Chapter 1117
No.1
That couldn’t be. The baby Isabella gave birth to five years ago was dead…
As Benjamin wrestled with his thoughts, Nathaniel placed Oliver in the backseat. Oliver tried to climb into the front, but Nathaniel stopped him. “Stay in the back. This seat is for Mommy.”
“Oh, okay!” Thinking of Isabella, Oliver obediently scooted back and sat beside Benjamin.
But the moment he looked at Benjamin, Oliver turned away haughtily. “Hmph! I don’t want a rude and weak uncle like you.”
Benjamin was speechless.
He didn’t want a nephew like that either. Weak? He could have taken all those kidnappers if they hadn’t outnumbered him and drugged him. Still, looking closer, Oliver did bear a slight resemblance to Isabella—especially around the eyes and mouth. He looked a lot like Isabella as a child.
Could Oliver really be Isabella’s son?
But he had seen the stillborn baby with his own eyes. The infant wasn’t breathing at birth, its face purplish and lifeless. How could it have survived? It must just be a coincidence.
The car pulled into an alley a short distance from the Celestial Gala venue. Evelyn was waiting under a tree with Isabella. Oliver’s text had put Isabella at ease. Spotting the car, Isabella waved to Evelyn. “You can go home now. Get some rest.”
No.2
“Alright.” Evelyn opened the car door for her, her admiration for Isabella growing even more.
As Isabella got in, Oliver exclaimed excitedly, “Mommy! Mommy! You were the most gorgeous one on stage tonight! You stood out from everyone! I’m your number one fan!”
“Thank you, Momo. Fasten your seatbelt. We’ll talk more at home,” Isabella said gently.
“Okay!” Oliver diligently fastened his seatbelt.
Benjamin watched Oliver’s behavior with a furrowed brow. The arrogant little Blackwood was so well-behaved around Isabella. And Nathaniel Blackwood seemed to dote on her…
Filled with suspicion, Benjamin finally asked, “Isabella, what’s your relationship with them?”
“My personal affairs are none of your concern,” Isabella’s voice dropped low. “Focus on yourself.”
She suddenly remembered something and turned to Nathaniel. “Head to the Montgomery Manor first. Drop him off there.”
“Understood.” Nathaniel adjusted the steering wheel.
No.3
“I refuse to go back to the Montgomery Manor!” Benjamin protested urgently.
“Do you want a repeat of tonight? Can you guarantee your own safety?” Isabella countered sharply.
Benjamin fell silent, her words hitting a nerve. After a moment, he insisted, “I’d rather die than return there!”
“That’s exactly what they want,” Isabella scoffed.
Victoria had subtly spoiled Benjamin since childhood. She encouraged his school truancy, facilitated his gaming addiction, and even formed a team to enable his habits. Consequently, Benjamin wasted a decade on games while neglecting his education.
To him, Victoria was his only true friend who supported his gaming ambitions. He trusted her completely, unaware of the malicious intentions beneath her sugary facade.
Benjamin frowned at her tone. “I won’t deny Victoria made a huge mistake, but it’s only because she loved Alexander too much. She’s not inherently evil—nothing like what you imply! She treated me wonderfully all these years.”
Isabella merely scoffed, unwilling to explain further. It wasn’t the right time, and he wouldn’t believe her anyway. Besides, Benjamin couldn’t stay outside; it was too dangerous. Isabella had numerous enemies, and she still didn’t know if Victoria or Seraphina was behind Benjamin’s kidnapping.
“Regardless, you’re staying at the manor for now,” Isabella insisted firmly. “I’ll convince Grandpa to let you game at home.”
No.4
“Impossible! Don’t even try! Just take me to the Elite Gaming Club,” Benjamin retorted coldly.
He had pleaded with his family about gaming countless times since childhood. He dreamed of becoming a professional gamer, entering the national esports scene, and making a name for himself. Yet no one ever supported him. How could Isabella possibly succeed where he failed?
