stayed silent, Alexander mistook it for consideration. “You always accused me of wanting your fortune. That was five years ago. I’ve built my own empire since then. Why would I need yours now?”

He leaned in, voice softening manipulatively. “And think about Nathaniel Blackwood. Do you really believe he’d accept your past? He’s toying with you. A woman needs stability—a family. I can give you that.”

Isabella’s expression darkened. “You truly want to get back together? You’re sure you want to marry me?”

Victoria would understand. She’d help him secure everything.

No.2

Isabella saw right through him. But she had her own game to play. “Prove your sincerity. Pursue me properly for one month. Then I’ll marry you.”

“Pursue you?” His face tightened with irritation.

“Yes. Or did you expect me to say yes immediately? Do I need to teach you how to court a woman?” Her tone was ice.

“Of course not,” he replied quickly. One month was nothing. After that, she’d be his—assets and all.

“I’ll do it. Will you at least accept lunch with me today?”

She took the lunch bag and feigned a yawn. “I’m tired. I need to rest. You should go—start planning. And don’t forget to tweet about courting me. Publicly.”

She shut the door before he could protest.

Alexander stood there, seething. A public tweet? She wanted the whole world to know? Humiliating. But he had no choice now.

He pulled out his phone, found her profile, and sent a direct message: [You promise to marry me after one month?]

No.3

[Yes.]

One word. Clear and final.

He screenshotted it, swallowing his pride, and left the hotel. As he walked, he texted his assistant: [Draft a romantic tweet. Mention Isabella Montgomery.]

No way was he wasting time crafting some lovesick post. Let his staff handle the embarrassing details.

Later that day, Alexander’s Twitter updated: [After all this time, it’s always been you. Isabella Montgomery.]

A vintage photo accompanied the tweet, capturing Alexander and Isabella's hands intertwined. Though only their clasped hands were visible, everyone instantly recognized them.

(That's definitely Isabella's hand! I'd know it anywhere! No one else has hands that exquisite!)

(Didn't Alexander and Isabella just have that massive century bet recently? How are they a couple now?)

(Wait, what? This doesn't add up. Isn't Alexander with Victoria? Why is he chasing after Isabella now?)

No.4

(Rumor has it Alexander and Isabella were together five years ago. They were even engaged!)

(Seriously? A long-lost reunion then?)

(Probably!! Looks like they're going public!)

Netizens exploded with theories and speculation. Both Alexander and Isabella's names shot to the top of Twitter's trending list.

Inside The Palace Heart.

The living room air was thick with tension. Nathaniel sat rigidly on the ornate European sofa, his expression dark and unreadable. Oliver was pouting beside him, his small face a mask of clear unhappiness.

After a long silence, the boy finally looked up. "Daddy," he asked, his voice small, "do you think Mommy is falling for that bad man? She always replies or says something clever before."

In the past, Isabella would have immediately tweeted something sharp, like 'Reunite? Never in a million years!'

Today, there was only silence. His monitoring software even showed she had logged into Twitter an hour ago.

No.5

Nathaniel said nothing. His expression grew even stormier.

Click.

The front door opened. Isabella walked in.

"I'm back," she announced cheerfully, as if completely unaware of the atmosphere.

"Mommy!" Oliver jumped up, ready to run to her.

Nathaniel's voice cut through the room, low and firm. "Momo, go to the study and finish your homework."

"Hmph..." Oliver pouted but obeyed, trudging away on his little legs. He glanced back over his shoulder several times.

Isabella finally sensed the heavy mood. Once Oliver was gone, she turned to Nathaniel. "What's going on?"

Nathaniel remained seated, his intense gaze fixed on her. "What is happening between you and Alexander Whitmore?" His voice was deep, magnetic, and laced with unmistakable displeasure and jealousy.

No.6

Understanding dawned on her. He was making a big deal out of this Alexander nonsense?

She slipped off her shoes and walked toward him. "I gave him one month to pursue me. How do you think Victoria will feel watching her precious darling shower me with attention?"

So, it was all to provoke Victoria?

Nathaniel's expression softened a fraction. "And after the month is over?"

"After a month?" A cold, calculated smirk played on her lips. "The real show begins then! I'll agree to marry him. On our wedding day, they will finally return what they stole from me five years ago!"

Her words were bold and carried a chilling edge, despite the summer heat. Nathaniel's tightly drawn brows relaxed slightly. It always took just a few words from her...

"Get some rest," he said, his voice now low and calm. "I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"No, I'm fine. I'll go keep Oliver company," Isabella said, heading for the study. She was worried the news had upset him; she couldn't risk him getting sick again.

She entered the study to find Oliver intently reading a report. It was about Vivienne Delacroix!

No.7

The document was incredibly detailed, covering her biography, her habits, her preferences... everything.

Isabella frowned. Why was there such a comprehensive dossier on Vivienne in Nathaniel's study?

Christopher jolted back in surprise, his small frame tensing as he saw Isabella standing there. He hastily shoved the report into the desk drawer, his voice trembling slightly. "Mommy, you... did you see that?"

Isabella made a noncommittal sound, choosing not to press him further. She settled beside him, her tone gentle but firm. "Oliver, I know you've seen the things online about me and that man. You mustn't believe any of it. It's all part of a strategy."

His eyes widened, hope flickering within them. "Really? So you'll stay with Daddy forever? You'll never leave us?"

The word 'forever' sent a subtle tremor through Isabella. Forever? Such a concept felt foreign, unrealistic. Her plan was strictly three months. Yet...

She forced a nod, keeping her doubts locked away. "Of course. Don't worry about these things. Focus on your studies and being happy. You need to grow up strong and healthy, understand?"

"Yes! Oliver will always listen to Mommy!" He nodded vigorously, relief washing over his small features. He studied her expression carefully before venturing, "Mommy, why didn't you ask about the report? It wasn't Daddy's. Grandfather Montgomery sent it. He said... at his sixtieth birthday party next month... he's announcing Daddy's engagement to Vivienne..."