Chapter 1251
No.1
He wore a perfectly tailored suit.
His features looked like they were carved by a master sculptor.
He exuded an aura of power and refinement.
It was Nathaniel Blackwood.
The man stood at the pinnacle of society.
The Blackwood family's thirteenth heir.
A dynasty of immense wealth spanning five centuries.
This was Nathaniel Blackwood.
"Did you save me? Did you change my clothes?"
No.2
"Mhm." His response was soft yet firm.
He approached her and knelt beside the bed.
"Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility for you."
He produced a small velvet box.
It opened automatically.
Inside sat a heart-shaped diamond ring, glittering under the lights.
"What are you doing?" Isabella frowned.
"Proposing to you," Nathaniel stated calmly.
Rumors claimed Nathaniel had no interest in women.
No.3
Even his son came from a surrogate.
Why propose to her?
The son!
The boy's features resembled Nathaniel's.
The child she saved was this wealthy man's son?
Why let his son wander somewhere so dangerous?
And now this sudden proposal?
What an irresponsible man!
"Are you insane? You changed my clothes and now want to marry me?" She scoffed.
No.4
"I'm a man of principles," he deadpanned.
"By your principles, men who go to beaches would bring home thousands of wives. Thousands saw me at the beach once. Should I marry them all?"
Thousands of men? Nathaniel didn't like that.
Isabella slid off the bed.
She patted his shoulder gently.
"Mr. Blackwood, we're adults. I don't need your care. Focus on your son. Don't just make money. He has no mother. Neglect could damage his development."
She walked out wearing the oversized shirt.
It showcased her long, slim legs.
She blended masculinity with elegant femininity perfectly.
No.5
Nathaniel stiffened in awe.
Did she just reject his proposal?
Any woman would kill to marry him.
Yet she dismissed him without a second thought?
He turned suddenly, his tone slightly raised.
"Is there someone else?"
"Ah?" Isabella looked confused.
Nathaniel locked eyes with her.
He pronounced each syllable carefully.
No.6
"I sucked the toxin out myself."
Wait.
Wasn't the snakebite on her thigh?
Nathaniel moved swiftly, positioning himself directly in Isabella’s path.
He blocked her exit completely.
Once again, he produced the small velvet box.
“Miss Montgomery,” he stated, his tone deceptively lazy yet layered with unmistakable resolve. “Please reconsider.”
Isabella felt a surge of pure frustration. Was this man serious? Who actually imposed such an absurd condition?
She reached out and plucked the ring from its cushioned nest.
No.7
It was, without question, a masterpiece. A flawless heart-shaped diamond, its cut perfection itself, each facet catching the light with brilliant fire. The craftsmanship was exquisite, undeniable. It was a ring of rare, world-class quality.
And yet…
A cool, dismissive smile touched her lips. With a casual flick of her wrist, she tossed the ring. It sailed through the air, a sparkling arc of immense value, before landing with a faint, insignificant clatter against the far wall. Discarded. Worthless.
Nathaniel froze. So did Dominic, his assistant.
Dominic’s mind reeled. She had just refused his boss. She had literally thrown a priceless diamond ring away like common trash.
Isabella remained utterly unbothered. “I am grateful you saved me, Mr. Blackwood. That you ensured my recovery.” Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion. “But I will not marry you. Marriage is not a transaction. A victim is not obligated to wed her assailant. Your logic is profoundly naive.”
She walked around him without another glance.
A dark, speculative thought crossed his mind. Would she still be so dismissive if he had his way with her? The urge to find out was unexpectedly strong.