Chapter 1180
No.1
Anthony’s mother, Beatrice Blackwood, approached her at that moment. “Vivienne, what’s wrong? Why are you sitting here all alone?”
“It’s nothing,” Vivienne said, quickly recomposing herself. She put on a worried expression. “I’m just ashamed I couldn’t complete the task you gave me.”
Vivienne was supposed to spend this month building a closer relationship with Nathaniel, aiming for an engagement announcement today. But she had made zero progress with him.
Beatrice sighed. “What a pity. With so many important people here, it would have been the perfect occasion for an announcement. Sadly…”
She shook her head. “Never mind. There’s still time. Come with me. Let’s go talk to Nathaniel. You two need more contact!”
She offered her hand to Vivienne.
Vivienne stood up gracefully and followed her toward Nathaniel.
Hah! So what if Nathaniel liked Isabella? His parents favored her. Only she, in her exquisite gown, deserved to stand by his side.
Just as they neared him, his phone rang.
No.2
Nathaniel answered. It was Dominic. “Boss, we have a problem. Ms. Montgomery is bringing a man back to the mansion. The man is riding on the back of her motorcycle!”
Nathaniel’s face instantly turned to ice. He ended the call without a word.
He had told Isabella to stay home and look after Oliver. Instead, she went out and was bringing another man back to his property?!
He pocketed his phone and approached his father. “I have an urgent matter to attend to. You’ll have to excuse me.”
Reginald Blackwood frowned. Excuse him? The celebration had only just begun. Lunch hadn't even been served. He was leaving already?
Despite the tension that had existed between them since the incident five years ago, Nathaniel was still his most accomplished son. His presence at the birthday celebration was a point of pride. How could he just leave?
Beatrice walked over, pulling Vivienne along. “What could possibly be more important than your father’s birthday? Can’t it wait until tomorrow? You haven’t been home in ages. There are still relatives who want to see you.”
She nudged Vivienne forward.
Vivienne stood there, the picture of elegance and composure. Gorgeous. Dignified. She was certain she was the most beautiful woman in the room. Surely Nathaniel would finally look at her.
No.3
However…
“Another time,” Nathaniel replied curtly. He turned and walked away.
His stride was steady and cold, utterly merciless. He didn’t even glance at Vivienne as he passed her.
The other society heiresses had always looked up to Vivienne, believing she was the only woman who could hold Nathaniel’s attention. That illusion was shattered in that moment.
What a humiliating scene!
Isabella clenched her fists, feeling the weight of everyone's mocking stares.
Why would Nathaniel do this to her? Why publicly embarrass her like that?
Thankfully, Beatrice was quick to smooth things over. "Oh dear... Nathaniel has always been this way, completely consumed by work. It's all business with him!"
"Quite understandable! That's precisely why Blackwood Corporation thrives," the guests chimed in politely.
No.4
The tension eased slightly, allowing Isabella to discreetly signal Cassandra.
They needed to discover why Nathaniel left so abruptly!
Meanwhile, Isabella and Benjamin arrived at Rosewood Manor and stepped inside.
Benjamin expected an empty mansion, but was immediately confronted with evidence of other occupants - men's shoes and children's footwear scattered near the entrance.
A child's drawing board lay on the sofa, covered with adorable animal sketches. The entire place radiated warmth and domestic life.
His brow furrowed. Was Isabella living with someone?
Upstairs, cheerful laughter echoed through the hall. "Fly! Christopher is flying! Maxwell, let me fly higher!"
Isabella's expression softened instantly at the familiar voice, and she hurried upstairs.
Benjamin followed, perplexed. 'Christopher'? Why did that name sound familiar?
No.5
They entered a spectacular room spanning two floors with an eight-meter ceiling.
The wall was transformed into a climbing surface with professional grips. Christopher descended skillfully, secured by safety harnesses.
He moved with astonishing agility, stepping between stones like a trained professional.
Isabella watched with pride. Her son moved with such natural grace!
Maxwell approached her, impressed. "No wonder he's Mr. Blackwood's son - those genes are remarkable. I expected to guide him step-by-step, but he's leaping three stones at once! Mastered it in ten minutes flat! Reminds me of your training days at the base!"
Isabella had been weak initially, but her uncles' rigorous training unlocked her potential. She'd mastered climbing in the same timeframe.
It was as if motherhood had unleashed her inner strength after leaving Alexander and surviving the stillbirth.
Isabella smiled proudly. "Of course! Look who his mother is!"
Maxwell shook his head in amusement.
No.6
Christopher's biological mother remained unknown, and Isabella was merely his stepmother!
Spotting Isabella, Christopher descended eagerly. "Mommy! You're back! Look, I can climb now! I can fly!"
"I saw everything, sweetheart. I'll make your favorite chicken wings for lunch as a reward!" Isabella ruffled his hair affectionately.
Christopher clapped excitedly. "Yay!"
During his celebration, he noticed Benjamin behind Isabella. "Mommy, why is he here?" His smile vanished.
This man had nearly made Mommy leave the Celestial Gala! Daddy had to travel far away to rescue him because of this man! He didn't like him at all!
Benjamin studied Christopher, confusion mounting.
While he knew Nathaniel was serious about Isabella, he hadn't realized they were still together! And she'd formed such a close bond with the young heir!
Isabella looked at Benjamin. “He’ll be staying with us for three days. Christopher is the young master of this house, so you must treat him with respect. Understood?”
No.7
Young master?
She called Oliver Blackwood ‘young master’?
Benjamin’s soul nearly left his body. He was Isabella’s brother—the only blood relative she had in this entire building!
And the way she spoke to him… Was she treating Oliver like her own child? Was she truly serious about Nathaniel too?
“Isabella, have you forgotten our conversation the other night?” The words slipped out before Benjamin could stop himself. “You’re being reckless.”
Nathaniel was playing with her! How could she be so naive?
“Don’t you dare speak to my Mommy like that!” Oliver jumped up, positioning himself protectively in front of Isabella. “You’re the reckless one! Your whole family is reckless! You’re completely blind!”
Benjamin was stunned into silence.
It was the first time he had ever been scolded by a child. But this was Nathaniel Blackwood’s son. He couldn’t afford to offend him—especially not with his father around.