Isabella glanced at him briefly before pulling out her phone to text Theodore Montgomery. Moments later, Benjamin’s phone rang.
“Benjamin,” Theodore’s voice came through the speaker, “come home immediately. Bring your gaming equipment. I’ll allow you to game at home and won’t force studies on you anymore.”
Benjamin’s eyes widened in shock. He stared blankly for several seconds.
Did he hear correctly? Grandpa actually permitted gaming at home and wouldn’t force studies? Grandpa was the most traditional figure in the family, always insisting his only grandson focus on business school to eventually take over the family empire.
Yet suddenly, he was supportive…
He looked at Isabella incredulously. “What did you tell Grandpa?”
A faint smile touched her lips. “I said what needed to be said. You don’t need the details. Just stay home, understood?”
No.5
As they spoke, the car approached near the manor’s main entrance. “Stop here,” Isabella instructed.
Nathaniel pulled over immediately, turning the wheel smoothly.
Isabella turned to Benjamin. “Can you walk?”
The drug’s effects had worn off by now. He opened the door and stepped out.
“I’ll escort him in,” Isabella told Nathaniel. “Wait here for me.”
“Alright,” Nathaniel replied in his low, husky voice, offering no further comment.
As Isabella exited the car, Nathaniel’s gaze lingered thoughtfully on her retreating figure. Clearly, she wanted a private conversation with Benjamin—likely concerning that incident from five years ago. At The Ritz-Carlton, she had warned him not to pry into her privacy. Benjamin likewise refused to disclose details. What truly happened five years ago?
Oliver’s small head popped up from the backseat. “Daddy, should I go with them?”
“Don’t,” Nathaniel’s voice was low and firm. “We must respect her privacy.”
No.6
Even though every fiber of his being screamed to uncover the truth, Nathaniel would never pry. Not unless Isabella chose to confide in him herself.
Benjamin simply nodded and slipped into the car, waiting quietly.
Outside the Montgomery estate…
Isabella and Benjamin walked side by side along the tall iron fence. As they reached the gate, Isabella stopped and turned to him. “Not a word to anyone about Nathaniel saving you today. Or about my connection to him.”
Benjamin’s brow furrowed. “Why?”
These were two of the most powerful people in the city. Anyone else would flaunt such an association. Why was she deliberately hiding it?
A dark suspicion crossed his mind. “Isabella,” he said urgently, “tell me the truth. Are you his mistress?”
His mistress?
She shot him a sharp, icy glare. “Do I look like the type to be anyone’s mistress?”
No.7
“Then why the secrecy?” he pressed. “And why did that boy call you ‘Mommy’?”
Isabella’s gaze flickered toward the luxury car idling in the distance. Her voice dropped to a hushed tone. “That’s none of your concern. I have my reasons. My own plans. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will make sure Grandfather reconsiders his decision about you.”
With that, she turned to leave.
Benjamin quickly grabbed her arm, his expression grave. “I don’t care what’s between you and Nathaniel Blackwood. But you need to understand… it can never work. He asked me about what happened five years ago. I didn’t tell him anything. But if he ever finds out the truth, he will leave you. You should end it now, before you get hurt.”
Isabella’s brow furrowed slightly. So Nathaniel had been asking about the past. After the scene Alexander caused at the Celestial Gala, it wasn’t entirely surprising.
She pulled her arm free from his grasp. “I know what I’m doing.”
Benjamin watched her walk away, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. The Isabella he remembered was the girl everyone looked down on, the one who had supposedly betrayed Alexander five years ago. Now she was involved with Nathaniel Blackwood? She was wealthy and powerful in her own right. Why would she choose this path? It wasn’t his business anyway. She was just an adopted member of the family. They weren’t even related by blood…
Isabella returned to the car. Out of habit, her hand moved toward the passenger door. But Benjamin’s warning echoed in her mind. She changed direction and slid into the backseat instead.
Nathaniel’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, noting the change. He said nothing, simply starting the engine and pulling away.