Chapter 1097
No.1
Sebastian was known to be more sociable. He occasionally attended high-profile functions.
"Not just Sebastian!" another voice clarified, buzzing with excitement. "Sebastian is here, but he's not alone! Another Blackwood is with him!"
"Another? Don't tell me it's Nathaniel Blackwood?"
"Yes! Him! They're at the entrance right now! I saw them with my own eyes!"
"My God! Is that even possible? Nathaniel Blackwood never attends events. He barely shows his face at his own family's parties!"
"I heard he only appears at international summits. And only with other globally renowned figures! He would never come to a wedding!"
"Well, he's here! Look for yourself!"
Every head turned toward the hotel's grand entrance. Under the ornate archway, three figures strode forward on the red carpet. They exuded an aura of innate coldness and supreme nobility, especially Nathaniel. Though he walked behind Sebastian and held little Oliver's hand, he radiated a regal prominence that made the lavish hotel seem dull in comparison.
Sebastian, who usually commanded respect, seemed like a mere backdrop next to Nathaniel. The crowd was awestruck. The heiresses of every wealthy family present flushed, their hearts pounding, breath caught in their throats.
No.2
Nathaniel simply walked. His gaze swept over the surrounding people as if they were insignificant specks of dust, utterly beneath his notice. As he entered the opulent lobby, his sharp eyes immediately locked onto a figure standing near a staircase not far away.
Isabella descended the marble staircase, her wedding gown flowing behind her like liquid moonlight.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Nathaniel Blackwood stood in the grand lobby, commanding the space with his mere presence.
He wore a tailored suit more formal than his usual attire, the dark fabric accentuating his powerful frame.
Her heart hammered against her ribs.
Why was he here? If anyone discovered their connection...
His gaze lifted, meeting hers across the room.
For a moment, time stilled. She looked every inch the royal bride poised on that curved staircase.
No.3
Elegant. Breathtaking.
The fitted bodice of her dress emphasized her slender waist, and his fingers twitched with the urge to pull her close.
But Nathaniel was a master of control.
He glanced away, his expression unreadable, and continued forward with lethal grace.
The Montgomery and Whitmore families surged to their feet, their voices overlapping in eager welcome.
"Mr. Blackwood! What an honor."
"We would have prepared a more suitable venue had we known you were coming."
"The private lounge is this way, sir. Much quieter."
"May we offer you a drink? Coffee? Tea?"
No.4
They tripped over themselves, anxious to please.
Nathaniel's voice was a low, enigmatic rumble. "No need. I've collaborated with Ms. Montgomery before. I'm merely here to offer my congratulations."
Sebastian stepped forward, presenting an exquisitely wrapped box. "A gift for the happy couple from the Blackwood family. May they treat each other with the utmost sincerity and respect."
Sincerity and respect? An unusual blessing for a wedding.
Confusion flickered through the crowd, but no one dared question a word from Nathaniel's representative.
Madam Whitmore accepted the gift, her face flushed with delight. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood! Thank you! Please, right this way."
She gestured toward a secluded area sectioned off by an ornate silk screen.
Nathaniel moved, his hand resting on Oliver's small shoulder. The boy's eyes had instantly found Isabella on the stairs, his little body tensing to run to her.
A subtle squeeze from Nathaniel stopped him. He scooped the boy into his arms, settling him on his lap. A single, stern look communicated the plan, and Oliver stilled, obedient.
No.5
As they took their seats, a hushed murmur swept through the guests. All attention was riveted on Nathaniel.
Paparazzi lenses itched to capture him, but every professional knew the unbreakable rule: no published photos of Nathaniel Blackwood. They could only watch, frustrated.
A collective gasp echoed through the hall.
All heads turned.
Isabella was completing her descent, a vision in white. Every step was measured, regal. A subtle, practiced smile graced her lips.
The train of her gown flowed behind her like a river of pearls. She was both princess and queen.
The crowd was mesmerized.
The paparazzi snapped back to reality first. Their cameras erupted in a frenzy of flashing lights, devouring the image of the world's wealthiest bride.
Since Nathaniel was off-limits, she was the prize.
No.6
They swarmed her, microphones thrust forward.
"Ms. Montgomery! What prompted your marriage to Alexander Whitmore so soon after your return?"
"You're at the pinnacle of your career. Won't this union hinder your professional trajectory?"
"How do you intend to balance your corporate responsibilities with your new duties as a wife?"
Isabella had rehearsed her answers, but a searing intensity from behind the silk screen pierced her composure.
That familiar gaze unraveled her.
She took a steadying breath, forcing a serene mask. "My feelings for Alexander are genuine. I am prepared to step back from my career to focus on being a devoted wife," she stated, her voice clear. "And, in time, a dedicated mother."
A wave of shock rippled through the audience.
Step back? The formidable Isabella Montgomery? The indomitable CEO?
No.7
Abandon her empire to become a... housewife?
For Alexander Whitmore?
This was utterly absurd! Her decision felt completely…
Producers, directors, and brand sponsors encircled Isabella Montgomery, their faces etched with disbelief.
“Ms. Montgomery, this must be a joke, right? You’ll have plenty of time after getting married! Why leave the industry entirely?”
“I was just about to offer you the cover for our next seasonal magazine!”
“My upcoming historical drama needs a lead actress with your exact talent and presence! It would be a tremendous loss if you retired.”
A collective sigh of disappointment rippled through the group.
Isabella held her ground, a soft smile gracing her lips. “A woman is foolish if she isn’t willing to make sacrifices for the man she loves.”