Chapter 1210
No.1
Three casual words, yet they carried a subtle undercurrent of genuine curiosity.
Nathaniel held her gaze. "What about me? Are you interested?"
"Not really!" Isabella took another sip of her wine. "Forget it. Let's eat."
Naturally, Isabella refused to reveal any care or affection for him.
Men were peculiar creatures; the more humble a woman acted, the easier she was discarded.
Maintaining an air of indifference was her best defense against getting hurt.
Over the years, Isabella had constructed formidable walls around her heart.
Even though she had accepted Nathaniel's presence, she would never openly show it.
Nathaniel noted how she deftly avoided the question.
No.2
It reminded him of his previous request for just a fraction of her attention.
If she was unwilling to offer fifty percent of her love, how much could she truly give?
Her evasion was transparent to him.
Her demeanor toward him had noticeably softened recently... so why still dodge admitting her feelings?
Nevertheless, Nathaniel felt no rush. He served her some food. "What are your plans after this?"
"After this..." Isabella's eyes darkened.
Victoria's reputation would be utterly destroyed sooner or later. There was no path to redemption for her.
After this, Isabella wouldn't need to lift a finger.
The image of a furious, livid Victoria brought a languid smile to her lips as she sipped her wine. "She should've known the consequences of her actions."
No.3
Her tone was low and ominous.
Nathaniel refilled her empty glass and raised his own. "A toast to you, then."
"Thank you." Isabella clinked her glass with his and took another sip.
Although she had unsettled Victoria numerous times, this time was fundamentally different.
It would take less than ten days for Victoria's true nature to be exposed for all to see.
Isabella eagerly anticipated it.
She finished the red wine in her glass, her mood excellent as she continued her meal.
Maxwell, watching over Isabella from outside the manor, received a call at that moment.
"Maxwell, remember to tell Isabella the wine's alcohol content is different now. It's much stronger. Tell her to drink less!"
No.4
Maxwell frowned. "I'm afraid it's too late..."
Isabella ate and drank continuously–one had to admit, the wine handmade by a professor like Silas was truly unique.
It had a sweet, cooling texture with a lasting, exquisite aftertaste. It was as refreshing as fruit juice.
Yet, the more she drank, the dizzier she became.
Her vision blurred. Nathaniel, once one person, now appeared as two, then three... She was seeing double!
Was she drunk?
Isabella never usually got drunk on Silas's wine. She eyed Nathaniel suspiciously. "D-Did you put something in my wine, Nathaniel?"
"Am I that kind of man in your eyes?" Nathaniel refuted.
Isabella had no response to that.
No.5
Of course not.
Nathaniel had ample opportunity to take advantage of her before, yet he never did.
Perhaps she really was just drunk.
As the thought crossed her mind, Isabella's body went limp, and she slumped onto the table.
Nathaniel set down his fork and walked over to carry her back to her room.
Finally, Oliver jumped up from the sofa and ran upstairs to open the door for them.
Once Nathaniel entered the room, he heard a loud 'click' from outside.
That sound...
Undoubtedly, Oliver was messing with them again!
No.6
Oliver loved inventing things, including an anti-opening device.
Once that device was secured on both sides of the door, no one inside could open it, no matter their strength.
Nathaniel didn't get angry at Oliver's actions. He simply smiled. The boy was actually less irritating than usual.
Outside the door, Oliver examined the anti-opening device he had installed. He dusted off his hands with satisfaction. Finally! After resisting his hunger for so long, he could finally enjoy his dinner. Now his father and mother could have some quality time together. Maybe he would get a little sister soon! He happily ran downstairs. He ate with impeccable table manners, behaving like a proper little gentleman.
Back inside the room...
Nathaniel laid Isabella down on the bed before settling beside her. A soft blush colored her cheeks. It gave her a completely different allure compared to her usual icy demeanor.
His hand instinctively reached out to caress her face. But just before his fingers made contact, he paused. He gently played with a stray strand of her hair instead. "Oh, Isabella..." he murmured. "When will you finally celebrate with me?" She was always so consumed by her past and her enemies. He often felt overlooked. Suddenly, Isabella turned over in her sleep. Her arm wrapped around his waist.
The distance between them vanished completely.
Her intoxicating feminine scent, mixed with a hint of alcohol, filled his senses. It was utterly arousing.
No.7
Nathaniel's eyes darkened. "My little wildcat," he whispered huskily. "Do you even realize you're playing with fire?" Isabella remained asleep, offering no response. Her arm stayed firmly around him. Nathaniel sighed. He was talking to a completely intoxicated woman. It was pointless.
He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. A satisfied smile touched his lips as she nestled against him. With him, she was always so vulnerable and trusting. He could feel her walls slowly crumbling down.
However...
A shadow crossed his face as memories from five years ago resurfaced. Would Isabella leave him if she ever discovered the truth? Would she think he was a monster? He knew how much she despised that kind of man. He desperately hoped to keep it hidden a little longer. At least until after they were officially married. Once she was legally his, she could never escape.
Isabella slept soundly, completely oblivious. In her drunken state, she had forgotten all about Benjamin.
Benjamin had attended Victoria's wedding. He had been genuinely happy for his sister. Then that video played on the big screen. It shattered his image of her pure and gentle nature. He got blindingly drunk. He didn't even bother going home. Coincidentally, Takashi Yamamoto sent his men to bring Benjamin to Westhaven. Benjamin boarded the plane without a second thought.
At the Montgomery Manor, Victoria finally woke up. She dragged herself to the window and picked up her phone. She sent a text to Takashi Yamamoto: [Do this one thing for me. I'll agree to any condition you demand.]
In Westhaven...
Takashi smirked at the message. So, Victoria had finally been broken. So what if she had slept with Alexander and Harrison? Her beauty remained untouched. She was still utterly bewitching! That once untouchable, pure woman was now begging him for help? He replied: [Are you certain? You'll agree to share my bed?]